Bipolar Morcellator with Asymmetric Electrodes for Controlled Peeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Morcellating devices tend to 'core' tissue uncontrollably, making it difficult for surgeons to perform a controlled 'peeling' action during laparoscopic hysterectomies, leading to less visible cutting tips and more tissue fragments.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar electrosurgical morcellator with a distal end featuring a stationary tube and electrodes, where cutting is preferentially performed in one circumferential region and not in another, preventing the instrument from cutting around the entire circumference, thus promoting a controlled peeling action and preventing coring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the morcellator cuts tissue around the entire 360° circumference, then cutting speed is improved, but the instrument becomes buried in tissue causing uncontrolled coring
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed with non-uniform circumferential distribution, where electrodes are positioned only in specific angular regions rather than uniformly around the entire circumference. This creates localized cutting zones that prevent the instrument from cutting all the way through, thereby maintaining control and visibility while still achieving efficient tissue removal in the active regions.
2Productivity
If the morcellator tip is buried within tissue during coring, then tissue removal is achieved, but visibility of the cutting tip is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating electrodes in specific circumferential regions rather than distributing them uniformly, the design creates a controlled cutting pattern that removes tissue locally without allowing the tip to become completely buried. The gaps in electrode distribution maintain a visible interface between the instrument and surrounding tissue, improving surgeon visibility while still achieving effective tissue removal.
3Productivity
If the morcellator produces more tissue fragments through coring, then bulk removal is achieved, but continuous cut quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The non-uniform electrode distribution creates controlled local cutting zones that produce cleaner, more continuous cuts in the active regions. By limiting cutting to specific circumferential areas rather than allowing random coring throughout, the design maintains better tissue edge quality and continuity while still achieving bulk removal through systematic engagement of the tissue in these controlled zones.
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 solution allows for controlled tissue removal, reducing the likelihood of the instrument becoming buried in tissue and minimizing tissue fragments, enabling faster and more efficient morcellation with less re-engagement, while allowing for optional full-circumference cutting when needed.
Implementation Method 1
when an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly, tissue can be pulled against the distal end of the tube to form a slug of resected tissue within the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A device for morcellating tissue within a body cavity of a patient comprises a stationary tube (8) having a distal end portion, and a bipolar electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) located at the distal end of the tube. The electrosurgical electrode assembly (13) comprises first and second electrodes (14, 16) separated by an insulation member (15). When an electrosurgical cutting voltage is applied to the electrode assembly (13), and relative movement is initiated between the tube (8) and the tissue, a slug of resected tissue is formed within the tube such that it can be removed from the body cavity of the patient. The bipolar electrosurgical assembly (13) has a first circumferential region (A) and a second circumferential region (B), the first circumferential region (A) being longer than the second circumferential region (B), the bipolar electrosurgical assembly being adapted to cut tissue preferentially in the first circumferential region (A) as compared with the second circumferential region (B).