Plastic Hollow Force Transmission Element in Electrosurgical Instrument
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments with thin shaft tubes face challenges in efficiently transmitting forces and electric supply lines without enlarging the diameter, which can lead to suture insufficiency and increased risk of short-circuits during tissue fusion procedures.
Innovation Solution
A plastic hollow section within the shaft serves as a force transmission element for both compressive and tensile forces, includes longitudinally extending channels for electric supply lines and cooling/wound-healing agents, and features a pull-push shaft for tissue clamping, reducing the need for additional elements and minimizing the risk of short-circuits due to its electrical insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If multiple separate force transmission elements are used for compressive and tensile forces, then the instrument can effectively transmit forces for cutting tool actuation, but the shaft diameter must be enlarged to accommodate additional elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate force transmission elements for compressive and tensile forces into a single integrated element. This unified element transmits both types of forces simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate components and avoiding shaft diameter enlargement while maintaining effective force transmission for cutting tool actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single force transmission element is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting both compressive and tensile forces, providing structural support, and serving as a conduit for electrical supply lines. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining all necessary capabilities.
2Force
If metal force transmission elements are used, then force transmission is effective, but the risk of short-circuits in electric supply lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite force transmission element that combines materials with different properties. The element incorporates electrically insulating materials while maintaining mechanical strength for effective force transmission. This composite structure provides both the necessary mechanical performance and electrical insulation to prevent short-circuits in adjacent electric supply lines.
3Area of stationary object
If the shaft diameter is kept small, then the instrument remains minimally invasive and easy to maneuver, but there is insufficient space for force transmission elements and electric supply lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where electrical supply lines are routed through hollow channels within the force transmission element. This nesting allows multiple functional elements to coexist within a compact shaft diameter, providing sufficient space for both force transmission and electrical connections without increasing overall instrument size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the longitudinal dimension of the shaft by providing channels that extend along the length of the force transmission element. This allows electrical supply lines to be routed through the length of the element rather than requiring lateral space, effectively using the third dimension to accommodate multiple elements within a compact cross-sectional area.
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 allows for efficient force transmission and electrical insulation, reducing the risk of short-circuits and suture insufficiency while maintaining a compact instrument design, enhancing the reliability of tissue fusion procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a force transmission element in the form of a plastic hollow section is arranged in the interior of the hollow shaft and is connected to both a proximal and a distal connection element in the shaft
Implementation Method 2
Tissue fusion by means of radio frequency technology (RF) is based on the denaturation of proteins which are contained in many types of tissue. This allows the welding of collagen-containing tissue. During the welding procedure, the tissue is heated up to temperatures above protein denaturation temperature
Implementation Method 3
the tissue is heated up to temperatures above protein denaturation temperature and together with the intra- and extra-cellular matrix is converted to a gel-like condition
Implementation Method 4
As the plastic section is not made of metal in contrast to the usual push-pull elements on medical staple instruments, it is electrically insulating, so that the risk of short-circuits in electric supply lines of a thermo-fusion device is reduced
Implementation Method 5
The longitudinal channels in the plastic hollow section may be used for supplying cooling media for the electrodes of the thermo-fusion device
Implementation Method 6
supplying cooling media for the electrodes of the thermo-fusion device
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes an elongated shaft, with components arranged in the shaft. The elongated shaft is slightly curved. Arranged on a proximal end of the surgical instrument is an actuation device in the form of a lever mechanism and rotary knob. A force transmission element in the form of a plastic hollow section is arranged in the shaft. The force transmission element is a plastic section designed for transmitting compressive and tensile forces. The plastic section is provided with a plurality of longitudinally extending channels. Therefore, the plastic section does not only serve as a force transmission element, but electric lines and a pull-push shaft may additionally extend in the channels. The longitudinal channels may be used for supplying cooling media for the electrodes or the thermo-fusion device or for feeding agents promoting wound repair. The plastic section is electrically insulating, so that the risk of short-circuits is reduced.