Precision is the paramount issue in surgical instruments. 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.
In a study published in Sensors, a research group from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics of the 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. Researchers made an in-depth analysis of the limitations of existing surgical forceps. They identified that involuntary hand movements, such as tremors and twitches, significantly impacted the precision of surgical operations, and 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, researchers designed a new surgical forceps that incorporated a force-holding feature, allowing for better control and stability during surgical procedures.
The overall structure of the surgical forceps was conceptualized based on the lever principle which facilitates effective clamping action. A kinematic model of the clamping mechanism using geometric methods was established and its accuracy was verified through simulations in ADAMS software. Then, 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.
Researchers constructed a prototype of the surgical forceps to test the performance, designed an experimental platform to evaluate the clamping force and stability of the forceps under various conditions, and utilized a silicone material that mimicked human tissues to assess the forceps' effectiveness. They found 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.
The findings of this study highlight the advantages of the new design. 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 study 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. It underscores the importance of continuous innovation in medical technology, ultimately leading to safer and more effective surgical practices.
