Electrosurgical Forceps Knife Deployment for Precise Tissue Severing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps require a separate mechanism to sever treated tissue, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, as they lack an integrated solution for precise tissue cutting after treatment.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a knife deployment mechanism with a lockout system that allows the knife to translate between retracted and extended positions within the forceps, enabling precise cutting of treated tissue, along with a switch assembly for electrosurgical energy application, facilitating both mechanical and electrical tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrosurgical forceps incorporate a knife for severing tissue, then the ability to cut treated tissue is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The knife is integrated within the forceps structure, merging the cutting function with the existing grasping and treating capabilities. The knife is positioned to extend between the jaw members and is deployed through a linkage mechanism that utilizes the existing pivot member and shaft member structure, combining multiple functions into a single integrated device rather than requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps device is designed to perform multiple functions: grasping tissue with the jaw members, treating tissue with electrosurgical energy, and severing tissue with the knife. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate cutting instruments, allowing a single device to handle the complete tissue management process from grasping to cutting.
2Manufacturing precision
If a knife deployment mechanism is added to the forceps, then the precision of tissue cutting is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The knife is pre-positioned within the forceps structure, aligned between the jaw members in a retracted position. The deployment mechanism uses a linkage system with a trigger that, when actuated, automatically translates the knife from its pre-positioned retracted state to an extended cutting position. This preliminary positioning ensures precision while the trigger mechanism maintains ease of operation by requiring only a simple actuating motion.
Solution Approach 2:
A linkage mechanism serves as an intermediary between the trigger actuation and the knife translation. The linkage system includes a first linkage connected to the trigger and a second linkage connected to the knife, with a pivot pin joining them. This intermediary mechanism translates the rotational motion of the trigger into precise linear translation of the knife, maintaining both precision and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a lockout mechanism is implemented to control knife deployment, then the reliability of the procedure is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lockout mechanism prevents premature knife deployment by maintaining the knife in a locked retracted position until the jaw members are properly closed on the tissue. The lockout member engages with the deployment mechanism to block knife translation, and only releases this blockage when the jaw closure action triggers the deployment sequence. This preliminary prevention of incorrect timing enhances procedural reliability while using a relatively simple lockout structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A knife configured for use with an electrosurgical forceps having curved jaw members and a method of manufacturing the same. The knife includes a distal body having an inner side and an outer side, a first etching on the outer side of the distal body defining a distal cutting edge and a second etching on the outer side of the distal body extending along a portion of a length of the distal body to define relatively protruded and relatively recessed surfaces extending along a portion of the length of the distal body on the outer side thereof.