Hydraulic Actuated Bipolar Forceps for Small Cannula Tissue Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing endoscopic forceps for use with smaller cannulas (less than five millimeters) poses challenges due to size constraints, requiring an end effector assembly that maintains integrity and functionality without compromise.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar forceps with a hydraulic mechanism and end effector assembly featuring a pair of jaw members that move from an open to a closed position using a fluid line and plunger, allowing for tissue grasping and electrosurgical energy application, suitable for various cannula sizes including those less than five millimeters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If endoscopic forceps are designed for use with smaller cannulas (less than five millimeters), then the cannula size is reduced, but the integrity and functionality of the end effector assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a hydraulic mechanism using fluid pressure to actuate the jaw members. Fluid is delivered through a catheter to a plunger, which transmits force through a fluid-filled chamber to move the jaw members from an open to a closed position. This hydraulic actuation system enables reliable tissue grasping and sealing within the constrained space of small cannulas (less than five millimeters) while maintaining end effector assembly integrity.
2Length of moving object
If endoscopic forceps are designed for use with smaller cannulas, then the cannula size is reduced, but the functionality of the end effector assembly is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic mechanism provides controlled and reliable actuation of the jaw members through fluid pressure, enabling effective tissue grasping and sealing within small cannulas. The system includes a plunger, fluid-filled chamber, and jaw members that can be reliably actuated to grasp and seal tissue, maintaining full functionality despite the size constraints of cannulas less than five millimeters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electrosurgical energy parameters to effect tissue sealing and fusion. By controlling electrical energy delivery to the jaw members, the system achieves reliable tissue sealing through a combination of mechanical clamping and electrical heating, ensuring functional effectiveness within the constraints of small cannula sizes.
3Device complexity
If traditional mechanical actuation is used for the end effector assembly, then the structure is simpler, but the force required for tissue sealing is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic mechanism generates sufficient force for tissue sealing by utilizing fluid pressure transmitted through a plunger and fluid-filled chamber. This pneumatic/hydraulic actuation system provides the necessary clamping force to secure tissue between the jaw members, overcoming the limitations of simple mechanical actuation while maintaining an acceptable level of structural complexity.
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
The hydraulic actuated end effector assembly provides the necessary force for tissue sealing and fusion, enabling effective electrosurgical procedures in both non-articulated and articulated configurations, addressing design challenges with smaller cannulas.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position
Implementation Method 2
Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to effect hemostasis by heating the tissue and blood vessels to coagulate, cauterize, seal, cut, desiccate, and/or fulgurate tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A forceps is provided. The forceps includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. The bipolar forceps also includes a hydraulic mechanism that includes a fluid line and a plunger operatively coupled to the fluid line. The plunger is translatable within at least a portion of the shaft from a proximal position to a distal position. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members biased in an open configuration. Each of the first and second jaw members configured to receive at least a portion of the plunger when a fluid is caused to flow within the fluid line such that the first and second jaw members move from an open position for positioning to a closed position for grasping tissue.