Electrosurgical Forceps Thermal Cutting Element for Reduced Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps require separate mechanical and energy-based cutting mechanisms, which can be cumbersome and inefficient for precise tissue treatment and cutting.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a thermal cutting element integrated into the distal body portion of the frame, allowing for simultaneous tissue treatment and cutting using energy, such as thermal or electrosurgical energy, without the need for a mechanical knife.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical knife is incorporated into electrosurgical forceps to cut treated tissue, then cutting function is provided, but device complexity increases and operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the tissue treatment function and tissue cutting function into a single integrated electrosurgical forceps device. The first jaw member incorporates both the treatment surface for energy-based tissue treatment and the cutting surface for mechanical cutting, eliminating the need for separate devices or complex multi-component systems. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first jaw member is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both tissue treatment (coagulation, sealing) and tissue cutting. The jaw member includes a treatment surface for applying electrosurgical energy and a cutting surface with cutting edges for severing tissue, allowing a single component to fulfill multiple surgical functions that would otherwise require separate instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a mechanical knife is advanced between jaw members to cut tissue, then cutting is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment surface and cutting surface are merged into a single integrated jaw member structure. This allows the surgeon to perform tissue treatment and cutting in a single operational sequence using one component, rather than advancing a separate mechanical knife between jaw members, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing the number of procedural steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting surface is pre-integrated into the jaw member structure, positioned to be immediately available after tissue treatment. The cutting edges are already in place and properly positioned, eliminating the need for additional actions to introduce or position a separate cutting instrument. The surgeon can transition directly from treatment to cutting without interrupting the procedural flow.
3Reliability
If separate treatment and cutting mechanisms are used, then distinct functions are provided, but the surgical process becomes more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the treatment mechanism and cutting mechanism into a single integrated jaw member that maintains distinct functional surfaces. The treatment surface and cutting surface are both incorporated into the same component, allowing seamless transition between treatment and cutting functions without the time loss associated with switching between separate instruments or mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting surface is pre-positioned and ready for immediate use following tissue treatment. The cutting edges are already integrated into the jaw member structure in the correct position, eliminating the time required to introduce, position, or activate a separate cutting mechanism. This preliminary preparation of the cutting function within the same component significantly reduces surgical time.
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
Facilitates precise and efficient tissue cutting by integrating thermal cutting into the electrosurgical process, reducing complexity and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an energy-based tissue cutting element may be provided to cut the treated tissue using energy, e.g., thermal, electrosurgical, ultrasonic, light, or other suitable energy
Data Source
AI summary
A structure of a surgical instrument configured for thermally cutting tissue. The structure includes a frame and a thermal cutting element. The frame includes a proximal flange portion and a distal body portion. The distal body portion includes a proximal section extending from the proximal flange portion, a distal section, and a center section extending between the proximal and distal sections. The distal body portion includes first and second distal body portion segments. The distal body portion segments are disposed a first distance apart from one another at the proximal section, a second distance apart from one another at the distal section, and a third distance apart from one another at the center section. The third distance is greater than the first and second distances. The thermal cutting element is disposed within the distal body portion of the frame and extends from the proximal section, through the center section, to the distal section.