Electrosurgical Forceps Linkage Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing electrosurgical forceps for use with small cannulas poses challenges, particularly in achieving effective tissue sealing and division while minimizing scarring, infection risk, and recovery time, especially in endoscopic and laparoscopic procedures.
Innovation Solution
The electrosurgical forceps feature a handle and shaft with pivotably connected jaw members that are actuated by a linkage system, allowing for precise movement between open and closed positions, and are adapted to connect with an electrosurgical energy source for tissue sealing, utilizing a 2-pin and 3-pin linkage mechanism to rotate the jaw members and create a releasably locked configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrosurgical forceps are designed for use with small cannulas (less than five millimeters), then patient benefits include less scarring, fewer infections, shorter hospital stays, less pain, and reduced healing time, but the device presents design challenges for achieving effective tissue sealing and division
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps are designed with a nested structure where the jaw members, linkages, and electrosurgical components are contained within a compact configuration that fits through small cannulas. The linkages are disposed at least partially within the shaft, and the jaw members are pivotably connected at the distal end, creating a space-efficient design that maintains functional capability despite size constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: handle, shaft, linkages (first and second), and jaw members. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the linkages can be designed for precise mechanical advantage, the jaw members for effective tissue engagement, and the overall structure for cannula compatibility.
2Length of moving object
If the jaw members are made small to fit through small cannulas, then minimally invasive procedures are enabled, but the ability to effectively grasp and seal tissue is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw members are designed to be dynamic rather than static, with pivotable connections that allow them to rotate between open and closed positions. The linkage system provides mechanical advantage that amplifies the closing force, enabling small jaw members to generate sufficient gripping and sealing force despite their reduced size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pure mechanical grasping with a combination of mechanical positioning and electrosurgical energy for tissue sealing. The electrosurgical energy source delivers energy through the jaw members to seal tissue, compensating for the reduced mechanical strength of smaller jaw members.
3Ease of operation
If a linkage system is used to actuate the jaw members from the handle, then precise control and releasably locked configuration are achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system merges multiple functions into a single mechanical arrangement: the first and second linkages work together to translate handle movement into jaw member rotation, while also providing a releasably locked configuration. The linkages are disposed at least partially within the shaft, combining actuation and structural support functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system is designed to perform multiple functions: actuating the jaw members from the handle, providing precise control, and creating a releasably locked configuration. The same linkage structure serves both as the actuation mechanism and as part of the structural framework of the device.
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 design enables efficient tissue sealing and division with reduced scarring and faster recovery, suitable for both endoscopic and open surgical procedures, while accommodating smaller cannulas for minimally invasive techniques.
Implementation Method 1
electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut, desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue
Implementation Method 2
Each of the jaw members are adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source to conduct energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a tissue seal
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical forceps includes a handle and a shaft extending from the handle. The handle is selectively movable to actuate a pair of first and second opposable jaw members pivotably connected to each other at a distal end of the shaft. The jaw members are moveable from an open position to a closed position and are each adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source. A first linkage is disposed at least partially within the shaft and is operably coupled between the first jaw member and a second linkage disposed proximal to the first linkage. Selective movement of the handle rotates the second linkage in a first direction, thereby rotating the first linkage in an opposite second direction to move the jaw members between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, the jaw members are configured in a releasably locked configuration when in the closed position.