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 Bipolar forceps used in neurosurgery Current foot pedal system is tedious Current foot pedal system is tedious Our client wishes to replace footswitch with fingerswitch Our client wishes to replace footswitch with fingerswitch More convenient More convenient Less confusion Less confusion

Electrosurgical Background Purpose of electrocautery Purpose of electrocautery Used in many different medical fields Used in many different medical fields Current technology Current technology

Current Equipment

Client Requirements Must retain the original function Must retain the original function Must not obstruct line of sight Must not obstruct line of sight Switch must be smooth Switch must be smooth Easily depressible yet tactile Easily depressible yet tactile

Previous Design Team Work BME 200/300 - Fall 2001 BME 200/300 - Fall 2001 Attached microswitch to the bipolar forceps Attached microswitch to the bipolar forceps No Testing conducted No Testing conducted

Current Standing Attached universal electrosurgical cord Attached universal electrosurgical cord Added temporary insulation Added temporary insulation Lowered switch to improve line of sight Lowered switch to improve line of sight

Modifications Permanent Insulation Permanent Insulation To protect surgeon from electrical shock To protect surgeon from electrical shock To protect circuitry from autoclave (175 o C, steam) To protect circuitry from autoclave (175 o C, steam) Silicone Rubber Pros-withstands high temperatures, high voltage resistance Cons-expensive

Modifications Re-position the switch Re-position the switch Switch is still too high Switch is still too high Angle switch outward for comfort Angle switch outward for comfort

Modifications Ergonomic Improvements Ergonomic Improvements Groove for middle finger Groove for middle finger Improves Comfort Improves Comfort Provides stability while button is depressed Provides stability while button is depressed Quick-release, disposable wires for forceps Quick-release, disposable wires for forceps

Future Goals Locate electrosurgical unit for testing Locate electrosurgical unit for testing Let Dr. Badie test out the prototype Let Dr. Badie test out the prototype Implement previously mentioned modifications Implement previously mentioned modifications

Patent Disclosure Client met with WARF Client met with WARF Submitted names and all information Submitted names and all information

Special Thanks Willis Tompkins Behnam Badie Jeff Schowalter Burke O’Neal John Webster Nick Kortan Jeff Fenne