Endoscopic Forceps with Pivotable End Effector for Smaller Cannulas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical forceps face challenges in fitting through smaller cannulas while maintaining functionality and precise tissue manipulation, including sealing and cutting, due to limitations in design and energy control.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a pivotable end effector assembly, driven by a biasing member and drive bar, allowing for precise movement of jaw members between open and closed positions, and the ability to connect to a source of energy for tissue treatment, with handles that pivot to control closure pressure and facilitate cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic instruments are designed to fit through smaller cannulas, then patient scarring and healing time are reduced, but instrument functionality and tissue manipulation precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates a pivotable end effector assembly that can dynamically change orientation and configuration. The end effector assembly includes movable jaw members that can open and close, and the entire assembly can pivot relative to the shaft, allowing the instrument to adapt to different tissue manipulation requirements while maintaining a compact distal profile for cannula passage
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into distinct functional segments: the shaft, the end effector assembly with jaw members, and the drive assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the shaft can be sized for cannula passage while the end effector assembly provides the necessary manipulation functionality through its own internal mechanisms
2Object-affected harmful factors
If endoscopic instruments are designed to fit through smaller cannulas, then patient scarring and healing time are reduced, but instrument functionality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector assembly is designed to perform multiple functions - tissue grasping, sealing, and cutting - within a single compact structure. The jaw members can be positioned to grasp tissue, energy can be applied for sealing, and a knife member can be deployed for cutting, allowing the instrument to handle various surgical tasks through the same small cannula
Solution Approach 2:
The knife member is disposed within the end effector assembly in a nested configuration, allowing it to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed when needed. This nesting enables the instrument to maintain a smaller overall profile for cannula passage while still incorporating multiple functional elements
3Reliability
If closure pressure is increased for effective tissue sealing, then tissue seal quality is improved, but risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates sensors that provide feedback on tissue compression forces and energy delivery parameters. This feedback allows the control system to adjust the closure pressure and energy application in real-time, maintaining optimal sealing pressure while preventing excessive force that could damage tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument can dynamically adjust multiple parameters including closure pressure, energy delivery rate, and jaw member positioning. By changing these parameters in coordination, the system can achieve effective tissue sealing at lower pressures through optimized energy delivery, reducing the risk of tissue damage
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 precise tissue sealing and cutting with adjustable closure pressure and energy application, suitable for endoscopic procedures through smaller cannulas, reducing scarring and healing time while maintaining instrument functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The biasing member defines a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second ends... movement of the handles from the spaced-apart position to the approximated position urges the first and second ends of the biasing member towards one another such that the intermediate portion of the biasing member is displaced relative to the first and second ends of the biasing member
Implementation Method 2
one or both of the jaw members is adapted to connect to a source of energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members to treat tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an end effector assembly, first and second handles, and a drive assembly. The handles are pivotable relative to one another between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position. The drive assembly includes a drive bar and a biasing member. The drive bar is coupled to the end effector assembly such that translation of the drive bar effects movement of the end effector assembly between first and second positions. First and second ends of the biasing member are coupled to the respective first and second handles. An intermediate portion of the biasing member is coupled to the drive bar such that movement of the handles from the spaced-apart to the approximated position displaces the intermediate portion and urges the drive bar to translate relative to the end effector assembly to effect movement of the end effector assembly between the first and second positions.