Bent Tip Cold Plasma Electrosurgical Applicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical systems for cold plasma applications are mechanically complex and expensive, making it difficult to redirect the cold plasma beam effectively during endoscopic procedures, especially due to the small diameter of the endoscopic trocar, which restricts the manipulation of the plasma beam tip.
Innovation Solution
A simplified electrosurgical apparatus with a pre-bent and rotatable cold plasma beam tip that uses a shape-memory effect to straighten for insertion and resume its bent angle at the operative site, allowing external rotation for precise targeting, and an electrode that can be extended for mechanical cutting or retracted for plasma generation, utilizing an inert gas for improved cutting efficiency and reduced eschar formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate mechanisms are used to change the direction of the plasma beam, then the plasma beam can be redirected to specific operative sites, but the device becomes mechanically complicated and expensive to produce
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into distinct segments: a straight shaft portion for insertion and a separately articulating distal end portion that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the distal end to be redirected without requiring complex mechanisms along the entire shaft, simplifying the overall device while maintaining directional control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end portion is made articulating rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adjust its angle relative to the shaft. This dynamic capability enables the plasma beam to be redirected to different operative sites without requiring elaborate mechanical steering mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the applicator maintains a bent configuration for optimal targeting, then the plasma beam can be directed accurately, but the applicator cannot be inserted through the small diameter endoscopic trocar
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator transitions from a straight configuration during insertion to an articulating bent configuration at the operative site. The distal end portion can be selectively positioned at various angles relative to the shaft, allowing the applicator to pass through the trocar in a compact straight form and then articulate to achieve optimal targeting angles for plasma beam direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator consists of a straight shaft segment and a separately articulating distal end segment. This segmentation allows the distal end to be bent at an angle relative to the shaft after insertion, enabling accurate plasma beam targeting without requiring the entire applicator to maintain a bent configuration during insertion.
3Productivity
If high frequency electrical energy is applied to cut tissue, then cutting efficiency is improved, but eschar formation increases causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
An inert gas flows between the electrode and the tissue during electrosurgical cutting, serving as an intermediary that cools the tissue and reduces thermal damage. The gas acts as a protective medium that allows high frequency electrical energy to cut tissue efficiently while simultaneously reducing eschar formation and collateral thermal injury to 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
This approach provides a cost-effective, efficient method to accurately direct the cold plasma beam, enhancing cutting ease and reducing tissue damage during surgical procedures by allowing multiple adjustments of the tip angle and utilizing gas-assisted electrosurgical cutting with reduced eschar formation.
Implementation Method 1
The distal end of the insulating outer tube is configured from a shape memory material
Implementation Method 2
Gas plasma is an ionized gas capable of conducting electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
utilizing an inert gas for improved cutting efficiency and reduced eschar formation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Electrosurgical apparatuses having bent tip applicators are provided. In one implementation, an electrosurgical apparatus includes an insulating outer tube having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. An outer tube distal housing has its proximal end coupled to the distal end of the insulating outer tube. A distal end of the outer tube distal housing extends from the insulating outer tube at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. The exemplary electrosurgical apparatus further includes an electrically conducting tube disposed within the insulating outer tube and moveable along the longitudinal axis of the insulating outer tube. An electrode is coupled to a distal end of the electrically conducting tube. The exemplary electrosurgical apparatus may include a knob coupled to the insulating outer tube to effect rotation of the outer tube distal housing in 360 degrees of rotation.