Modular Bipolar Cautery Instruments for Minimally Invasive Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bipolar cautery forceps are limited in mobility and visualization within the smaller corridors of minimally-invasive surgery, making them difficult to use due to poor depth perception and stereoscopic vision.
Innovation Solution
A modular, multi-functional cautery device with independently positionable elements, each with dual surgical functions, allows for increased mobility and visualization by delivering electrical energy through separate electrodes connected via wiring, enabling cauterization from different angles and ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional bipolar cautery forceps are used, then hemostasis can be achieved, but mobility and visualization within smaller surgical corridors are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The bipolar cautery device is divided into two separate elements (first element and second element) that can be independently positioned and manipulated. Each element can be controlled separately, allowing improved mobility and visualization within small surgical corridors while maintaining the bipolar cautery function through separate electrical circuit formation.
2Reliability
If conventional bipolar cautery forceps are used, then electrocautery can be delivered, but depth perception and stereoscopic vision are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes separate first and second elements that can be approached from different dimensions or angles through small surgical corridors. This spatial separation allows for improved depth perception and stereoscopic vision by enabling the surgeon to manipulate elements independently in three-dimensional space, reducing the difficulty of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical devices are used for manipulation and cauterization, then functional versatility is improved, but repeated device removal increases infection risk
Solution Approach 1:
The bipolar cautery device integrates multiple surgical functions into a single unified system. The first and second elements can each perform manipulation functions (such as grasping or dissecting) while simultaneously delivering electrical energy for cauterization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for repeated device removal and replacement, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining functional versatility.
4Ease of operation
If separate electrodes are used for cautery delivery, then mobility and visualization are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of separate electrodes into a unified bipolar cautery system where the first and second elements work together as an integrated pair. While the elements are separately positioned and manipulated for enhanced mobility and visualization, they are electrically connected to form a single bipolar circuit, thereby managing device complexity through functional integration.
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
Enhances surgical efficiency and reduces the risk of infection by allowing simultaneous manipulation and cauterization of target tissue without repeated device removal, while maintaining smaller surgical openings.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second elements include a surgical component and may be capable of forming an electrical circuit... deliver electrical energy to the target tissue. Often times, the delivery of the electrical energy to the target tissue acts to cauterize the target tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical cautery device, system, and method of use may apply bipolar and/or sesquipolar electrocautery to target tissue via a pair of instruments with other primary surgical functions. The surgical cautery device and system may include first and second elements capable of forming an electrical circuit. The second element may be independently positionable with respect to the first element. The first and second elements may also include a surgical component with an independent surgical function. Exemplary surgical components include a rotary blade, a cutting tool, a grasper tool, a micro-scissors tool, a micro-grasping forceps tool, a dissector, a micro-dissector, curette, and a suction cannula. On some occasions, one of the surgical components may be interchangeable with another surgical component.