Segmented Surgical Forceps with Electromagnetic Jaw Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical forceps often apply uneven pressure to tissues and vessels due to the mechanics of their jaws, leading to incomplete cutting and sealing during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating secondary moving components, such as movable segments of the jaw, and optionally movable electrodes to apply homogeneous pressure, which helps in improving the cutting and sealing operations by ensuring even engagement and pressure distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional jaw mechanics are used, then the forceps structure is simple, but uneven pressure is applied to tissue leading to incomplete cutting and sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment can be actuated separately to apply uniform pressure distribution across the tissue, transforming the single rigid jaw into a multi-segmented structure that adapts to tissue contours and provides homogeneous force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The jaw transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with movable segments that can adjust their positions and orientations during operation. The segments can move between fixed and movable states, allowing the jaw to adapt to different tissue configurations and maintain uniform pressure contact throughout the grasping and cutting process.
2Reliability
If movable jaw segments are added, then pressure distribution becomes uniform improving cutting performance, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The jaw is divided into multiple segments that can move independently relative to each other. Each segment can be actuated separately to apply uniform pressure distribution across the tissue, transforming the single rigid jaw into a multi-segmented structure that adapts to tissue contours and provides homogeneous force application.
Solution Approach 2:
Traditional mechanical linkages and springs are replaced with electromagnetic actuators that directly control the position and force application of each jaw segment. This substitution allows for more precise and uniform pressure control while simplifying the overall mechanical complexity through direct electromagnetic actuation rather than complex mechanical transmission systems.
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
The solution enhances the cutting and sealing performance by ensuring uniform pressure application, reducing the likelihood of tissue misshapen or incomplete sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a first movable jaw segment in communication with a first electromagnetic actuation system, and configured to be electromagnetically actuatable relative to the first jaw frame
Data Source
AI summary
A forceps can include a first jaw and a second jaw. The first jaw can include a first jaw frame and a first movable jaw segment coupled with the first jaw frame. The second jaw can be coupled with the first jaw and the first movable jaw segment can be in communication with a first electromagnetic actuation system. The first movable jaw segment is configured to be electromagnetically actuatable relative to the first jaw frame.