Multi-function surgical instrument with electromagnet actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical instruments are limited in their ability to seamlessly switch between bipolar and monopolar modes, requiring multiple instruments for complex procedures and increasing the complexity of endoscopic surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a powered deployment assembly that includes an electromagnet and actuator, allowing the energizable member to move between storage and deployed positions, enabling both bipolar and monopolar modes of operation through a single instrument, with a cable assembly and switch assembly for controlled energy supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate instruments are used for bipolar and monopolar operations, then each instrument can be optimized for its specific function, but the surgical procedure complexity and time increase due to instrument switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines bipolar and monopolar functional components into a single surgical instrument. The forceps integrates bipolar jaw members with a deployable monopolar electrode assembly, allowing both modes of operation within one device. This eliminates the need to alternate between separate bipolar and monopolar instruments during surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with universal functionality to perform both bipolar electrosurgical operations and monopolar dissection. The single instrument incorporates multiple energy delivery modes through a unified structure, enabling the surgeon to handle diverse tissue treatment requirements without switching instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single instrument incorporates both bipolar and monopolar features, then instrument versatility improves, but the structural complexity of the instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into distinct functional modules: bipolar jaw members for clamping and bipolar energy delivery, and a separate but deployable monopolar electrode assembly. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently while maintaining a unified instrument structure that manages complexity through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The monopolar electrode assembly is designed as a dynamic component that can be deployed and retracted as needed. The deployable structure allows the instrument to transition between configurations, enabling monopolar functionality only when required while maintaining a simpler bipolar configuration during other phases of the procedure.
3Productivity
If manual deployment of monopolar electrode is used, then instrument complexity is reduced, but the speed and precision of electrode positioning decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical deployment mechanism is replaced with an electromagnetic actuation system. An electromagnet positioned within the forceps shaft generates a magnetic field that attracts and positions the monopolar electrode assembly automatically. This substitution of mechanical manipulation with electromagnetic fields enables faster, more precise electrode deployment while keeping the overall instrument structure relatively simple.
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 and precise tissue treatment and dissection in both bipolar and monopolar modes, reducing the need for multiple instruments and enhancing the versatility of surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes a ferromagnetic material and wherein the powered deployment assembly further includes a magnet configured to actuate the actuator. The magnet is an electromagnet and wherein the energy source in the plug is configured to selectively produce a magnetic field around at least a portion of the electromagnet.
Implementation Method 2
The actuator includes a ferromagnetic material and wherein the powered deployment assembly further includes a magnet configured to actuate the actuator.
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical instrument includes a housing, an energizable member, a powered deployment assembly, and a cable assembly. The energizable member is configured to supply electrosurgical energy to tissue, and is movable between a storage position and a deployed position. The powered deployment assembly is configured to selectively move the energizable member between the storage position and the deployed position. The cable assembly having a cable coupled to the housing at a first end and having a plug coupled to the cable at a second, opposite end. The cable housing one or more first wires for selectively providing electrosurgical energy to the energizable member and one or more second wires for selectively providing power to the powered deployment assembly. The plug is configured to house a battery therein for powering the powered deployment assembly via the one or more second wires.