Bipolar Resectoscope Insulating Insert Lateral Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar resectoscopes face challenges with the need for a large passive electrode area close to the active electrode while maintaining electrical safety and minimizing field of view impairment, often requiring complex and costly insulation and risking unwanted burns due to improper current distribution.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a circumferential, electrically conductive electrode surface on the insulating insert at the distal end, connected to the second electrode, which is exposed radially and insulated, creating a sufficient passive electrode area without restricting the field of view and providing electrical safety by directing current away from the outer shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large passive electrode area is placed close to the active electrode, then electrical safety is improved, but the field of view of the endoscope optics is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The passive electrode surface is positioned on the lateral outer side of the insulating insert rather than in front of it, transitioning from a longitudinal arrangement that would block the view to a lateral arrangement that preserves the field of view while maintaining electrical safety through sufficient spacing from the active electrode
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating insert is functionally segmented into different surfaces: a front surface that remains clear for optimal endoscope viewing and a lateral outer side that houses the passive electrode surface, allowing each surface to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other
2Power
If the active electrode has a small cutting surface, then cutting effect is improved, but the passive electrode requires a large area to avoid cutting effect
Solution Approach 1:
The passive electrode is positioned on the lateral side of the insulating insert, utilizing the radial dimension rather than the longitudinal dimension, which allows it to achieve sufficient area for electrical safety without extending forward and blocking the optical path or requiring compromise of the active electrode design
3Reliability
If additional insulating supports with exposed electrode surfaces are added, then passive electrode function is improved, but the field of view is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The passive electrode surface is integrated directly into the insulating insert structure itself, eliminating the need for separate insulating supports with exposed electrode surfaces. This merging reduces the number of components and eliminates obstructions to the field of view while maintaining the passive electrode function through the lateral positioning on the insulating insert
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 enhances cutting properties, ensures electrical safety by preventing current discharge through the outer shaft, and eliminates the need for additional expensive insulation, maintaining effective cutting performance with defined electrode surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
an insulating insert made of an electrically non-conductive material arranged at its distal end... the exposed electrode surface of the insulating insert is arranged insulated in the longitudinal direction... and on the outside of the insulating insert radially facing away from the longitudinal axis... is electrically insulated on the inside
Implementation Method 2
a circumferential, electrically conductive electrode surface which is exposed transversely to the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft and which is connected to the distal end of the second electrode on the inside of the insulating insert
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The invention relates to a bipolar resectoscope, comprising an inner shaft having an insulating insert made of an electrically non-conductive material at the distal end of the inner shaft, an electrode transporter that can be arranged in the inner shaft, a first electrode, which can be arranged in the electrode transporter in such a way that the first electrode can be moved longitudinally and which can be connected to a first connection of a high-frequency generator at the proximal end facing away from the distal end, and a second electrode, which can be connected to a second connection of the high-frequency generator at the proximal end. The bipolar resectoscope is characterised in that the insulating insert (8) has, at the distal end (27), a peripheral, electrically conductive electrode surface (29) that is exposed transversely to the longitudinal axis (28) of the inner shaft (2), the exposed electrode surface being connected to the distal end (31) of the second electrode (5) on the inside (30) of the insulating insert (8), and in that the exposed electrode surface (29) of the insulating insert (8) is arranged on the outside (34) of the insulating insert facing away from the longitudinal axis (33) radially or on the inside (30) of the insulating insert (8) facing the longitudinal axis radially and is electrically insulated toward the inside or outside.