Surgical Forceps with Deployable Monopolar Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments lack the ability to seamlessly transition between bipolar and monopolar modes, requiring surgeons to switch between different instruments during procedures, which can complicate tissue sealing and dissection processes, especially in endoscopic surgeries where precision and efficiency are critical.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar surgical forceps with an extendable monopolar element that includes an insulative tubular member and a deployable monopolar member with an electrically-conductive distal tip, allowing for simultaneous bipolar and monopolar functionality by moving the monopolar member between retracted and extended positions to apply energy to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single instrument incorporates both bipolar and monopolar features, then versatility and procedural efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bipolar and monopolar functional elements within a single forceps instrument. The bipolar element includes opposing jaw members with electrodes, while the monopolar element includes a deployable rod with an electrically conductive distal tip. Both elements are integrated into one instrument housing, allowing the surgeon to perform both bipolar sealing and monopolar dissection with the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps instrument is designed to perform multiple surgical functions: bipolar tissue sealing, monopolar tissue dissection, and mechanical grasping. The bipolar element can seal vessels and tissue, the monopolar element can dissect tissue planes, and the jaw members can mechanically grasp and manipulate tissue. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to switch between separate bipolar and monopolar instruments.
2Measurement precision
If the monopolar member is selectively deployable, then precision in tissue treatment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monopolar rod member is designed to be selectively deployable between a retracted position and an extended position. When retracted, the distal tip is positioned within the forceps housing; when extended, it protrudes beyond the bipolar element for monopolar tissue dissection. This dynamic positioning allows precise control over when and where monopolar energy is applied to tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrically insulative tubular member is positioned between the monopolar rod and surrounding tissue when the rod is retracted. This insulative barrier prevents unintended electrical contact and energy discharge, ensuring that monopolar energy is only applied when the rod is intentionally extended and positioned against the target tissue.
3Productivity
If instrument changes are reduced, then procedural efficiency is improved, but the need for precise instrument design increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges bipolar and monopolar functional elements within a single forceps instrument. The bipolar element includes opposing jaw members with electrodes, while the monopolar element includes a deployable rod with an electrically conductive distal tip. Both elements are integrated into one instrument housing, allowing the surgeon to perform both bipolar sealing and monopolar dissection with the same device.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps instrument is designed to perform multiple surgical functions: bipolar tissue sealing, monopolar tissue dissection, and mechanical grasping. The bipolar element can seal vessels and tissue, the monopolar element can dissect tissue planes, and the jaw members can mechanically grasp and manipulate tissue. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to switch between separate bipolar and monopolar instruments.
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 efficient tissue sealing and dissection by providing a single instrument that can switch between bipolar and monopolar modes, reducing the need for instrument changes and enhancing procedural efficiency and precision, particularly in endoscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
Bipolar electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating tissue and blood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue
Implementation Method 2
A monopolar member is selectively deployable relative to the end effector assembly from a first position to a second position. In the second position, a portion of the monopolar member extends distally from the end effector assembly and the insulative tubular member for applying energy to tissue to treat tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A forceps includes an end effector assembly having first and second jaw members configured to grasp tissue therebetween and conduct energy through tissue grasped therebetween to treat tissue. An insulative tubular member is movable relative to the end effector assembly between a retracted position, wherein the insulative tubular member is positioned proximally of the end effector assembly, and an extended position, wherein the insulative tubular member is disposed about the end effector assembly. A monopolar member is selectively deployable relative to the end effector assembly from a first position to a second position, wherein, in the second position, a portion of the monopolar member extends distally from the end effector assembly and the insulative tubular member for applying energy to tissue to treat tissue.