Bipolar Electrosurgical Forceps with Integrated Liquid Conveyance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency electrosurgical instruments face challenges in effectively treating affected areas in the abdominal cavity with minimal invasion, as they often require deep penetration and struggle with gripping tissue, especially when used for laparoscopic surgery.

Innovation Solution

A bipolar high-frequency electrosurgical treatment instrument and system are designed with a pair of forceps pieces that can grip and manipulate tissue, an insulating member to prevent electrical conduction, a manipulation rod and shaft system for precise control, and a flow channel for liquid conveyance to the affected area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a monopolar high-frequency treatment instrument is used, then high-frequency power can be supplied to coagulate tissue, but the invasion depth is large and the instrument cannot grip tissue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoagulation effectivenessVSAvoidtissue gripping capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment instrument is divided into two separate forceps pieces (first and second forceps pieces) that can function independently as electrodes while also working together to grip tissue. This segmentation allows the instrument to both supply high-frequency power for coagulation and mechanically grip the tissue simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The forceps pieces are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as electrodes for high-frequency power supply, as mechanical grippers for tissue manipulation, and as a combined system for both coagulation and tissue handling. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a bipolar high-frequency forceps is used for laparotomy, then tissue gripping is improved, but the invasion depth in the abdominal cavity is small and it is not suitable for abdominal cavity operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetissue gripping capabilityVSAvoidsuitability for abdominal cavity operations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument parameters are optimized for abdominal cavity operations by adjusting the length, flexibility, and structural configuration of the forceps pieces and shaft. The bipolar electrode configuration and insulating member placement are specifically designed to provide adequate working length and flexibility for deep abdominal cavity access while maintaining effective tissue gripping capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the water conveyance tube is arranged on the center axis of the beak-shaped treatment instrument, then liquid can be conveyed to the affected area, but the manipulation wire interferes with the water conveyance tube and the force for opening/closing is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid conveyanceVSAvoidopening/closing force
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating member is positioned between the manipulation wire and the water conveyance tube in the radial dimension, creating spatial separation that prevents interference. This dimensional arrangement allows the manipulation wire to transmit opening/closing force effectively while the water conveyance tube maintains its liquid conveyance function without obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Quantity of substance

If the forceps and the opening portion are separated from each other, then liquid can be conveyed to identify bleeding sites, but it is difficult to heat the tissue near the forceps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid conveyance for bleeding identificationVSAvoidtissue heating capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The forceps pieces and the liquid conveyance system are merged into a single integrated structure where the opening portion is positioned at the distal end of the forceps pieces. This combination allows liquid to be conveyed directly to the treatment site for bleeding identification while the high-frequency electrodes simultaneously heat and coagulate the tissue in the same location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The instrument allows for easy and gentle treatment of affected areas with minimal invasion, effectively stopping bleeding by conveying liquid and applying high-frequency energy, while preventing excessive heat damage and adhesion of tissue to the instrument.

Implementation Method 1

electrocoagulation with supply of a liquid is effective

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

coagulation by high-frequency power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHigh-frequency electrical energy: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

an insulating member disposed at proximal end portions of the forceps pieces and insulates one of the forceps pieces from the other forceps piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP2944280B1High-frequency electrosurgical treatment instrument for operations and high-frequency electrosurgical system for operations
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 OLYMPUS CORPORATION(JP)
  • EP2944280B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2944280B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2944280B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A high-frequency electrosurgical treatment instrument for operations, includes a pair of forceps pieces, an insulating member, a transmission member, a manipulation rod member, a distal end cover member, a shaft member and a manipulation portion. The high-frequency electrosurgical treatment instrument for operations, includes a flow channel portion formed between the manipulation rod member and the shaft member, the flow channel portion being disposed along a longitudinal direction of the manipulation rod member to allow liquid to flow; a groove portion that communicates with the flow channel portion to allow the liquid to flow from the flow channel portion; and an opening portion that communicates with the groove portion to supply the liquid near the proximal end portions of the pair of forceps pieces.