Combination APC and Electrocautery Tool with Retractable Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical devices cannot rapidly switch between argon plasma coagulation and electrocautery modes, particularly for larger electrosurgical tools like spatulas, hooks, and balls, which limits their effectiveness in controlling blood loss during surgery.
Innovation Solution
A combination device that integrates an argon plasma coagulation probe within a traditional electrosurgical tool, such as a spatula, with a retractable cover to allow seamless switching between monopolar electrosurgery and argon plasma coagulation modes, accommodating various electrosurgical tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional electrosurgical tool is used without integrated argon plasma coagulation capability, then the tool can perform electrocautery effectively, but the surgeon cannot rapidly switch between electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an argon plasma coagulation probe with a traditional electrosurgical tool by integrating the probe into the tool's shaft. This merging allows the single device to perform both electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation functions, enabling rapid switching between modes without requiring separate devices or complex reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical tool is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating an argon plasma coagulation probe within its shaft structure. This universal design allows the tool to serve dual purposes: traditional electrocautery when the probe is retracted and argon plasma coagulation when the probe is extended, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If a retractable cover is added to protect the argon plasma coagulation probe during electrocautery, then the device can switch modes rapidly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a retractable cover or shutter mechanism that can dynamically adjust to protect the argon plasma coagulation probe during electrocautery operations and expose it when argon plasma coagulation is needed. This dynamic component enables rapid mode switching while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through controlled movement rather than complex reconfiguration.
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
Enables rapid and effective switching between argon plasma coagulation and electrocautery modes, enhancing the ability to control blood loss during surgery, especially for larger electrosurgical tools, thereby reducing the need for foreign blood products and minimizing contamination risks.
Implementation Method 1
an argon plasma coagulation probe or channel formed within a traditional electrosurgical tool
Implementation Method 2
direct high-frequency electrical currents or light energy to localize heat in bleeding vessels so as to coagulate the overlying blood and vessel walls
Implementation Method 3
electrosurgical generators... direct high-frequency electrical currents to localize heat in bleeding vessels so as to coagulate the overlying blood and vessel walls
Implementation Method 4
a retractable cover, shutter, or door for protecting the argon plasma coagulation probe or channel during monopolar electrosurgery
Data Source
AI summary
A combination argon plasma coagulation (APC) and monopolar electrosurgical device and method are shown. An electrosurgical tool such as a spatula, hook, ball, or the like has a neck and a plurality of members biased to an open position. The electrosurgical tool is connected to the shaft having a channel therein for accommodating an APC probe. A collet is placed on the shaft and is provided with a mechanism such as threads to permit movement of the collet with respect to the shaft. Such movement causes the plurality of members of the surgical tool to move being open and closed positions.