Flexible Insulating Boot for Electrosurgical Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps face challenges in consistently providing the appropriate closure force between opposing electrode jaw members, leading to inconsistent tissue sealing due to reliance on surgeon skill and potential for stray electrical currents, especially with small vessels where precise control of pressure and gap distance is crucial.
Innovation Solution
A flexible insulating boot is integrated onto the electrosurgical forceps, covering exposed conductive areas to prevent stray currents and allowing for consistent movement of jaw members while maintaining structural integrity, made from viscoelastic or elastomeric materials suitable for sterilization processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid insulating boot is used to prevent stray currents, then electrical insulation is improved, but jaw member movement and flexibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible insulating boot made from elastomeric or viscoelastic material that covers the shaft and jaw members. This flexible boot provides electrical insulation to prevent stray currents while allowing the jaw members to move freely during operation, resolving the contradiction between insulation reliability and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the insulating material from rigid to flexible by selecting materials with appropriate viscoelastic or elastomeric properties. This parameter change enables the insulating boot to maintain its electrical insulation function while accommodating the dynamic movement of the jaw members.
2Force
If closure force is increased to seal larger vessels, then vessel sealing capability is improved, but risk of electrode contact and energy short circuit is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible insulating boot acts as an intermediary between the conductive jaw members and the surrounding environment. It provides electrical isolation that prevents short circuits while allowing the transmission of mechanical closure force to the tissue, resolving the contradiction between force application and electrical safety.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If closure force is decreased to avoid electrode contact, then safety is improved, but tissue sealing effectiveness is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating boot serves as a mediator that decouples the relationship between closure force and electrical contact. It allows the application of sufficient mechanical force for reliable tissue sealing while maintaining electrical isolation between the jaw members, preventing short circuits.
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 flexible insulating boot ensures consistent and effective tissue sealing by reducing stray electrical potentials and maintaining operational integrity, allowing for precise control of closure forces within the desired range, enhancing the reliability of tissue sealing across various vessel sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A flexible insulating boot is disposed on at least a portion of an exterior surface of at least one jaw member. The insulating boot is configured and made from a material that insulates tissue from various exposed areas of the shaft and the jaw members.
Data Source
AI summary
Either an endoscopic or open bipolar forceps includes a flexible, generally tubular insulating boot for insulating patient tissue, while not impeding motion of the jaw members. The jaw members are movable from an open to a closed position and the jaw members are connected to a source of electrosurgical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a tissue seal. A knife assembly may be included that allows a user to selectively divide tissue upon actuation thereof. The insulating boot may be made from a viscoelastic, elastomeric or flexible material suitable for use with a sterilization process including ethylene oxide. An interior portion of the insulating boot may have at least one mechanically interfacing surface that interfaces with a mechanically interfacing surface formed between the shaft and a jaw member or with a mechanically interfacing surface disposed or formed on the shaft or a jaw member.