Loop Current Supply Line for Electrosurgical Jaw Fatigue
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In electrosurgical medical instruments, particularly bipolar ones, the current supply lines are prone to fatigue fracture due to constant bending and stretching stresses at the pivot axis, leading to a shortened instrument lifespan, especially in minimally invasive designs where a narrow jaw configuration is crucial.
Innovation Solution
The current supply line is configured as a loop around the pivot axis, allowing for length compensation and reducing bending stresses, with the loop acting as a torsion spring, and optionally made of resilient materials like spring steel to enhance elasticity and facilitate jaw movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the current supply line is designed as a wire-shaped element running straight to the electrode, then the instrument structure is simple, but the current supply line is prone to fatigue fracture due to constant bending and stretching stresses at the pivot axis
Solution Approach 1:
The current supply line is configured as a loop instead of a straight wire, introducing curvature to the structure. This loop configuration allows the current supply line to accommodate the bending and stretching stresses at the pivot axis without experiencing constant fatigue, thereby preventing fracture while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The loop configuration of the current supply line enables dynamic adaptation to the movement of the jaw part. As the jaw part opens and closes, the loop can deform and adjust its shape, absorbing the mechanical stresses without creating permanent damage, thus extending the service period of the instrument
2Volume of moving object
If the instrument is designed with a narrow configuration in the area of the jaw parts, then minimally invasive surgery is enabled, but the electrical separation of the two jaw parts becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
An insulating element is introduced as an intermediary component between the two jaw parts at the pivot axis. This insulating element provides the necessary electrical separation while occupying minimal space, allowing the instrument to maintain a narrow configuration suitable for minimally invasive surgery without compromising electrical isolation
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
This configuration extends the instrument's lifespan by minimizing bending stresses on the current supply line, ensuring reliable operation and maintaining the instrument's narrow design for minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the wire-shaped element being configured as a loop in a region of said pivot axis
Implementation Method 2
the loop acting as a torsion spring
Implementation Method 3
the cutting action, in the case of a design as a cutting tool, can be increased by the thermal action of the high-frequency current in the tissue
Implementation Method 4
both jaw parts each have an electrode that can be acted upon with high-frequency current
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument for electrosurgery comprises a tubular shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, at least one jaw part arranged at the distal end of the shaft and movable relative to the tubular shaft about a pivot axis, at least one electrode arranged at the at least one jaw part, and at least one current supply line leading to the at least one electrode and designed as a wire-shaped element, a distal end of which being connected to the at least one electrode, the wire-shaped element being configured as a loop in the region of the pivot axis.