Bipolar RF Surgical Instrument Electrode Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF surgical devices face challenges in achieving precise confinement and stability of lesions due to electrode misalignment and inability to control lesion size, particularly in bipolar devices that rely on a cage effect for tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar RF surgical instrument with dry, non-hollow electrodes and an electrode guiding device featuring concentric insertion holes that maintain electrode stability and alignment, allowing for precise positioning and controlled lesion confinement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bipolar RF device with cage effect is used to confine lesion, then lesion confinement is improved, but electrode positioning precision deteriorates due to piercing resistance causing misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming helical grooves in the electrode guiding device before electrode insertion. These grooves are created in advance to match the electrode dimensions and helical configuration, ensuring that when electrodes are inserted, they automatically follow the predetermined path and maintain precise alignment without being affected by tissue piercing resistance. This pre-prepared guiding structure eliminates the misalignment problem that occurs with traditional cage effect devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the electrode guiding device with helical grooves - that mediates between the electrode insertion process and the final electrode positioning. This guiding device acts as a template or mold that shapes and constrains the electrodes during insertion, ensuring they achieve the desired parallel alignment and spacing. The guiding device transfers the precise geometric information from its pre-formed grooves to the electrodes, solving the alignment reliability issue.
2Volume of stationary object
If hollow electrodes with fluid distribution ports are used to increase lesion size, then lesion volume is improved, but lesion confinement deteriorates due to inability to predict lesion width
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using dry, solid electrodes instead of hollow electrodes with fluid distribution ports. The electrodes are designed with specific local characteristics - solid construction without internal cavities or fluid ports - which enables precise control over the lesion formation process. This local structural quality ensures that the lesion width is determined by the electrode geometry and spacing rather than fluid distribution patterns, making the lesion dimensions predictable and controllable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the electrode from hollow to solid structure. This parameter change fundamentally alters how the lesion is formed and controlled. By using solid electrodes with defined dimensions and spacing, the lesion width becomes a function of the electrode geometry and separation distance, which are precisely controlled by the guiding device's helical grooves. This parameter change eliminates the unpredictability associated with fluid distribution in hollow electrodes.
3Ease of operation
If sharp, non-deformable electrodes are used to reduce piercing resistance, then electrode insertion is improved, but electrode stability deteriorates as electrodes are prone to touch or come close
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the electrodes within the helical grooves of the electrode guiding device. The electrodes are nested within the pre-formed grooves, which act as protective channels. This nested structure maintains a fixed distance between electrodes throughout insertion and positioning, preventing them from touching or coming too close. The guiding device's grooves provide mechanical constraints that preserve electrode spacing stability while allowing smooth insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode guiding device serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between the electrode insertion process and the final electrode positioning. The helical grooves in the guiding device act as physical guides that maintain predetermined spacing between electrodes. This intermediary structure prevents direct interaction between electrodes that could lead to contact or misalignment, ensuring stable spacing is maintained throughout the procedure.
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 enables precise and predictable lesion confinement with enhanced performance, ensuring accurate tissue treatment and minimizing tissue damage outside the targeted area.
Implementation Method 1
a current, from a RF generator, is applied to the tissue via the electrodes. As the current passes, the tissue between the electrodes heats
Implementation Method 2
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy, is a well known non-invasive and outpatient procedure that uses radio waves
Implementation Method 3
an electrode guiding device comprising a main body, having a proximal end and a distal end, and at least two insertion holes guiding said electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a Radiofrequency surgical instrument comprising at least two dry electrodes (3 and 4, or 3 and 5) and a electrode guiding device (6) comprising a main body (7), having a proximal end (73) and a distal end (74), and at least two insertion holes (8 and 81 or 82) guiding said electrodes (3 and 4, or 3 and 5), said insertion holes (8 and 81 or 82) extending through the body (7).