Rotatable Inner Shaft Electrosurgical Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of electrosurgical forceps is complex due to the intricate coupling of multiple components, leading to increased manufacturing time and cost, particularly in aligning and positioning the end effector with the drive assembly to effectively grasp and treat tissue.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument featuring inner and outer shafts with bifurcated distal ends and electrodes, where the inner shaft is rotatable to compress tissue between the shaft members, facilitated by a ratchet mechanism and sensors to control pressure and gap, allowing for efficient tissue sealing and cutting, and featuring a cutting blade for severing treated tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrosurgical forceps are used with intricate coupling of multiple components, then tissue treatment functionality is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: an outer shaft assembly with first jaw members and second jaw members, and an inner shaft assembly with a cutting blade. These modules can be manufactured independently and then coupled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shaft assembly is disposed within the outer shaft assembly, with the inner shaft rotatable within the outer shaft. This nested configuration allows compact integration of multiple functions (grasping, compressing, cutting) while simplifying the coupling requirements compared to side-by-side component arrangements.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional electrosurgical forceps are used with intricate component alignment, then proper positioning is achieved, but manufacturing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outer shaft and inner shaft are designed with pre-configured engagement features and alignment references that guide proper positioning during assembly. The bifurcated distal ends with spaced-apart members are pre-formed to receive tissue and guide the cutting blade, eliminating the need for complex post-assembly alignment adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric relationship between the inner shaft and outer shaft, along with the bifurcated structure of both shafts, creates self-aligning features during assembly. The components guide their own positioning through their geometric relationships, reducing the need for external alignment tools and procedures.
3Productivity
If inner shaft is made rotatable for tissue compression, then tissue treatment efficiency is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation of the inner shaft is achieved through electrosurgical energy delivery rather than a complex mechanical transmission system. The electrosurgical energy serves dual purposes: treating the tissue and driving the rotational movement of the inner shaft, thereby simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining treatment efficiency.
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 simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the need for complex component alignment, lowers costs, and enhances the efficiency of tissue treatment by providing precise control over pressure and energy application for effective sealing and cutting.
Implementation Method 1
one or more corresponding first electrodes thereon adapted to connect to an electrosurgical energy source... one or more corresponding second electrodes thereon adapted to connect to the electrosurgical energy source
Implementation Method 2
The inner shaft is rotatable from an initial configuration for positioning tissue between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members to a subsequent configuration for compressing the tissue disposed between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument is provided. The electrosurgical instrument includes a housing. An outer shaft extends from the housing. The outer shaft includes a bifurcated distal end having a pair of first spaced-apart members with an elongated slot extending therebetween. The pair of first spaced-apart members configured to receive tissue therebetween. An inner shaft is disposed within the outer shaft and includes a bifurcated distal end having a pair of second spaced-apart members with an elongated slot extending therebetween. The pair of second spaced-apart members is configured to receive tissue therebetween. Each of the pairs of the first and second spaced apart members includes one or more electrodes thereon. The inner shaft is rotatable from an initial configuration for positioning tissue between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members to a subsequent configuration for compressing the tissue disposed between the pairs of first and second spaced-apart members.