Electrosurgical Forceps Integrated Cutting Blade and Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps require a separate knife for severing treated tissue, which can be cumbersome and may not ensure precise cutting after tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a first and second shaft member with a pivotably coupled elongated spring element and a switch assembly, allowing for the delivery of electrosurgical energy and precise tissue cutting without a separate knife, utilizing a cantilever spring to facilitate engagement with the switch for energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate knife is used for severing treated tissue, then tissue cutting function is provided, but device complexity increases and operational simplicity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tissue cutting function with the electrosurgical energy delivery function by integrating a cutting blade into the forceps structure. The blade is positioned within the jaw assembly and works in conjunction with the electrosurgical energy delivery mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate knife instrument. This merging of functions reduces device complexity and simplifies operation by allowing both treatment and cutting to be performed with a single integrated instrument.
2Ease of operation
If shaft members are configured to flex during tissue clamping, then tissue grasping capability is improved, but reliability of switch actuation may decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a switch actuator that is decoupled from the flexing shaft members. The actuator is positioned such that it is directly engaged by the second shaft member's movement, while the first shaft member's flexing is isolated from the switch actuation path. This intermediary arrangement ensures that the switch is reliably actuated by the intended shaft movement without being affected by unintended flexing of the other shaft member, thereby maintaining both grasping capability and switch actuation reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient and precise tissue cutting by integrating the cutting mechanism with the electrosurgical energy delivery, eliminating the need for a separate knife and enhancing operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated spring element is supported in the proximal end portion of the first shaft member. The handle is configured to flex the elongated spring element and urge the proximal end portion of the first shaft member into engagement with the activation switch.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical forceps includes first and second shaft members pivotably coupled to one another such that pivoting of the first and second shaft members between spaced-apart and approximated positions pivots jaw members thereof between open and closed positions. A handle of the first shaft member may be moved against a resilient bias of a spring element.