Endoscopic Forceps Jaw Segmentation for Cannula Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic surgical instruments face design challenges in fitting through small cannulas due to spatial constraints, making it difficult to perform procedures like cutting or ligating blood vessels effectively during minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The end effector assembly features jaw members with a moveable distal segment that can pivot between a use position for grasping and sealing tissue and an insertion position with a reduced width, allowing the instrument to fit through smaller cannulas, while maintaining an arcuate configuration for effective tissue sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end effector assembly uses a standard arcuate jaw configuration for effective tissue sealing, then the sealing capability is improved, but the overall width increases making it difficult to fit through small cannulas
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw member is divided into two separate segments: a proximal segment that remains stationary and a distal segment that can rotate relative to the proximal segment. This segmentation allows the jaw to change its overall width configuration while maintaining the arcuate sealing surface when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal segment is made rotatable relative to the proximal segment through a pivot joint, allowing the end effector to dynamically change its width between a wider configuration (for effective tissue sealing) and a narrower configuration (for insertion through small cannulas).
2Ease of operation
If the end effector assembly is designed with a narrower width to fit through small cannulas, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the ability to effectively grasp and seal tissue is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable distal segment enables the end effector to switch between a narrow insertion configuration and a wide operational configuration, ensuring both easy insertion through small cannulas and effective tissue grasping/sealing when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution addresses the width constraint by introducing rotational movement in a different dimensional plane, allowing the jaw to transition between width states without compromising the arcuate sealing surface geometry when in the operational position.
3Area of stationary object
If the jaw members are made with a fixed wide arcuate configuration for optimal tissue sealing, then the sealing surface area is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for rotational joints and locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the jaw into segments with a rotational joint between them provides a relatively simple mechanical solution that maintains the full arcuate sealing surface area when needed, without requiring complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded biasing mechanism automatically returns the distal segment to its neutral arcuate position after rotation, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
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 the use of endoscopic electrosurgical forceps to effectively seal and cut tissue through smaller cannulas, reducing scarring and healing time by allowing precise insertion and operation within the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
The distal segment is coupled to the proximal segment and is moveable with respect to the proximal segment between a use position and an insertion position
Implementation Method 2
One or both of the tissue sealing surfaces may be adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting energy through tissue grasped between the jaw members
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly for an endoscopic surgical instrument includes a pair of jaw members disposed in opposing relation relative to one another. One or both of the jaw members is moveable relative to the other between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position for grasping tissue therebetween. Each jaw member defines an arcuate configuration and includes a proximal segment and a distal segment coupled to the proximal segment. The distal segment is moveable with respect to the proximal segment between a use position, wherein the proximal segment and the distal segment cooperate to define the arcuate configuration of the jaw member, and an insertion position, wherein the distal segment is offset relative to the proximal segment to interrupt the arcuate configuration of the jaw member.