Electrosurgical Forceps Interlaced T-Shaped Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical forceps face challenges in manipulating jaw members within limited body cavity spaces, leading to distractions for surgeons due to the need for precise electrode orientation in bipolar energy delivery platforms.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates interlaced T-shaped second and third electrodes on jaw members, which are isolated by an insulator and can be active or inactive independently of the primary electrodes, allowing for consistent tissue treatment regardless of orientation and enabling procedures like dissection and sealing without requiring precise electrode alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional bipolar electrode configurations are used in electrosurgical forceps, then tissue treatment can be achieved, but surgeon manipulation becomes difficult and distracting due to the need for precise electrode orientation in limited body cavity spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple independent electrode configurations (first electrode configuration and one or more second electrode configurations) that can function independently or together. This segmentation allows the surgeon to choose different electrode arrangements based on tissue type and procedural needs without requiring precise orientation of a single complex electrode assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members are designed with multiple electrode configurations that provide universal functionality for different electrosurgical procedures (sealing, dissection, coagulation). The interlaced T-shaped electrode arrangement and alternative electrode configurations allow the same jaw member to effectively treat various tissue types and geometries without requiring manual reorientation or adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrode configurations are added to provide versatility, then different electrosurgical procedures can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode configurations are merged into a single integrated jaw member structure. The first electrode configuration and second electrode configuration are combined on the same jaw member, allowing the surgeon to access different electrode arrangements without changing instruments. The interlaced T-shaped pattern merges multiple electrodes into a compact, space-efficient design that provides versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Device complexity
If electrodes are arranged in traditional configurations, then simple device structure is maintained, but tissue contact and effective treatment are not achieved when precise orientation cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode arrangements utilize asymmetric T-shaped patterns and interlaced configurations that are inherently more tolerant of orientation variations. The T-shaped design ensures that at least portions of the electrodes maintain effective tissue contact across a range of angles, providing consistent treatment reliability without requiring the symmetric, precisely-aligned traditional bipolar configuration.
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
This configuration enhances surgical efficiency by allowing surgeons to treat tissue effectively in confined spaces with reduced focus on electrode orientation, enabling versatile electrosurgical procedures such as sealing and dissection.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the first and second jaw members includes a first electrode thereon for electrosurgically treating tissue
Implementation Method 2
second and third electrodes configured to function in a bipolar configuration
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
An electrosurgical forceps is provided with a shaft that extends from a housing of the electrosurgical forceps. An end effector assembly is operably coupled to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members. One (or both) of the first and second jaw members is movable from an open configuration for positioning tissue therebetween, to a clamping configuration for grasping tissue therebetween. Each of the first and second jaw members includes a first electrode thereon for electrosurgically treating tissue. And, second and third electrodes are disposed on one of the first and second jaw members and arranged in an interlaced configuration relative to one another and separated by an insulator, the second and third electrodes configured to function in a bipolar configuration.