Bipolar Resection Instrument with Local Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments require surgeons to constantly monitor the electrosurgical generator for power adjustments, which can divert attention from the surgical site and complicate the process of switching between different modes and power settings during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a housing connected to a source of bipolar electrosurgical energy, featuring an electrode body with bipolar electrodes and a deployable blade, allowing for tissue treatment before and after cutting, and an activation switch to control electrical potentials, enabling precise power management and mode selection directly on the instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the surgeon monitors the electrosurgical generator for power adjustments, then the power and mode selection can be controlled, but the surgeon's attention is diverted from the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanisms (power and mode selection) are extracted from the electrosurgical generator and relocated to the electrosurgical instrument handle. This allows the surgeon to adjust settings directly at the surgical site without needing to monitor or reach for the generator, eliminating the distraction and maintaining continuous focus on the surgical field.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical instrument handle serves as an intermediary between the generator and the surgical site. It receives electrical signals from the generator and provides local control capabilities, acting as a mediator that enables power adjustment without requiring direct interaction with the generator or loss of surgical focus.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surgeon switches between different modes and power settings during procedures, then the treatment can be adapted, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The mode switching controls are extracted from the generator and placed directly on the instrument handle. This eliminates the need to reach for the generator, reducing the steps required to adapt treatment modes during procedures and simplifying the overall control process while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is pre-configured with all necessary mode selection and power adjustment controls integrated into the handle. This preliminary integration of control functions allows for rapid switching between modes without requiring complex external adjustments or generator interactions, streamlining the surgical workflow.
3Power
If the controls are located on the electrosurgical generator, then the power settings can be adjusted, but the surgeon must visually monitor the generator during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The power adjustment controls are extracted from the generator and relocated to the instrument handle. This allows the surgeon to adjust power settings locally at the surgical site without needing to visually monitor or physically access the generator, eliminating the time loss associated with transferring attention between the surgical field and the generator display.
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 design allows for seamless adjustment of power and mode selection without needing to look away from the surgical site, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by integrating control mechanisms directly on the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
electrical energy from the electrosurgical generator is conducted through the active electrode to the tissue at the site of the operation
Implementation Method 2
The spark is produced by bursts of radio-frequency electrical or electrosurgical energy generated from an appropriate electrosurgical generator
Implementation Method 3
electrical energy from the electrosurgical generator is conducted through tissue between the pair of bipolar electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument is provided and includes a housing configured to connect to a source of bipolar electrosurgical energy and an electrode body coupled to the elongated housing. The electrode body includes an electrode face, first and second bipolar electrodes and a blade. The electrode face is formed on the distal end of the electrode body and includes a longitudinal axis and a transverse axis therethrough. The first and second electrodes have a leading edge and a trailing edge, are formed on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis and connect to opposed electrical potentials. The blade is positioned between the electrodes with at least a portion of the blade extending beyond the electrode face.