Nested Jaw Electrosurgical Instrument Stiffness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in maintaining high compression force and stiffness while being miniaturized, as reducing size compromises the structural integrity and material mass of the jaws, affecting their ability to effectively seal tissue.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a pivot connection with a semi-cylindrical and concave surface arrangement that allows axial displacement of the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw, eliminating the need for pin connections and maintaining structural integrity, along with a pin-less connection and over-molded plastic skin for electrical isolation, and uses articulation and actuation wires for power delivery, preserving stiffness and mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the electrosurgical instrument is reduced, then the instrument can fit through smaller cannulas, but the compression force and stiffness of the jaws are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper jaw is nested within the lower jaw housing, with the upper jaw being axially displaceable through a passage in the lower jaw. This nested configuration allows the instrument to maintain a compact form factor while preserving the structural integrity and compression force of the jaws, as the upper jaw is contained within the larger lower jaw structure rather than requiring separate housing space
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional side-by-side jaw arrangement to a nested configuration where the upper jaw moves axially through the lower jaw. This dimensional reorganization allows the instrument to achieve reduced overall size while maintaining jaw stiffness and compression force, as the nested arrangement optimizes space utilization without compromising structural properties
2Volume of moving object
If the size of the electrosurgical instrument is reduced, then the instrument can fit through smaller cannulas, but the stiffness of the jaws is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration with the upper jaw contained within the lower jaw housing maintains structural rigidity while reducing overall instrument volume. The passage through which the upper jaw is axially displaceable is designed to preserve jaw stiffness, allowing the instrument to fit through smaller cannulas without compromising the stability and rigidity needed for effective tissue sealing
3Adaptability or versatility
If components are added to control tissue cutting and jaw actuation, then the functionality is improved, but the material mass and stiffness in the jaws are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the upper jaw within the lower jaw housing and allowing axial displacement through a passage, the invention accommodates multiple functional components (tissue cutting control, jaw actuation, articulation, power delivery) within the available space without requiring material removal from the jaws. This preserves the material mass and structural strength of the jaws while enabling sophisticated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The nested jaw configuration serves multiple functions: it provides the structural framework for housing control components, enables axial displacement for jaw actuation, and maintains the strength and stiffness required for tissue sealing. This multi-functional design allows the same structural elements to fulfill multiple roles, avoiding the need to sacrifice jaw material for component accommodation
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 enables the electrosurgical device to maintain high compression force and stiffness even in a reduced size, ensuring effective tissue sealing and improved instrument mobility during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The lower jaw is pivotally connected to the upper jaw by a pivot connection. The pivot connection includes a passage that contains a portion of the upper jaw. The upper jaw is axially displaceable through the passage to pivot the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw between a relatively open condition and a relatively closed condition.
Implementation Method 2
Biopolar electrosurgical instruments apply radiofrequency (RF) energy to a surgical site to cut, ablate, or coagulate tissue. The upper jaw and lower jaw are operable in the relatively closed condition to deliver RF energy to tissue.
Implementation Method 3
The mechanical force exerted by the jaws and the electrical current combine to create the desired surgical effect. By controlling the level of mechanical and electrical parameters, such as the pressure applied by the jaws, the gap distance between electrodes, and the voltage, current, frequency, and duration of the electrosurgical energy applied to the tissue, the surgeon can coagulate, cauterize, or seal tissue toward a therapeutic end.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical device for cutting and sealing tissue includes an upper jaw located at a distal end of the electrosurgical device that opposes a lower jaw. The lower jaw is pivotally connected to the upper jaw by a pivot connection. The pivot connection includes a passage that contains a portion of the upper jaw. The upper jaw is axially displaceable through the passage to pivot the upper jaw relative to the lower jaw between a relatively open condition and a relatively closed condition. The upper jaw and lower jaw are operable in the relatively closed condition to deliver RF energy to tissue.