Sealer Divider with Tapered Gaps for Electrosurgical Forceps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar electrosurgical forceps face challenges in preventing electrical shorting between sealing surfaces while accommodating varying tissue thicknesses, requiring uniform or tailored gaps that are not adequately addressed by current designs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a sealer divider with non-conductive stops of varying heights and configurations on the jaws to create a gap that tapers from wider at the proximal end to narrower at the distal end, ensuring effective tissue gripping and preventing shorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform gaps are used between sealing surfaces, then electrical shorting is prevented, but varying tissue thicknesses cannot be adequately accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing stops of different heights at different locations along the sealing surfaces. Specifically, the distal portion has stops that create a first gap height, while the proximal portion has stops that create a second gap height, allowing each region to be optimized for its specific function (distal for tissue grasping, proximal for thicker vessel sealing)
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the gap structure into multiple distinct regions along the length of the sealing surfaces. The stops are arranged to create at least two different gap heights, dividing the sealing surface into zones with different electrical insulation characteristics, enabling simultaneous handling of thin and thick tissues
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-uniform gaps are used to accommodate varying tissue thicknesses, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to manufacture a complex continuously varying gap structure, the patent uses discrete stops of specific heights placed at specific locations. This approach simplifies manufacturing by using standardized components with defined dimensions, where the gap variation is achieved through component selection and placement rather than complex geometry
3Reliability
If stops are placed on the jaws to prevent shorting, then electrical insulation is improved, but tissue gripping capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent strategically places stops only in regions where electrical insulation is critical, while maintaining full tissue contact capability in grasping regions. The distal stops are positioned to prevent shorting during the sealing phase, while the proximal region without stops allows for effective tissue grasping and manipulation
Data Source
AI summary
A device comprising: a first jaw having a gripping surface; a second jaw having a gripping surface, the second jaw being spaced apart from the first jaw and being configured to move between an open position and a closed position, and a sealer divider having a plurality of stops including at least: one or more distal stops, one or more proximal stops; and one or more intermediate stops that are of an intermediate height when compared to a height of the one or more distal stops and a height the one or more proximal stops, and wherein the plurality of stops are non-conductive and are distributed on the gripping surface of the first jaw, the gripping surface of the second jaw, or both, and wherein the first jaw and the second jaw have a proximal end and a distal end and the plurality of stops produce a gap that is widest at the proximal end and tapers so that a gap at the distal end is narrower than the gap at the proximal end.