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VESSEL SEALING DEVICE
Using bi-polar, radio frequency (RF) energy, this device seals blood vessels during general surgeries (abdomen). The design focus of this project was to create a highly ergonomic grip requiring minimal hand articulation in order to sustain prolonged use by a surgeon for up to six hours. This required careful consideration of the placement and activation of the four major toggles on the device, which are in constant use. These include a knob used to articulate the jaws at the working end; a finger hold that is depressed to close the jaws; a button to activate the RF energy; and a trigger that deploys a small blade to cut the sealed tissue. Ample texturing was employed to ensure effective adherence at each action point. Versatility of grip styles was also essential to usability.