Auxiliary Electrosurgical Return via Tissue Guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally-invasive surgical procedures face challenges with maneuverability and visualization due to restricted access, particularly when removing large tissue specimens, which often requires breaking down specimens into smaller pieces using electrosurgical instruments.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary return system for bipolar electrosurgical devices is introduced, featuring a tissue guard with a ground plate and ground wire that provides electrical continuity between the electrosurgical device and the tissue guard, enhancing the electrical return during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If minimally-invasive surgical procedures are used, then patient trauma and recovery time are reduced, but maneuverability and visualization are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue guard is divided into multiple functional segments: a distal tissue engagement surface for cutting, a midsection for structural support, and a proximal section for access device integration. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall minimally-invasive benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue guard is designed to be nested within the access device, with the guard's proximal section fitting inside the access device's distal opening. This nesting arrangement allows the tissue guard to be delivered through the restricted access while maintaining structural integrity and providing enhanced maneuverability during the procedure
2Loss of time
If large tissue specimens are removed intact, then procedure time is reduced, but restricted access prevents removal of specimens larger than the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue guard transitions from a closed configuration during insertion to an expanded configuration during tissue engagement, allowing dynamic adaptation to the specimen size. The guard can be expanded to accommodate large specimens that would not fit through the initial access opening, then collapsed for removal
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue guard utilizes radial expansion in the transverse dimension to overcome the linear dimension constraint of the access opening. By expanding outward perpendicular to the access trajectory, the guard creates a larger working volume without requiring a larger incision
3Ease of operation
If electrosurgical instruments are used to break down tissue specimens, then specimen removal is facilitated, but electrical return reliability must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue guard integrates multiple functions into a single device: mechanical tissue cutting, electrical return provision, and structural support. The conductive elements are merged with the guard structure itself, ensuring reliable electrical return while maintaining the mechanical integrity needed for tissue breakdown operations
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue guard acts as an intermediary between the electrosurgical instrument and the patient's body, providing a dedicated electrical return path. The conductive elements in the guard serve as an intermediate connection that ensures reliable current flow while isolating the electrosurgical instrument from direct contact with surrounding tissues
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 auxiliary return system improves the efficiency of electrosurgical procedures by ensuring reliable electrical continuity, facilitating the safe and effective removal of tissue specimens, even in minimally-invasive settings.
Implementation Method 1
A ground wire electrically couples at a first end to the ground plate and extends through the body of the tissue guard, a second end of the ground wire is adapted to electrically engage a coupling attached to a return from an electrosurgical device thereby providing electrical continuity between the ground plate and the return
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary return system for use with a bipolar electrosurgical device includes a tissue guard defining an open proximal end, an open distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough between the open proximal end and the open distal end. A ground plate is disposed along an inner peripheral surface of the lumen and is operably coupled to a first end of a ground wire extending from the tissue guard. A coupling is included having a bore defined therein for receiving a cable from an electrosurgical device therethrough, the cable including active and ground leads. The coupling has a flange extending therefrom defining a receptacle therein configured to operably receive a plug connected to a second end of the ground wire. The receptacle is configured to provide electrical continuity between the ground lead disposed within the cable and the plug coupled to the ground wire which, in turn, provides electrical continuity to the ground plate.