Interchangeable Biasing Members for Electrosurgical Switch Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar electrosurgical forceps often fail to provide uniformly reproducible pressure, leading to ineffective or non-uniform vessel sealing due to inadequate control over clamping pressure and gap distances between electrodes, which can result in either inadequate or excessive tissue sealing.
Innovation Solution
A switch assembly for electrosurgical instruments that includes interchangeable biasing members of varying thicknesses to adjust the resistance of the actuation switch, allowing for precise control over the delivery of electrosurgical energy by varying the resistance felt by the user, thereby improving the consistency of tissue sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fixed resistance switch assembly is used, then the device structure is simple, but the control precision over electrosurgical energy delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly transitions from a fixed resistance design to a dynamic, adjustable resistance system. Multiple biasing members with different thicknesses can be selectively positioned to change the resistance characteristic of the switch, allowing the device to adapt to different surgical requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the resistance parameter of the switch assembly by providing multiple biasing members with varying thicknesses. This allows the surgeon to select the appropriate resistance level for different tissue types and surgical procedures, improving control precision without requiring a completely complex system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable biasing members are added to adjust resistance, then the control precision and adaptability improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch assembly is segmented into modular components, with multiple interchangeable biasing members that can be independently selected and positioned. This segmentation allows for easy adjustment of resistance characteristics while keeping each individual component simple, balancing adaptability with device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through a single unified structure that accommodates different biasing members. The same basic switch mechanism works with various resistance configurations, providing universal adaptability across different surgical applications without requiring entirely separate devices.
3Measurement precision
If higher resistance is used in the switch, then the electrosurgical energy control is more precise, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistance parameter of the switch is made variable through interchangeable biasing members. Surgeons can select lower resistance configurations for procedures requiring easier switch actuation and higher resistance configurations for procedures requiring more precise energy control, optimizing the balance between ease of operation and precision based on specific surgical needs.
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 switch assembly enables more precise control over the actuation of electrosurgical energy, enhancing the consistency and effectiveness of vessel sealing by allowing users to adjust the resistance to suit their preferences, thereby improving the reliability of tissue sealing outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The first biasing member includes a first thickness that provides a first resistance to resist movement of the switch between the activated and the deactivated positions
Implementation Method 2
bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize two generally opposing electrodes which are disposed on the inner opposing surfaces of the end effectors and which are both electrically coupled to an electrosurgical generator. Each electrode is charged to a different electric potential. Since tissue is a conductor of electrical energy, when the effectors are utilized to grasp tissue therebetween, the electrical energy can be selectively transferred through the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch assembly for an electrosurgical instrument includes a switch housing, a switch, a first biasing member, and an additional biasing member. The switch is disposed within the switch housing and movably disposed between an activated position to initiate delivery of electrosurgical energy and a deactivated position to terminate delivery of electrosurgical energy. The first biasing member is selectively positionable adjacent the switch and in communication therewith. The first biasing member includes a first thickness that provides a first resistance to resist movement of the switch between the activated and the deactivated positions when positioned in the switch housing. The additional biasing member is selectively interchangeable with the first biasing member. The additional biasing member includes a different thickness that provides a different resistance to resist movement of the switch between the activated and the deactivated positions when positioned in the switch housing.