Transcript Fingerswitch for Bipolar Forceps Brent Geiger Brian Schwartz Nate Gaeckle Tom Chia Jason Ethington Client: Dr. Behnam Badie Advisor: Willis Tompkins.

Fingerswitch for Bipolar
Forceps
Brent Geiger
Brian Schwartz
Nate Gaeckle
Tom Chia
Jason Ethington
Client: Dr. Behnam Badie
Advisor: Willis Tompkins
Problem Statement
Bipolar forceps used in neurosurgery
 Current foot pedal system is tedious
 Our client wishes to replace footswitch
with fingerswitch
 More convenient
 Less confusion
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Electrosurgical Background
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Purpose of
electrocautery
Used in many
different medical
fields
Current technology
Current Equipment
Client Requirements
Must retain the original function
 Must not obstruct line of sight
 Switch must be smooth
 Easily depressible yet tactile

Previous Design Team Work
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BME 200/300 - Fall 2001
Attached microswitch to the bipolar forceps
No Testing conducted
Current Standing
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Attached universal electrosurgical cord
Added temporary insulation
Lowered switch to improve line of sight
Modifications
 Permanent Insulation
 To protect surgeon from electrical shock
 To protect circuitry from autoclave (175oC,
steam)
Silicone Rubber
Pros-withstands high temperatures, high
voltage resistance
Cons-expensive
Modifications
 Re-position
the switch
Switch is still too high
 Angle switch outward for comfort
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Modifications
 Ergonomic
 Groove
Improvements
for middle finger
 Improves
Comfort
 Provides stability while button is depressed
 Quick-release,
forceps
disposable wires for
Future Goals
Locate electrosurgical unit for testing
 Let Dr. Badie test out the prototype
 Implement previously mentioned
modifications
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Patent Disclosure
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Client met with WARF
Submitted names and
all information
Special Thanks
Willis Tompkins
Behnam Badie
Jeff Schowalter
Burke O’Neal
John Webster
Nick Kortan
Jeff Fenne