Squeeze-Actuated Bipolar Dissector for Precise Tissue Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical forceps, or bipolar dissectors, lack a clamping grip action that can be actuated under the control of a tweezer-like action, leading to maneuverability, control, and precision issues during surgical procedures, particularly in confined spaces.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar dissector with a handle that is actuatable by squeezing, featuring a shaft with electrical lines and insulating material, a pair of forceps, and a housing that actuates in the same direction as the squeezing motion, allowing for precise tissue manipulation, suction, and irrigation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a tweezer-like action is used for tissue manipulation, then precision and fine detail are improved, but clamping grip action and control are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tweezer-like action with a clamping grip action by integrating a handle mechanism that combines both functions. The handle includes a squeezing mechanism that simultaneously actuates the forceps for clamping while maintaining the tweezer-like precision for tissue manipulation, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality, allowing it to perform both tweezer-like manipulation and clamping grip actions through a single integrated handle mechanism. This universal design enables the instrument to adapt to different surgical requirements without sacrificing either precision or control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an elongate pistol-activated device is used, then electrosurgical functionality is provided, but maneuverability and precision in confined spaces are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a handle for actuation, a shaft for transmission, and forceps for manipulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the handle providing electrosurgical functionality while the forceps maintain maneuverability in confined spaces through their specialized design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional elongate pistol-activated configuration to a handle-based mechanism that operates in a different dimensional space. The handle mechanism provides a more compact and maneuverable interface for confined spaces while maintaining electrosurgical capabilities through the integrated shaft and forceps structure.
3Measurement precision
If space constraints and fine detail are considered, then precision is improved, but device complexity and maneuverability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the forceps are integrated within the handle mechanism, and the electrical lines are contained within the shaft. This nesting arrangement reduces the overall device footprint and simplifies maneuverability in confined spaces while maintaining the precision required for fine detail work through the integrated design of each nested component.
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
Enhances precision and control during surgical procedures by integrating a clamping grip action, suction, and irrigation, improving surgical efficiency and reducing imprecision.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating material electrically insulating the first electrical line and the second electrical line from each other and from the handle and the housing
Implementation Method 2
application of a bipolar electrical current to provide for purposes of cutting, coagulating, dissecting, or fulgurating tissue
Implementation Method 3
The electrical current is typically a radio-frequency alternating current
Implementation Method 4
the shaft further includes a fluid channel extending from a proximal end of the shaft to the distal end of the shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar dissector includes a handle actuatable by squeezing, a housing extending from and coupled to a distal end of the handle, and a shaft coupled to a proximal end of the handle and extending past the distal end of the handle and through the housing to a distal end of the housing. The shaft includes first and second electrical lines extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the shaft and an insulating material electrically insulating the electrical lines from each other and from the handle and the housing. The bipolar dissector also includes a pair of forceps including a first tine and a second tine. The tines extend from the electrical lines at the distal end of the shaft at the distal end of the housing. Squeezing the handle actuates the forceps in the same direction as the squeezing.