Surgical Forceps Bifurcated Jaw Guide Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical forceps face challenges in precisely sealing and then severing tissue due to limitations in mechanical clamping pressure and electrosurgical energy control, particularly in maintaining the required gap distance between jaw members during tissue sealing.
Innovation Solution
The design features an end effector assembly with pivotably engaged jaw members having bifurcated proximal flanges and a guide member that maintains engagement, allowing for precise tissue grasping and sealing, along with a knife assembly for cutting, and electrosurgical energy delivery through wire guides within the forceps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pivot point is used to connect jaw members, then the structure is simpler, but the precision of tissue sealing and gap distance control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single pivot connection is segmented into two separate pivot points (first pivot point and second pivot point) connected by a link. This segmentation allows independent control of jaw member positioning and link orientation, thereby improving tissue sealing precision and gap distance control while maintaining reasonable structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A link member is introduced as an intermediary element between the two jaw members. This link mediates the motion transmission between the jaw members, enabling precise control of the gap distance and clamping pressure during tissue sealing, thus improving sealing precision without excessive complexity
2Device complexity
If mechanical clamping action alone is used, then the device is simpler, but the effectiveness of tissue sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges mechanical clamping action with electrosurgical energy delivery into a single integrated system. The jaw members simultaneously provide mechanical compression and conduct electrosurgical energy to the tissue, achieving effective tissue sealing through the combination of both mechanisms rather than relying on mechanical action alone
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw members are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as mechanical clamping elements and as conduits for electrosurgical energy. This universal design allows the same components to perform multiple functions (mechanical compression and electrical energy delivery), improving sealing effectiveness without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Ease of operation
If electrosurgical energy is applied without precise gap control, then the process is simpler, but the precision of tissue sealing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism incorporates geometric feedback through the link connection between two pivot points. The link length and pivot point positions create a mechanical feedback system that automatically maintains the optimal gap distance between jaw members during closure, ensuring precise gap control without requiring complex active sensing or control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot points and link are pre-configured with specific geometric parameters (link length, pivot point positions) that establish the optimal gap distance before the sealing process begins. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures that as the jaw members close, the gap distance is automatically controlled to the precise value needed for effective electrosurgical sealing
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
This configuration enables precise tissue sealing and cutting by maintaining consistent clamping pressure and electrosurgical energy application, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of tissue sealing and division.
Implementation Method 1
mechanical clamping pressure and electrosurgical energy control
Implementation Method 2
electrical energy to affect hemostasis by heating tissue and blood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue
Implementation Method 3
precise electrosurgical energy control and gap distance to seal tissue, vessels and certain vascular bundles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members. Each jaw member includes a bifurcated proximal flange extending therefrom defining first and second spaced-apart flange components. The first flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a first engagement portion and the second flange components are pivotably engaged to one another via a second engagement portion. One or both of the jaw members is pivotable relative to the other about the first and second engagement portions between an open position and a closed position for grasping tissue therebetween.