Bipolar Electrode Nozzle Layout for Controlled Saline Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical coagulation devices face challenges in controlling the volume and distribution of saline around the electrodes, affecting the width, breadth, and aggressiveness of coagulation during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a configuration of first and second electrodes with nozzles arranged to deliver electrically conductive fluid in specific spray directions, forming an interstice, and applies RF energy in a bipolar manner to enhance controlled wetting and dispersion of saline on the target tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If saline is delivered to create a pool around the electrode tip, then coagulation effectiveness is improved, but saline usage increases and tissue charring occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple nozzles (first nozzle, second nozzle, third nozzle, fourth nozzle) that are distributed around the electrode body. Each nozzle delivers saline in a specific direction to create a controlled distribution pattern rather than a single large pool, improving saline efficiency while maintaining coagulation effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
Saline delivery is localized to specific regions around the electrode through strategically positioned nozzles. The spray directions are optimized to target specific areas, ensuring saline is delivered only where needed for coagulation rather than creating a general pool, thereby reducing overall saline consumption.
2Reliability
If saline is delivered to create a pool around the electrode tip, then coagulation effectiveness is improved, but tissue charring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented nozzle configuration distributes saline more evenly across the treatment area, preventing localized overheating that leads to charring. By dividing the saline delivery into multiple directional streams, the system maintains consistent tissue moisture without creating excessive pools that can cause charring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of saline delivery by controlling spray directions and nozzle positions to optimize the distribution pattern. This parameter optimization ensures adequate tissue wetting for effective coagulation while preventing the excessive saline accumulation that causes charring.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple nozzles are added to control saline distribution, then saline delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple nozzles are integrated into a single electrode assembly, combining several functions (saline delivery from different directions) into one unified component. This merging approach achieves precise saline distribution control without requiring separate delivery systems for each nozzle, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode serves multiple functions: electrical conduction for RF energy delivery and fluid delivery through integrated nozzles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, achieving precise saline control while minimizing additional device complexity.
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 configuration improves coagulation performance by reducing saline usage, minimizing tissue charring, and enhancing maneuverability while maintaining effective coagulation at the surgical site.
Implementation Method 1
applying radio frequency (RF) energy between a first electrode and a second electrode
Implementation Method 2
flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a first nozzle and a second nozzle of the first electrode, the first nozzle defines a first spray direction, the second nozzle defines a second spray direction
Data Source
AI summary
Electrosurgical coagulation devices. At least some of the example embodiment are methods including: applying RF energy between a first electrode and a second electrode, the first and second electrodes define an interstice; flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a first nozzle and a second nozzle of the first electrode, the first nozzle defines a first spray direction, the second nozzle defines a second spray direction, and a first angle between the first spray direction and the second spray direction is 180 angular degrees or less measured through the interstice; flowing an electrically conductive fluid through a third nozzle and a fourth nozzle of the second electrode, the third nozzle defines a third spray direction, the fourth nozzle defines a fourth spray direction, and a second angle between the third spray direction and the fourth spray direction is 180 angular degrees or less measured through the interstice.