Magnetic Actuation for Flexible Electrosurgical Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical forceps with flexible shafts experience frictional losses and reduced operational life due to bending or deformation, which impede the effective transfer of closure force to jaw members, affecting tissue sealing and instrument longevity.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic actuation mechanism is employed, using magnets to pivotally move jaw members between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for springs and reducing frictional losses by generating opposing magnetic fields to achieve consistent closure force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible shaft is used in electrosurgical forceps, then the forceps can navigate curved anatomical paths, but frictional losses increase and closure force transfer deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical drive rod system with a magnetic actuation mechanism. Magnets are positioned within the flexible shaft to directly actuate the jaw members, eliminating the need for mechanical force transmission through the flexible shaft. This substitution removes the source of frictional losses while maintaining the ability to deliver closure force at the distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the drive rod from the flexible shaft assembly. By taking out the mechanical transmission component that causes friction, the system eliminates energy loss while preserving the flexible shaft's navigational capabilities through alternative magnetic actuation.
2Force
If the shaft is bent or deformed, then mechanical advantage can be gained at the surgical site, but frictional losses impede effective transfer of closure force
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic actuation system replaces mechanical force transmission, allowing the shaft to be bent into advantageous positions without compromising force transfer. The magnets generate magnetic fields that directly actuate the jaw members regardless of shaft configuration, ensuring reliable closure force delivery even when the shaft is articulated.
3Reliability
If traditional spring mechanisms are used to maintain closure force, then consistent tissue sealing can be achieved, but the spring's operative life is lessened due to frictional losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring mechanism with a magnetic actuation system that generates closure force through magnetic fields. This eliminates the mechanical friction that degrades spring life, while maintaining consistent tissue sealing through controlled magnetic actuation of the jaw members.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic actuation mechanism provides self-contained force generation without relying on mechanical components subject to wear. The system uses magnetic fields to directly actuate the jaw members, eliminating the need for springs and other friction-prone mechanical elements.
4Area of moving object
If small jaw members are used to pass through small openings, then catheter-based access is enabled, but the shaft and drive components must be proportionally small increasing friction
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical drive rod with a magnetic actuation system, the invention enables small jaw members to be actuated without proportionally small drive components. The magnets can be positioned within the flexible shaft to directly actuate the small jaw members, eliminating frictional losses that would occur with scaled-down mechanical transmission.
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 magnetic actuation mechanism enhances mechanical advantage, reduces frictional losses, and extends the operational life of the forceps by ensuring consistent tissue sealing and closure force, even with flexible shafts.
Implementation Method 1
A magnetic actuation mechanism is operably coupled to one or both of the first and second jaw members and configured to generate opposing magnetic fields on each of the first jaw and second jaw members to actuate the first and second jaw members between the first and second configurations.
Implementation Method 2
The magnetic actuation mechanism includes two or more magnets that operably couple to a respective first and second jaw member. When the magnetic field at each of the first and second jaw members is the same polarity, the first and second jaw members are caused to move to the open position and when the magnetic field at the first and second jaw members is a different polarity, the first and second jaw members are cause to move to the clamping position.
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscopic forceps is provided and includes a housing having a shaft that extends therefrom. An end effector assembly is operatively connected to a distal end of the shaft and includes a pair of first and second jaw members that are pivotably coupled to one another and movable relative to one another. The first and second jaw members are disposed in a first configuration, wherein the first and second jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another, to a second configuration, wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. A magnetic actuation mechanism is operably coupled to one or both of the first and second jaw members and configured to generate opposing magnetic fields on each of the first jaw and second jaw members to actuate the first and second jaw members between the first and second configurations.