Spring-Loaded Jaw Mechanism for Controlled Gap Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical forceps face challenges in maintaining optimal pressure and gap distance between electrodes for effective tissue sealing, particularly in large vessels, which can lead to short circuits or inadequate sealing.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a mechanism with a cam pin and camming slots to move jaw members between open and closed positions, utilizing a spring to apply consistent pressure and maintain a controlled gap distance, along with an electrically conductive tissue sealing surface connected to an electrosurgical energy source for precise tissue sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical clamping force is applied to compress tissue between electrodes, then tissue sealing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of electrode contact and short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-conductive spacer as an intermediary element positioned between the opposing electrodes. This spacer maintains a precise gap distance that prevents electrode contact while allowing adequate compression of the tissue seal, thereby eliminating the short circuit risk without compromising sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a spring-loaded mechanism that dynamically adjusts the clamping force parameter. The spring applies a controlled, consistent force that maintains optimal compression pressure on the tissue seal while preventing excessive force that would cause electrode contact, thus resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and short circuit prevention
2Reliability
If higher closure pressure is applied to prevent tissue movement, then seal integrity is improved, but the gap distance between electrodes becomes harder to control
Solution Approach 1:
The non-conductive spacer serves as a mechanical intermediary that physically maintains the gap distance between electrodes. This spacer is designed with specific geometry to ensure that even under high closure pressure, the gap distance remains within the optimal range for electrosurgical sealing while preventing electrode contact
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to apply the optimal clamping force before tissue sealing begins. This preliminary action ensures that the tissue is adequately compressed and held in position throughout the sealing process, maintaining both seal integrity and controlled gap distance
3Reliability
If the jaw members are held in a fixed closed position, then consistent pressure is maintained, but the ability to release and reposition jaws is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic jaw mechanism where the spring continuously applies pressure while allowing controlled movement. The jaw members can be opened and repositioned by overcoming the spring force, and once closed, the spring automatically maintains consistent pressure without requiring continuous actuation, thus achieving both pressure consistency and operational flexibility
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 solution ensures consistent pressure and gap control, enhancing the effectiveness of tissue sealing by preventing short circuits and ensuring proper vessel closure, while allowing for precise energy delivery through the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The spring imparts a spring force in a distal direction to bias the actuating mechanism to the unactuated position
Implementation Method 2
The tissue sealing surface is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy for conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal
Implementation Method 3
conducting electrosurgical energy through tissue disposed between the jaw members to effect a tissue seal
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing and an elongated shaft operably coupled to an actuating mechanism moveable between an actuated position and an unactuated position. An end effector includes a pair of opposing first and second jaw members. One or more drive surfaces are disposed on the actuating mechanism and configured to compress a spring upon movement of the actuating mechanism to the actuated position. The spring imparts a spring force in a distal direction to bias the actuating mechanism to the unactuated position. An electrically conductive tissue sealing surface extends along a length of one or both of the jaw members and is adapted to connect to a source of electrosurgical energy.