Laparoscopic RF Device Pinless Jaw Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices face challenges in laparoscopic surgery due to dimensional constraints, particularly in using 5 mm trocars, where extending the length of forceps complicates exerting sufficient force while maintaining mechanical strength and electrosurgical capability.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical device with a 5 mm insertable profile, featuring a pinless rotation mechanism and self-aligning jaws, which allows for effective tissue sealing and cutting within the constraints of a 5 mm trocar, while minimizing non-structural components to maximize force delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length of forceps is extended to seal greater lengths of tissue, then the sealing capability is improved, but the ability to exert appropriate force and maintain mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps are segmented into multiple sections that can telescope relative to each other, allowing the forceps to extend to greater lengths for sealing longer tissue while maintaining a compact storage size. The segmented structure distributes mechanical loads across multiple joints, preserving force delivery capability despite increased length.
Solution Approach 2:
The forceps incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the operator to modify the effective length and configuration of the forceps during use. This enables the device to adapt between extended configurations for sealing longer tissue and compact configurations for exerting maximum force in confined spaces.
2Length of moving object
If the forceps length is increased to accommodate longer tissue sealing needs, then the sealing range is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forceps employ a nested telescoping structure where segments are housed within one another, allowing the forceps to extend to greater lengths when needed while maintaining a compact profile during storage and transport. This nesting approach increases sealing range without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If conventional electrosurgical devices are used in 5 mm trocars, then the device can be inserted through standard ports, but the ability to exert sufficient force and maintain mechanical strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates preliminary mechanical advantage mechanisms such as lever arms and force multiplication joints positioned proximal to the 5 mm constraint point. These mechanisms pre-amplify the operator's input force before it reaches the distal tip, enabling sufficient force delivery despite the limited port size constraint.
4Force
If non-structural components are minimized to maximize force delivery, then the force delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges structural and functional components, where load-bearing structural elements also serve as conduits for electrosurgical energy delivery and actuation mechanisms. This integration eliminates separate non-structural components, maximizing force delivery while the unified design actually reduces overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Key structural components are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the forceps shaft serves as both a mechanical load-bearing element and an electrical conduit for RF energy delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components, maximizing force delivery without increasing 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 device achieves effective tissue sealing and cutting with enhanced force delivery and mechanical strength, even in confined laparoscopic environments, by optimizing structural material distribution and eliminating non-structural components, thus overcoming the limitations of traditional devices.
Implementation Method 1
Biopolar electrosurgical instruments apply radiofrequency (RF) energy to a surgical site to cut, ablate, or coagulate tissue. The path of alternating current between the two electrodes passes through tissue within the target site. The mechanical force exerted by the jaws and the electrical current combine to create the desired surgical effect.
Implementation Method 2
By controlling the level of mechanical and electrical parameters, such as the pressure applied by the jaws, the gap distance between electrodes, and the voltage, current, frequency, and duration of the electrosurgical energy applied to the tissue, the surgeon can coagulate, cauterize, or seal tissue toward a therapeutic end.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the disclosed technology relate to a bipolar electrosurgical device for a laparoscopic environment, as well as methods for the use of such a device. Embodiments of the device may include a set of opposing jaws comprising at least one bipolar electrode pair disposed thereon, the set of jaws configured to deliver radiofrequency energy to a target tissue. Embodiments of the set of jaws, when closed, may have a diameter no greater than about 5 mm. The device may further include a shaft with a diameter that may be no greater than about 5 mm. Each of the jaws has a tissue-facing surface of each jaw that may include a complementary self-aligning configuration with respect to the longitudinal axis of the other jaw. Embodiments of the device may further include a pinless rotation assembly formed from rotatably cooperative features of the first jaw and the second jaw that connect the jaws together and enable the jaw set to pivot between an open position and a closed position.