Adjustable Electrode Spacing in Single Lumen Cautery Forceps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar cautery devices face challenges in controlling energy delivery during surgical procedures, particularly in neurosurgical applications where minimal energy is required to prevent tissue damage, and existing irrigation systems compromise surgical visibility and delivery efficiency in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with adjustable electrode spacing and integrated aspiration and irrigation systems, allowing for controlled energy delivery and fluid distribution directly to the surgical site, enhancing precision and reducing collateral tissue damage and visibility issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If bipolar cautery devices use fixed-distance electrodes, then the device structure is simple, but the energy delivery cannot be controlled and causes collateral tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable electrode spacing that allows the distance between electrodes to be dynamically changed during surgical procedures. This enables the surgeon to control energy delivery by positioning electrodes at optimal distances from the target tissue, resolving the contradiction between simple fixed structure and controlled energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of electrode spacing distance to control energy delivery. By providing multiple spacing positions (e.g., retracted, intermediate, extended positions), the device allows parameter adjustment to match different surgical requirements, enabling precise energy control without excessive collateral damage.
2Use of energy by moving object
If electrodes are positioned close together, then less energy is required for coagulation, but the risk of direct electrode contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a ratchet mechanism that provides mechanical feedback and prevents unintended electrode contact. The ratchet allows controlled closing to predetermined spacing positions but prevents further movement that would cause direct contact, providing reliability while enabling close electrode positioning for low-energy coagulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as a protective feature that prevents the harmful condition of direct electrode contact before it can occur. By providing predetermined spacing stops, the device cushions against the risk of accidental contact while allowing electrodes to be positioned close together for effective coagulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If separate irrigation device is used, then irrigation can be provided to surgical field, but visibility is compromised and additional personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the irrigation function with the bipolar cautery device by integrating an irrigation conduit into the forceps structure. This allows irrigation fluid to be delivered through the same instrument used for coagulation, eliminating the need for separate irrigation devices and reducing the number of instruments in the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar forceps device is designed to perform multiple functions: bipolar coagulation through electrode contact and irrigation through the integrated conduit. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional specialized instruments, improving visibility and reducing complexity while providing both coagulation and irrigation capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for coagulation and irrigation, then both functions can be performed, but surgical visibility is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines coagulation electrodes and irrigation conduit into a single integrated forceps instrument. This merging reduces the number of separate instruments in the surgical field, improving visibility while maintaining both coagulation and irrigation functional capabilities through the unified device.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides flexible energy delivery and efficient aspiration, minimizing tissue damage while maintaining clear surgical visibility by allowing precise control over electrode spacing and integrating irrigation directly into the surgical instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a high-frequency electric current is generated and applied to biological tissue. The electric current heats the tissue to coagulate blood vessels to reduce or stop bleeding.
Implementation Method 2
it is often necessary to clear the surgical field to enable the surgeon to properly visualize the field. More specifically, at times during a surgical procedure it is necessary to aspirate blood and irrigant out of the surgical field.
Data Source
AI summary
Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. The inner member further defines a pair of electrode channels within which the electrodes are positioned. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. An irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device to the electrode channels.