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 when using metal pivot pins that can act as alternate current paths.

Innovation Solution

A flexible insulating boot is integrated onto the electrosurgical forceps to cover exposed conductive areas, including the pivot and shaft, made from viscoelastic or elastomeric materials that allow for pivoting and movement without impairing structural integrity, reducing the risk of stray currents and ensuring consistent closure force within a desired pressure range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If metal pivot pins are used to enable jaw movement, then the mechanical functionality and ease of operation are improved, but stray electrical currents can occur through the conductive pivot pins acting as alternate current paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejaw movementVSAvoidstray electrical currents

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating boot made of flexible insulating material is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the metal pivot pin. This boot acts as a mediator that allows mechanical rotation to pass through while blocking electrical current, thus eliminating stray currents through the pivot pin while maintaining mechanical functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

A flexible insulating boot is used to cover the conductive pivot pin. The boot is made of flexible material that allows rotation while providing electrical insulation, effectively blocking stray currents while accommodating the mechanical movement of the jaw members

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If electrosurgical energy is applied through jaw members to seal tissue, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but unintended energy transfer to surrounding tissue can occur causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidunintended energy transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating boot serves as an intermediary barrier between the conductive jaw members and surrounding tissue. It allows controlled energy transfer through the intended tissue between jaws while blocking unintended energy paths to adjacent structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible insulating boot covers exposed conductive surfaces of the jaw members, creating a protective barrier that prevents stray electrical currents from reaching surrounding tissue while allowing the intended electrosurgical sealing function to proceed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If the insulating boot is made rigid to provide complete insulation, then the electrical insulation effectiveness is improved, but the structural flexibility and ease of manufacture are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidstructural flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating boot is specifically designed as a flexible component rather than rigid. This flexibility allows the boot to accommodate the mechanical movement and rotation of jaw members while maintaining continuous electrical insulation, and simplifies manufacturing compared to rigid insulating structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 enhances the consistency of tissue sealing by maintaining desired closure forces and reducing the risk of stray electrical currents, improving the reliability of the sealing process and minimizing tissue damage from unintended energy transfer.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

The flexible insulating boot enhances the consistency of tissue sealing by maintaining desired closure forces and reducing the risk of stray electrical currents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUSRE44834E1Insulating boot for electrosurgical forceps

Publication Date: 2014.04.08 COVIDIEN AG

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.