Laparoscopic Sealer Jaw Force Adjustment for Varying Tissue Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices, such as forceps, are limited by a fixed maximum force that cannot be altered by the user, necessitating device switching for varying tissue sizes, which increases surgery duration and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a variable motion transfer assembly allows users to adjust the maximum bias force applied by the jaws through a compressible member, such as a spring, using a user-positionable seat and components like a hex nut or cam lever, enabling continuous or discrete force adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed maximum force is used in existing forceps, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability to different tissue sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic force adjustment mechanism where a compressible member (spring) can be compressed by a user-positionable seat to vary the maximum bias force. This allows the forceps to adapt to different tissue sizes by adjusting the force output, transforming a static device into a dynamic one that can respond to different surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the force parameter by allowing user adjustment of the compressible member compression level. By varying the compression of the spring, the maximum bias force communicated to the end effector changes, enabling the same device to handle different tissue sizes through parameter modification rather than requiring multiple devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If device switching is performed for varying tissue sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the surgery duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single forceps device universal by enabling it to perform multiple force levels through the adjustable compressible member mechanism. Instead of requiring surgeons to switch between different forceps for different tissue sizes, one device can handle various tissue sizes by adjusting the bias force, thereby eliminating device switching time and improving surgical efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability allows the forceps to adapt during surgery without requiring device replacement. The surgeon can adjust the compressible member compression level to match different tissue sizes encountered during the procedure, maintaining continuity of the surgical workflow and reducing overall surgery duration.
3Productivity
If a fixed maximum force is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity for varying tissue sizes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic force adjustment mechanism with a compressible member that can be compressed to varying degrees. This allows the forceps to optimize sealing force for different vessel sizes, improving productivity by enabling efficient sealing across a range of tissue sizes without requiring multiple specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
By allowing adjustment of the bias force parameter through compressible member compression, the forceps can optimize sealing efficiency for different vessel sizes. The ability to modify the force parameter on-demand improves productivity by eliminating the need to switch devices or use suboptimal force levels for different tissue sizes.
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 efficient sealing of vessels of varying sizes without needing additional instruments, optimizing generator energy, reducing surgery time, and minimizing thermal spread during hemostasis.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible member can be aligned with the longitudinal shaft. The compressible member can be configured for applying a variable maximum bias force for communication to the end effector.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device such as a surgical forceps is usable with at least two different jaw forces. The device can include a longitudinal shaft, having a proximal portion and a distal portion. An end effector can be attached to and can extend from the distal portion. A compressible member can be aligned with the longitudinal shaft. The compressible member can be configured for applying a variable maximum bias force for communication to the end effector. An end-user-positionable seat can be located against a first end of the compressible member. The seat can be actuatable by the end-user for varying the variable maximum bias force.