Bipolar Morcellator Electrode Inversion for Laparoscopic Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar electrosurgical instruments for tissue morcellation in laparoscopic hysterectomy require an additional tissue-grasping instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator, complicating manipulation and limiting the use of generic tissue graspers due to the need for an extra lead and bespoke connectors.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar electrosurgical morcellating device with a distal end featuring a stationary tube and electrodes, where the return electrode is positioned at least as far forward as the active cutting electrode in a secondary circumferential region, ensuring continuous contact with tissue and eliminating the need for a tissue-grasping instrument connected to the generator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tissue-grasping instrument connected to the electrosurgical generator is used to maintain contact with tissue during cutting, then effective tissue cutting is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional leads and bespoke connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the tissue-grasping function and the electrosurgical cutting function into a single integrated instrument. The morcellating device combines the tube with electrosurgical electrodes directly, eliminating the need for a separate tissue-grasping instrument connected to the generator. This integration resolves the technical contradiction by maintaining reliable tissue cutting (through the electrosurgical electrodes) while reducing device complexity (by eliminating additional leads and connectors).
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical morcellating device performs multiple functions: it grasps tissue mechanically through the tube structure and simultaneously performs electrosurgical cutting through integrated electrodes. This multi-functionality allows the single device to replace what previously required two separate instruments, thereby maintaining cutting effectiveness while reducing overall system complexity.
2Shape
If the return electrode is positioned behind the active cutting electrode, then the cutting path is clear, but the return electrode loses contact with tissue as tissue is drawn into the tube
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional electrode arrangement by positioning the return electrode forward of the active cutting electrode in the second circumferential region, rather than behind it. This inversion ensures that as tissue is drawn into the tube, the forward-positioned return electrode maintains contact with the unsevered tissue, resolving the contact loss problem while the circumferential separation prevents short-circuiting.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs different electrode arrangements in different circumferential regions: in the first circumferential region, the active electrode is forward for effective cutting, while in the second circumferential region, the return electrode is forward for maintaining contact. This local differentiation of electrode positions resolves the contradiction between clear cutting path and reliable contact maintenance.
3Reliability
If the electrosurgical cutting assembly can cut around the whole 360° circumference of the tube, then complete tissue separation is achieved, but the cutting tip may become buried within the organ body
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical cutting assembly is segmented into two distinct circumferential regions: the first circumferential region where the active electrode can cut tissue, and the second circumferential region where the return electrode prevents cutting. This segmentation ensures complete tissue separation in the first region while preventing the cutting tip from becoming buried by blocking the cutting path in the second region, thus resolving the contradiction between separation completeness and cutting control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different functional properties are assigned to different circumferential regions: the first region has cutting capability while the second region has contact-maintenance capability that prevents cutting. This local quality differentiation allows the device to achieve complete separation where needed while preventing harmful burial of the cutting tip, resolving the technical contradiction.
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 maintains effective tissue cutting while preventing core removal and allowing for controlled peeling of tissue, reducing the complexity of instrument manipulation and enabling efficient morcellation without the need for additional electrical connections.
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 severed tissue within the tube
Implementation Method 2
in the second circumferential region, the second electrode remains in contact with the unsevered tissue within the body cavity
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 severed 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). In the first circumferential region (A), the first electrode (14) is disposed further forwardly as compared with the second electrode (16); and, in the second circumferential region (B), the second electrode (16) is disposed at least as far forwardly as compared with the first electrode (14).