In the realm of surgical instruments, precision is paramount. Traditional surgical forceps often suffer from issues related to physiological hand tremors and the nonlinear relationship between clamping force and operating force, which can compromise surgical accuracy.
To address these challenges, a research group from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed a novel type of hand-held surgical forceps equipped with a force-holding function. This innovative design aims to improve clamping accuracy while reducing surgeon fatigue during lengthy procedures. This study published in Sensors. The research began with an in-depth analysis of the limitations of existing surgical forceps. The team identified that involuntary hand movements, such as tremors and twitches, significantly impacted the precision of surgical operations. Additionally, the lack of a force feedback mechanism made it difficult for surgeons to gauge the actual clamping force applied to tissues, leading to potential biomechanical compatibility issues. To overcome these challenges, the researchers designed a new surgical forceps that incorporated a force-holding feature, allowing for better control and stability during surgical procedures.
The design process involved several key steps. First, the overall structure of the surgical forceps was conceptualized based on the lever principle, which facilitated effective clamping action. The researchers established a kinematic model of the clamping mechanism using geometric methods and verified its accuracy through simulations in ADAMS software. Following this, a comprehensive stress analysis was conducted, and a dynamic model was created to optimize the forceps' performance. Finite element simulations were employed to refine the design, ensuring that the forceps could withstand the stresses encountered during surgical use.
The experimental phase involved constructing a prototype of the surgical forceps and testing its performance. The researchers designed an experimental platform to evaluate the clamping force and stability of the forceps under various conditions. They utilized a silicone material that mimicked human tissues to assess the forceps' effectiveness. The results demonstrated that when the force-holding function was activated, the contact force between the forceps and the silicone tissue remained stable and close to the target gripping force. In contrast, when the force-holding mode was disabled, the contact force fluctuated significantly, highlighting the advantages of the new design.
The implications of this research are significant for the field of surgery. By enhancing the clamping accuracy and reducing the physical strain on surgeons, the new surgical forceps can improve the overall safety and effectiveness of surgical procedures. The optimized fundamental frequency of the forceps, designed to be higher than the frequency of physiological tremors, further ensures that the instrument remains stable during use. This advancement not only addresses the immediate challenges faced by surgeons but also contributes to the broader goal of improving biomechanical compatibility between surgical instruments and human tissues.
In conclusion, the development of these innovative surgical forceps represents a significant step forward in surgical technology. By integrating a force-holding function and optimizing the design for stability and precision, the researchers have created a tool that enhances surgical performance while alleviating the physical demands placed on surgeons. This research underscores the importance of continuous innovation in medical technology, ultimately leading to safer and more effective surgical practices.
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