Aspirating Cautery Forceps with Adjustable Electrode Spacing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar cautery devices face challenges in controlling energy delivery during surgical procedures, particularly in neurosurgical applications, where precise energy control is needed to prevent tissue damage, and existing irrigation systems complicate surgical visibility and fluid delivery in minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device with adjustable electrode spacing and integrated aspiration and fluid delivery systems, allowing for controlled energy delivery and simultaneous irrigation, featuring a handle-actuated mechanism to adjust electrode proximity and an aspiration delivery channel with a flexible tip for precise fluid and tissue interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bipolar cautery devices use fixed electrode spacing, then the device structure is simple, but the energy delivery cannot be controlled precisely leading to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the electrode spacing adjustable rather than fixed. The forceps include a mechanism that allows the distance between the first and second electrodes to be varied, enabling dynamic control of energy delivery to match different surgical requirements and prevent tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by allowing the electrode spacing parameter to be modified. By changing the distance between electrodes, the energy delivery parameter is controlled - smaller spacing delivers less energy while larger spacing delivers more energy, providing precise control over the coagulation process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrodes are positioned close together, then energy delivery is reduced to prevent tissue damage, but coagulation effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable electrode spacing mechanism allows the surgeon to dynamically select the appropriate electrode distance based on the specific surgical situation. This dynamic adjustment enables optimization of the balance between minimizing tissue damage and ensuring effective coagulation.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the electrode spacing parameter, the surgeon can control the energy delivery level. The ability to vary this parameter allows selection of optimal settings that achieve both safety (minimizing damage) and effectiveness (achieving coagulation).
3Ease of operation
If separate irrigation device is used, then fluid delivery is possible, but surgical visibility is compromised and additional personnel are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the irrigation function with the bipolar forceps by integrating a fluid delivery catheter into the forceps structure. This combination allows irrigation to be performed through the same instrument used for coagulation, eliminating the need for separate irrigation devices and reducing the number of instruments and personnel needed in the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The bipolar forceps are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a coagulation device and an irrigation device. The integrated fluid delivery system allows the single instrument to perform multiple functions, improving ease of operation while reducing complexity in terms of the number of devices required.
4Quantity of substance
If external drip irrigation is used, then fluid can be delivered to surgical field, but positioning is difficult and visibility is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the irrigation function into the bipolar forceps, the fluid delivery is positioned precisely at the surgical site through the integrated catheter. This eliminates the positioning difficulties and visibility blocking issues associated with external drip irrigation, as the irrigation outlet is directly at the electrode tips where it is needed.
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 flexible and predictable energy delivery to minimize tissue damage and improves surgical visibility by integrating aspiration and irrigation functions within the device, reducing the need for additional instruments and personnel.
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
The electric current heats the tissue to coagulate blood vessels to reduce or stop bleeding.
Implementation Method 3
an aspiration delivery channel having an opening at the distal end
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. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.