Microsurgical Bipolar Forceps with Shape Memory Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bipolar forceps used in neurosurgical procedures face challenges in visually and tactilely confirming the effectiveness of electrosurgical procedures, and there is a need for a device that reduces tissue adherence to electrodes, especially for microsurgical applications requiring access to small tissues.

Innovation Solution

A microsurgical bipolar forceps design featuring an actuation structure with shape memory material, a hypodermic tube, and electrical conductors, allowing for adjustable jaw distance and incorporating irrigation fluid channels to prevent tissue adherence, with components made from materials suitable for sterilization and 3D printing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bipolar forceps are used in neurosurgical procedures, then electrosurgical procedures can be performed, but the surgeon cannot visually and tactilely confirm the procedure is being performed as intended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfirmation of electrosurgical procedure effectivenessVSAvoidvisual and tactile confirmation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a light source and optical sensor system that detects color changes or optical properties of tissue to provide visual feedback to the surgeon, enabling confirmation of electrosurgical procedure effectiveness without direct visual contact with the surgical site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical tactile feedback with an optical sensing system that detects tissue properties through non-contact means, allowing the surgeon to confirm procedure effectiveness through optical signals rather than direct mechanical sensation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If electrosurgical procedure is performed, then tissue can be cauterized, but cauterized tissue adheres to the electrodes and must be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecauterization effectivenessVSAvoidtime to remove adhered tissue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates irrigation channels that deliver fluid (water or other liquids) to the surgical site to prevent tissue adhesion to electrodes, allowing continuous flushing during the cauterization process to eliminate the need for post-procedure tissue removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces fluid as an intermediary substance between the electrode and tissue, creating a barrier layer that prevents direct adhesion while allowing the cauterization effect to proceed, thus eliminating the need to remove adhered tissue

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional bipolar forceps are used, then access to small tissues is possible, but precise control is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to small tissuesVSAvoidcontrol precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates shape memory material that enables dynamic adjustment of the jaw configuration and actuation structure, allowing precise control of the forceps tips for accessing and manipulating small tissues while adapting to different surgical conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes shape memory material that changes its physical state or dimensions in response to temperature or other parameters, enabling precise control of the jaw distance and orientation for accessing small tissues with high accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise control and reduced tissue adherence during microsurgical procedures, enhancing the surgeon's ability to visually and tactilely confirm the procedure's effectiveness while maintaining the instrument's functionality and sterilizability.

Implementation Method 1

an actuation structure with shape memory material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10772676B2Microsurgical bipolar forceps

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 KOGENT SURGICAL LLC

AI summary

A microsurgical bipolar forceps may include an actuation structure, a hypodermic tube, a first electrical conductor, and a second electrical conductor. The actuation structure may include an actuation structure distal end, an actuation structure proximal end, and a plurality of actuation limbs. The hypodermic tube may be disposed in the actuation structure. The first electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the first electrical conductor is electrically connected to a bipolar cord. The second electrical conductor may be disposed in the hypodermic tube and the actuation structure wherein the second electrical conductor is electrically connected to the bipolar cord. A compression of the actuation structure may be configured to decrease a distance between a first jaw of the first electrical conductor and a second jaw of the second electrical conductor.