Electrodes for handheld electrosurgical instruments and methods for manufacturing electrodes

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for manufacturing electrodes, and electrodes that can be used particularly efficiently and manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner. [Solution] This is achieved in which the electrode 16 for the electrosurgical hand instrument comprises a conductive wire consisting of multiple sections. In this case, two sections of the wire directly adjacent to two ends of the wire are aligned parallel to each other. Furthermore, two second sections are adjacent to the two first sections, which are similarly aligned parallel to each other. This results in the second sections being directly adjacent to the first sections, and the second sections being directly adjacent to the first sections. The two second sections are connected to each other by further sections.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrode for an electrosurgical hand-held instrument according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing an electrode according to claim 9.

Background Art

[0002] Electrosurgical hand-held devices of the aforementioned type, particularly resectoscopes, are mainly used in urology for electrosurgical operations. In this context, these devices are typically used for the resection and evaporation of tissue, for example, tissue of the lower urinary tract. For this purpose, a hand-held device, particularly a resectoscope, can comprise a longitudinally displaceable electrode carrier that can advance a distal working end from the distal end of the instrument shaft housing of the hand-held device after the device has been inserted into the body of the patient to be treated. The electrosurgical electrode is arranged at the distal end of the electrode carrier. This electrode can, for example, be in the form of a loop and, depending on the form of the instrument, be pulled or pushed through the tissue to manipulate the tissue.

[0003] In the case of the above applications, a high-frequency current is applied to the electrode. It is important that the electrode is not in electrical contact with the shaft tube of the handpiece. If such electrical contact occurs, there is a risk of device failure due to a short circuit or unexpected trauma to the body of the patient to be treated. To prevent such a short circuit, the hand-held device includes an electrically insulating insulation insert, also called an insulation chip, in the distal end region. In this case, the insulation insert can be attached to either the inner shaft or shaft tube through which the electrode carrier is guided, or the outer shaft housing of the instrument. Such hand-held instruments can be used multiple times. They are also designed to require periodic sterilization or pressure sterilization, therefore insulating inserts It is designed to be removable for cleaning.

[0004] For the handheld instruments described here, which are intended for minimally invasive procedures on patients, there is a risk of trauma to the patient during the procedure. The objective is to minimize the size or cross-section of the device as much as possible in order to minimize the impact. Similarly, the objective is to perform the procedure in a particularly efficient manner. For efficient surgery Therefore, electrode selection is extremely important. Optimal treatment can only be achieved by using the appropriate electrode for the specific application. The goal can be achieved. In particular, the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the electrode or work tool relative to the cross-sectional area of ​​the device is crucial. This can be important. However, the effective cross-sectional area or size of the electrode is important for handheld electrosurgical instruments. It is limited by the shape and diameter of the shaft of the tool. Therefore, the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the electrode is limited by the shaft. It is not practical for it to be larger than the cross-sectional area of ​​the outer circumference of the shaft. However, in known devices... Therefore, the available space for the electrodes is not being used optimally. The method for using it requires a very complex electrode shape, which is, on the one hand, very It is complex and expensive to manufacture, while also requiring considerable effort for quality control. [Overview of the project]

[0005] Therefore, the present invention can be used particularly efficiently and manufactured in a particularly cost-effective manner. This is based on the process for manufacturing electrodes and the challenge of creating electrodes.

[0006] A solution to this problem is described in claim 1. According to this claim, a handheld electric An electrode for a pneumosurgical instrument is provided, comprising a conductive wire consisting of multiple sections. This allows two sections of wire R1 and adjacent to the two ends of the wire to be directly connected. L1 is aligned parallel to each other and straight. Furthermore, similarly, they are aligned parallel to each other and straight. Two second sections R2 and L2, which are aligned together, are two first sections R2 and L2. It is adjacent to 1 and L1. This means that section R2 is directly adjacent to section R1. Section L2 is directly adjacent to section L1. The two sections R2 and L2 are, Further sections C connect them to each other. The continuous wires have a mirror-symmetric structure. The fact that the shape changes always occur in only one spatial dimension makes the manufacture of electrodes particularly easy. The electrodes change direction from one section to the next in multiple dimensions. The fact that it does not have a specific shape makes both production and quality control particularly easy. Quality control This refers to a configuration in which bending in only one spatial direction is automated or partially automated, for example, a camera... The process is simplified because it can be easily inspected using a stem or profile projector. This simplification of the electrode structure according to the present invention makes manufacturing particularly cost-effective. It means to cut.

[0007] Preferably, the lengths of sections R2 and L2 are given to be 0.7 mm to 1.7 mm. The wire thickness of sections R1 and L1 and / or sections R2 and L2 can be obtained. Preferably, the wire thickness of the further sections can also be 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm. This dimension is particularly important for efficient patient treatment and, in particular, for the manufacture of cost-effective electrodes. It has become clear that this is advantageous.

[0008] Preferably, the present invention has two second sections R2 and L2 that are part of the first section R1 and forming an angle α of 35° to 120°, preferably 70°, 45° or 110° with L1 is further provided. Depending on the type of use of the electrode, different angles can be selected between the two pairs of sections. Sections R1 and R2, and sections L1 and L2 are each in one plane, and these planes are aligned parallel to each other. By forming various sections in accordance with the present invention, a large number of different electrode shapes can be obtained in a particularly simple manner and thus manufactured at a low cost. Further, another embodiment of the present invention provides that the bending radius between sections R1, R2 and between sections L1, L2 is 0.1 mm to 1 mm can be provided. In particular, according to the present invention, it is provided that the section C between sections R2, L2 has a radius of 2.0 mm to 3 6 mm, preferably 2.8 mm. This loop-shaped electrode shape is particularly versatile and exhibits high stability. Further, it is considered that the section C is straight and aligned at right angles to the sections R2 and L2. Alternatively, it is also considered that the section C has a V shape or a trapezoidal shape. The section C essentially corresponds to the section of the electrode for manipulating tissue. By the corresponding movement of the electrode carrier

[0009] the electrode with the section C is pulled or pushed through the tissue to be operated on or the like. Another advantageous embodiment of the present invention can provide that sections R2, L2, and C are located in one plane. Depending on the use of the electrode, it may be advantageous for the said sections to have different angles. The segment shape described in this specification that is bent into a plurality of sections to the plurality of sections. It is also conceivable that the section C has a trapezoidal shape. The section C essentially corresponds to the section of the electrode for manipulating tissue. By the corresponding movement of the electrode carrier the electrode with the section C is pulled or pushed through the tissue to be operated on or the like.

[0010] Another advantageous embodiment of the present invention can provide that sections R2, L2, and C are located in one plane. Depending on the use of the electrode, it may be advantageous for the said sections to have different angles. The segment shape described in this specification that is bent into a plurality of sections to the plurality of sections. is advantageous in some cases. The segment shape described in this specification that is bent into a plurality of sections ​By using this, electrodes of various shapes can be easily fabricated using simple means. This can be done. By changing the length and angle mentioned above, the manufacturing process can be modified for this purpose. It is possible to create a variety of different shapes and sizes without having to adapt them to existing structures.

[0011] Preferably, the hollow cylindrical portion is inserted into the straight section C. It is also conceivable that the cushion C could be designed as a roller electrode. The hollow cylindrical part may be cylindrical or The hollow cylindrical part can have a cylindrical or barrel shape. ru.

[0012] A method for solving the aforementioned problem is described by the means of claim 9. Therefore, To manufacture an electrode for a handheld electrosurgical instrument as described in claim 1, several steps are performed sequentially. It is provided that this will be executed. In the first step, the central section C is formed First, a straight wire is deformed, and for that purpose, the two free wires of the wire are The ends of the wires are bent toward each other so that the ends of the wires are parallel to each other. Then, the two wire ends are bent parallel to section C in the same way, and the remaining The open wire ends form sections R1 and L1 (step 2). The molding step allows for the generalization or standardization of electrode manufacturing. By making slight changes, a large number of different electrodes can be manufactured, and these electrodes can be used It can be formed in different ways depending on the application. A simple one-dimensional variation of the section described above. The shaping step eliminates the need for complex tools. This simplification of manufacturing allows for... The cost efficiency of the process becomes particularly high.

[0013] In particular, the two wire ends are connected to sections L1 and R1, respectively, in relation to section C. It is assumed that it can be bent at an angle of 5° to 120°, preferably 45°, 90°, or 110°. By selecting these angles, all applications of the electrodes can be realized. Furthermore, It is also possible to optimize the electrodes for other, and potentially new, applications.

[0014] Preferably, in step 2, section C and two parallel and straight sections Two further parallel and straight sections, L2 and R2, are formed between L1 and R1. Sections L2 and R2 are located in the same plane as sections L1 and R1. Therefore, the two wire ends are provided to bend relative to section C. Sections R2 and L2 are in the same plane as section C, and sections L1 and R1 are Sections R2 and L2 may be in the same plane. Therefore, there are a total of five sections. It is positioned on only two planes, which allows for a particularly simple manufacturing process in just two steps. This is possible. This is particularly beneficial in terms of manufacturing costs and in terms of verifying or guaranteeing the quality of the electrodes. It is advantageous.

[0015] The method according to the present invention, in step 1, section C between sections R2 and L2 It may be provided that it be formed in an application-specific manner. Therefore, section C may be circular, semi-circular Possible shapes include circles, ellipses, polygons, straight lines, and V-shapes. Section C is a roller, pin. It is also possible that the space may be occupied by further components such as buttons.

[0016] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0017] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram of a handheld surgical instrument, particularly a resectoscope, is shown. [Figure 2] A side view of the electrode is shown. [Figure 3] Figure 2 shows a front view of the electrode. [Figure 4] A side view of another embodiment of the electrode is shown. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a front view of the electrode. [Figure 6] A side view of another embodiment of the electrode is shown. [Figure 7] Figure 6 shows a front view of the electrode. [Figure 8a] This shows a depiction of the wire. [Figure 8b] Step 1 of the electrode manufacturing process is shown. [Figure 8c] Step 2 of the electrode manufacturing process is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0018] Figure 1 shows a schematic side cross-section of a resectoscope known as 10. P10 is a resectoscope shaft including the outer shaft 12 or sheath tube shown in the figure. It has 11. A tubular inner shaft 13 extends within the outer shaft 12. Electrode A Ray 14 and the indicated optical system 15 are shown within the inner shaft 13. Furthermore, shown here Other elements that are not present, such as separate perfusion tubes, are located within the resectscope 10. That's good too.

[0019] The electrode array 14 has an electrosurgical tool or electrode 16 at its distal end. Pole 16 is shown as a loop, but may be formed as a button or the like.

[0020] The electrode holder 14 moves axially in the distal and proximal directions by operating the handle 19. It can be forcibly moved in a certain direction. In doing so, the electrode holder can be moved to the inner shaft 13 and the outer shaft. The distal end of shaft 12 can be pushed through. This allows the surgeon to perform resectosco The tissue can be manipulated to move further away from the tip of the tube. Furthermore, for this purpose The inner shaft 13 and / or electrode carrier 14 are rotatable around their longitudinal axes. It can be attached to the brain. To manipulate tissue, a high-frequency current is applied to electrode 16. ru.

[0021] The resectoscope 10 shown in Figure 1 is applied by the spring bridge 23. The handle portion 21 and the resectscope shaft 11 are positioned on the proximal side against the spring force. By moving the 22 relative to each other, the carriage 20 moves toward the distal first handle portion 21. The carriage 20 has a passive transporter that moves distally. When displaced distally relative to 1, the electrode support 14 moves distally in a manner not shown. It is displaced. When the load on the handle parts 21 and 22 is reduced, the spring bridge 2 The spring force generated by 3 pushes the slide 20 back to its initial position, and the electrode carrier Pull slide 14 proximally. When slide 20 is moved posteriorly, the electrosurgical procedure is performed by the operator. This can be performed using electrode 16 without any manual force, i.e., passively.

[0022] In the case of targeted treatment with electrode 16, the optical system 15 allows the surgeon to view the surgical area optimally. It is positioned so that it can be positioned in contact with the optical system 15. For this purpose, the resectoscope 10 is positioned in contact with the optical system 15. It has an eyepiece 24 at the proximal end. Alternatively, instead of the eyepiece 24, a camera may be used. It is also possible that it will be placed on resectscope 10.

[0023] The following figures show several embodiments of electrode 16, all of which are the same It follows the structure. For example, these electrodes each have a first section R1 and L1, and the Sections R1 and L1 of 1 are of equal length and oriented parallel to each other. The first sections R1 and L1 are connected to the distal end of the electrode support tube. This connection with the holding tube stabilizes electrode 16 and imprints electrical energy onto the electrode. In addition, following the first sections R1 and L1, there are two second sections R2 and L2. This continues. These two second sections R2 and L2 are also formed to the same length and are parallel to each other. Aligned to the row. From the first section R1 and L1 to the second section R2 and L The transition to step 2 takes place within a single plane, meaning the manufacturing process is particularly simple and complex. No tools are required (see Figures 2-7).

[0024] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 to 5, the second sections R2 and L2 are the first Sections R1 and L1 are inclined at angles of 90° and 45°, respectively. The angle α is a value between 35° and 120°, preferably 45°, 90°, or 110°. Alternatively, any other angle is expected.

[0025] Section C is located between two second sections R2,L2. C connects the two second sections R2 and L2, and the embodiments shown in Figures 2 to 5 In the example, it is formed as a loop. The shape of section C can also be changed, and section C The shape can have, for example, a larger or smaller radius of curvature. In this example, section C lies in the same plane as sections R2 and L2. The surgery is performed... To do this, depending on the type of resectoscope 10, the electrode 16 is treated by section C. To pull or push through the tissue to be pulled. For this purpose, preferably the electrode 16 The wire 26 is provided to have a circular cross-section.

[0026] Figures 6 and 7 show the so-called roller electrode 16. Similar to the previous electrode 16, this electrode 1 6 also consists of two first sections R1 and L1, and adjacent to the first sections R1 and L1. The second section R2 and L form an angle with respect to the first section R1 and L1. It consists of two parts. A trapezoidal section C is placed between the two second sections R2 and L2. The roller 25 is positioned on the trapezoidal section C. This roller 25 is operated during the procedure. It is used to treat the tissue that needs to be treated.

[0027] In addition to the examples of embodiments shown herein, other forms of the electrode 16 are also possible. All electrodes 16 are composed of a single wire 26, and the aforementioned section is connected to that wire. It is important that the formation is such that there is always only one change of direction between sections within a single plane. Yes. This makes it possible to electrically control complex shapes that are particularly difficult to manufacture and whose quality is particularly difficult. This prevents pole 16 from being adopted. The structure described here consists of three different sections. This has been done, and as a result, production can be standardized, leading to highly cost-effective manufacturing. It means that a process will be brought about.

[0028] Figures 8a to 8c show a very schematic overview of the manufacturing process for producing the electrode 16 according to the present invention. A simplified sketch is shown. Therefore, the electrode 16 may already have its full length, or A longer, straight wire 26 (Figure 8a) is initially placed in the center during the first step. They are bent, and as a result, the two sections R1 and L1 have the same length and are mutual Aligned parallel to each other (Figure 8b). Connect the two sections R1 and L1 to each other. Section C can be bent around a certain shape, thereby changing the shape of section C. The shape is determined. Then, section C can be bent around the shape of section L1. Therefore, this first forming step of the wire 26 is performed in one plane. The second forming step of wire 26 is performed perpendicular to the plane determined by section C. It is carried out in a plane that is oriented in that direction. As shown in Figure 8c, in the second step Sections R1 and L1 are bent equally in the lateral direction relative to section C, in this case, Sections R1 and L1 maintain a parallel orientation. In the embodiment of the method shown in Figure 8c And the bend is between section C and sections R1 and L1, which are straight parallel sections. The process is executed so that the n remains. These sections form the second sections R2 and L2. This can be done by changing the lengths of these sections R2 and L2, and also by changing the length of section C The shape of the electrode or its effective cross-sectional area can also be changed by altering its shape. Accordingly, even after the manufacturing process is complete, the dimensions of the electrosurgical handheld instruments are adjusted to match. The lengths of sections R1 and L1 can be adjusted. Similarly, the lengths of sections R1 and L1 The free end is provided with additional contact means to improve electrical contact with the electrode support tube. It is possible that this could happen.

[0029] This essentially involves two bending steps in two planes to manufacture the electrode 16. This means that only that is needed. This makes the manufacture of electrode 16 particularly easy. Furthermore, it becomes easier to check the quality of electrode 16. [Explanation of symbols]

[0030] 10 Resectscope 11 Rejectscope Shaft 12 Outer shaft 13 Inner shaft 14 Electrode Carriers 15 Optical system 16 electrodes 17 Guide Elements 18 Longitudinal axis 19 Handle 20 slides 21 Handle section 22 Handle section 23 Spring Bridge 24 eyepieces 25 rolls 26 wires R1 Section 1 R2 Section 2 L1 Section 1 L2 Section 2 C Central Section α angle

Claims

1. Electrosurgical handheld instruments, particularly electrodes (16) for resectoscopes (10), It consists of an electrically conductive wire (26), and the two ends of the wire (26) are connected to the electric power of the handheld device. In an electrode (16) for a handheld electrosurgical instrument that can be bonded to an electrode support (14), Two sections of the wire (26) adjacent to the two ends of the wire (26) R1 and L1 are aligned parallel to each other and straight, and the first section R1 and L1 also has two second sections R which are similarly aligned parallel to each other. An electrode (16) for a handheld electrosurgical instrument, characterized in that 2 and L2 are adjacent to each other.

2. The lengths of sections R2 and L2 are characterized by being 0.7 mm to 1.7 mm. , an electrode (16) for a handheld electrosurgical instrument as described in claim 1.

3. The wire thickness of the sections R1 and L1 and / or R2 and L2, and preferably further The wire thickness of the section is also characterized by being 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, according to the claim. Electrodes (16) for handheld electrosurgical instruments as described in item 1 or 2.

4. The two second sections R2 and L2 are the same as the first sections R1 and L1 and 3 It is characterized by forming an angle α of 5° to 120°, preferably 45°, 90°, or 110°. an electrode (16) for a handheld electrosurgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The bending radius between sections R1 and R2 and between sections L1 and L2 is 0.1 mm to 1 mm. The handheld electrosurgical instrument according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is the same as described above. Electrode (16).

6. Section C extends between the two sections R2 and L2, and Section C is 2. It has a radius of 0 mm to 3.6 mm, preferably 2.8 mm, or is straight. It is positioned perpendicular to sections R2 and L2, or is V-shaped, or is a base. A handheld electrosurgical device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by having a specific shape. Electrode for the tool (16).

7. The claim is characterized in that the sections R2, L2, and C are located in a single plane. Electrodes (16) for handheld electrosurgical instruments as described in item 6.

8. Section C is such that the roller (25) is inserted into the straight section C. The handheld electrosurgical device according to claim 6, characterized in that a roller electrode is formed at a point. Electrode for the instrument (16).

9. A handheld electrosurgical instrument according to claim 1, particularly an electrode (16) for a resectoscope, is manufactured. A method for manufacturing, wherein the electrode (16) is made of a conductive wire (26), and the A method by which the two ends of the ear (26) can be connected to the electrode support (14) of the hand instrument. In this process, the straight wire (26) is first deformed so that the central section C is formed. For that purpose, the two free wire ends of the wire (26) are They are bent toward each other so that they are parallel to each other (Step 1), and then forward The two wire ends are bent parallel and evenly to section C, leaving the remaining open The wire ends formed sections R1 and L1 (step 2) are characterized in that A method.

10. The two wire ends are connected to sections L1 and R1 relative to section C. And, it can be bent at an angle of 35° to 120°, preferably 45°, 90°, or 110°. A method for manufacturing the electrode (16) according to claim 9, characterized by the above.

11. In step 2, the two wire ends are connected to section C and the two flat Between the straight sections L1 and R1 in a row, there are two further parallel and straight sections Sections L2 and R2 are formed, and the sections L2 and R2 are connected to the sections L1 and R1 It is characterized by being bent relative to section C so as to be located in the same plane as section C. A method for manufacturing the electrode (16) according to claim 9 or 10.

12. In step 1, section C is a circular, semicircular, linear, or V shape specific to the application. The present invention is characterized by being formed in a manner such as a letter shape, as described in any one of claims 9 to 11. A method for manufacturing the electrode (16).

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