Bipolar Sphincterotome Return Electrode Layout for Precise Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sphincterotomes face challenges in efficiently cutting the sphincter of Oddi while minimizing tissue damage and ensuring precise control during sphincterotomy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar sphincterotome with a cutting wire and a metallic return electrode configuration, where the return electrode is integrated with the elongate tubular member, allowing for controlled electrical current delivery and enhanced cutting performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional monopolar return electrode is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the current density distribution is poor and causes excessive tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode is divided into multiple segmented cannulas (first cannula, second cannula, third cannula) positioned at different locations along the elongate member. Each cannula acts as an independent current return path, distributing the current density more evenly and reducing concentrated tissue damage while maintaining the necessary electrical conductivity for monopolar operation.
2Loss of energy
If the return electrode is positioned far from the cutting wire, then easier assembly, but increased current path length and energy loss
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode cannulas are nested within or integrated with the elongate tubular member structure that houses the cutting wire. The first cannula is positioned within the elongate member, the second cannula is integrated with the distal end, and the third cannula is located at the proximal end, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes current path length while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular integration.
3Manufacturing precision
If bipolar configuration is used, then cutting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode components (multiple cannulas) are merged with the elongate tubular member structure itself, which also houses the cutting wire. This integration combines the return electrode function with the structural and guiding functions of the elongate member, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the bipolar configuration necessary for precise cutting control.
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 bipolar configuration improves cutting precision and reduces tissue damage by concentrating current density and preventing undesirable sparking, enhancing the sphincterotomy process.
Implementation Method 1
both the proximal cannula and the distal cannula electrically coupled to the return wire... the proximal cannula and the distal cannula are both metallic
Implementation Method 2
The bipolar configuration improves cutting precision and reduces tissue damage by concentrating current density and preventing undesirable sparking
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5A~5C
AI summary
A bipolar sphincterotome includes: an elongate tubular member longitudinally extending from a proximal portion to a distal portion; a cutting wire longitudinally extending in the elongate tubular member, and extending to outside of the elongate tubular member via a cutting wire opening in the elongate tubular member; a return wire longitudinally extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion; and a return electrode electrically coupled to a return wire, where the return electrode includes a proximal cannula disposed proximal a cutting wire opening and a distal cannula disposed distal an anchor point, where both the proximal cannula and the distal cannula are electrically coupled to the return wire, and where both the proximal cannula and the distal cannula are metallic.