Surgical Forceps with Integrated Coagulation and Cutting Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surgical devices face challenges in effectively gripping, coagulating, and cutting biological tissues, especially in liquid or blood environments, due to weakened hemostatic power and inefficiencies in multi-step operations.

Innovation Solution

A cutting device with a mechanism comprising a first and second contact member that can be opened and closed, a contact mechanism to rotate and bring the members into contact with a target site, and a cutting mechanism for cutting, along with electrodes for electromagnetic wave irradiation to coagulate, integrated with a gripping and cutting system for surgical robots and medical tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic waves are used for coagulation in liquid or blood environments, then hemostatic effect is achieved, but hemostatic power is weakened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehemostatic effectVSAvoidhemostatic power

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coagulant substance as an intermediary between the electromagnetic wave source and the blood. The coagulant substance absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to thermal energy, creating a localized heating effect that coagulates blood more effectively in liquid environments. This mediator overcomes the weakness of direct electromagnetic wave coagulation in blood pools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple separate operations (gripping, coagulation, cutting) are performed, then each function can be optimized, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional effectivenessVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines gripping, coagulation, and cutting functions into a single integrated surgical instrument. The forceps structure incorporates electromagnetic wave-emitting electrodes and cutting blades, allowing all three operations to be performed through one device. This merging reduces the number of separate steps and instruments needed while maintaining the effectiveness of each individual function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The surgical forceps are designed with multi-functionality, serving as both a gripping tool and a coagulation/cutting device. The electrodes can be positioned on the gripping surfaces, enabling the same instrument to perform mechanical gripping, electromagnetic coagulation, and surgical cutting. This universal design simplifies the surgical workflow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If electrodes are applied directly to target site for coagulation, then coagulation efficiency is improved, but risk of damage to surrounding tissue increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoagulation efficiencyVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies electromagnetic waves locally at the tip of the forceps where the electrodes are positioned. The electromagnetic energy is concentrated at the specific target site rather than being distributed broadly, which enables efficient coagulation of the intended tissue while minimizing exposure and potential damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The local application is achieved through positioned electrodes on the forceps tips.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables efficient gripping, coagulation, and cutting of biological tissues with improved hemostatic control and reduced operational complexity, even in challenging environments like liquids or blood pools, by integrating electromagnetic wave irradiation and precise mechanical movement.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the living tissue is coagulated by irradiating electromagnetic waves from the electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a contact mechanism that rotates the first contact member toward the second contact member to bring the first contact member and the second contact member into contact with a target site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Implementation Method 3

the cutting member is rotated in the same direction as the rotational drive of the first gripping member, and is joined to the second gripping member to cut the target site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS20220175410A1Cutting device, forceps and gripping/cutting method

Publication Date: 2022.06.09 NAT UNIV CORP SHIGA UNIV OF MEDICAL SCI

AI summary

A cutting device including a first contact member and at second contact member assembled so as to be openable and closable, a contact mechanism that rotates the first contact member toward the second contact member to bring the first contact member and the second contact member into contact with a target portion, and a cutting mechanism for cutting the target portion in a state where the first contact member and the second contact member are in contact with the target portion by the contact mechanism.