Fingerswitch for Bipolar Fingerswitch for Bipolar ForcepsForceps

Brent GeigerBrent GeigerBrian SchwartzBrian SchwartzNate GaeckleNate Gaeckle

Tom ChiaTom ChiaJason EthingtonJason Ethington

Client: Dr. Behnam BadieClient: Dr. Behnam BadieAdvisor: Willis TompkinsAdvisor: Willis Tompkins

Problem StatementProblem Statement

Bipolar forceps used in neurosurgeryBipolar forceps used in neurosurgeryCurrent foot pedal system is tediousCurrent foot pedal system is tediousOur client wishes to replace footswitch Our client wishes to replace footswitch

with fingerswitchwith fingerswitchMore convenientMore convenientLess confusionLess confusion

Electrosurgical BackgroundElectrosurgical Background

Purpose of Purpose of electrocauteryelectrocautery

Used in many Used in many different medical different medical fieldsfields

Current technologyCurrent technology

Current EquipmentCurrent Equipment

Client RequirementsClient Requirements

Must retain the original function Must retain the original function Must not obstruct line of sightMust not obstruct line of sightSwitch must be smooth Switch must be smooth Easily depressible yet tactileEasily depressible yet tactile

Previous Design Team WorkPrevious Design Team Work

BME 200/300 - Fall 2001BME 200/300 - Fall 2001 Attached microswitch to the bipolar forcepsAttached microswitch to the bipolar forceps No Testing conductedNo Testing conducted

Current StandingCurrent Standing

Attached universal electrosurgical cordAttached universal electrosurgical cord Added temporary insulationAdded temporary insulation Lowered switch to improve line of sightLowered switch to improve line of sight

ModificationsModifications

Permanent InsulationPermanent InsulationTo protect surgeon from electrical shockTo protect surgeon from electrical shockTo protect circuitry from autoclave (175To protect circuitry from autoclave (175ooC, C,

steam)steam)

Silicone RubberSilicone RubberPros-withstands high temperatures, high Pros-withstands high temperatures, high

voltage resistancevoltage resistanceCons-expensiveCons-expensive

ModificationsModifications

Re-position the switchRe-position the switchSwitch is still too highSwitch is still too highAngle switch outward for comfortAngle switch outward for comfort

ModificationsModifications

Ergonomic ImprovementsErgonomic ImprovementsGroove for middle fingerGroove for middle finger

Improves ComfortImproves ComfortProvides stability while button is depressedProvides stability while button is depressed

Quick-release, disposable wires for Quick-release, disposable wires for forcepsforceps

Future GoalsFuture Goals

Locate electrosurgical unit for testingLocate electrosurgical unit for testingLet Dr. Badie test out the prototypeLet Dr. Badie test out the prototype Implement previously mentioned Implement previously mentioned

modificationsmodifications

Patent DisclosurePatent Disclosure

Client met with WARF Client met with WARF Submitted names and Submitted names and

all informationall information

Special ThanksSpecial Thanks

Willis TompkinsWillis TompkinsBehnam BadieBehnam BadieJeff SchowalterJeff SchowalterBurke O’NealBurke O’NealJohn WebsterJohn WebsterNick KortanNick KortanJeff FenneJeff Fenne