Arthroscopic Probe with Reciprocating Electrode for Tissue Resection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current arthroscopic surgical tools lack a reposable design with disposable cutting components and reusable handles, complicating sterilization and setup, and are limited in their ability to perform bipolar and monopolar cutting, as well as mechanical resection and ablation.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrosurgical probes with a reciprocating electrode member and a motor-driven handpiece that allows for axial reciprocation of the electrode at high speeds, enabling dynamic ablation and tissue resection, and a system with a ceramic tip and negative pressure source for tissue debris aspiration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If arthroscopic shavers with rotational cutting surfaces are used to remove soft tissue, then tissue removal is achieved, but the devices cannot perform bipolar and monopolar cutting, mechanical resection, and ablation simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical probe integrates multiple cutting and ablation functions into a single device. The probe can operate in bipolar mode using the electrode member and return path through the shaft, monopolar mode using the electrode member and external return path, mechanical resection mode using the reciprocating cutting edge, and ablation mode using RF energy delivery. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by enabling all four functions in one device without requiring separate instruments for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-rotational cutters such as axially reciprocating cutters and RF cutting wires are used, then cutting and ablation capabilities are improved, but rapid soft tissue removal efficiency decreases compared to rotational cutters
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical probe employs high-speed reciprocating motion of the electrode member (10-1000 Hz) to achieve rapid tissue removal. The periodic reciprocating action allows the cutting edge to engage and disengage from tissue repeatedly at high frequency, enabling fast soft tissue removal comparable to or exceeding rotational cutters while maintaining the versatility of non-rotational design for both cutting and ablation functions.
3Ease of operation
If reposable devices with disposable cutting components and reusable handles are implemented, then sterilization and setup are simplified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical system is divided into disposable and reusable components. The disposable probe assembly includes the shaft, electrode member, and cutting components that can be sterilized or discarded after use. The reusable handle contains the RF generator, control electronics, and power supply. This segmentation allows the complex handle to be reused after standard sterilization while the disposable probe simplifies setup and eliminates complex sterilization requirements for the entire system.
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 efficient and rapid removal of soft tissue with the ability to perform bipolar and monopolar cutting, mechanical resection, and ablation, while simplifying sterilization and setup through a reposable design.
Implementation Method 1
electrosurgical probes and methods for ablating and removing soft tissue
Implementation Method 2
An electrode member with an elongated edge which may be serrated extends longitudinally across the window and is configured to reciprocate the elongated edge longitudinally relative to the window
Implementation Method 3
a system with a ceramic tip and negative pressure source for tissue debris aspiration
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical probe includes an elongated shaft assembly having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis. A distal housing is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and optionally includes a laterally open window where a plane of the window is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. An interior channel extends axially through the shaft and further through an interior of the housing to the window in the housing. An electrode member with a serrated or other elongated edge may extend longitudinally across the window and may be configured to reciprocate the elongated edge longitudinally relative to the window.