Bipolar Sphincterotome Return Electrode Layout for Precise Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sphincterotomes face challenges in effectively cutting the sphincter of Oddi while minimizing tissue damage and ensuring precise control during sphincterotomy procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar sphincterotome design featuring a cutting wire with a metallic return electrode configuration, including a conductive cutting edge and a return path integrated with the elongate tubular member, allows for controlled electrical current delivery to facilitate cutting and minimize tissue contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional return electrode configuration is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cutting precision and tissue damage control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode is divided into two separate cannulas (proximal cannula and distal cannula) that can be independently positioned along the elongate tubular member. This segmentation allows precise control of the return electrode locations to optimize current density distribution for cutting precision while minimizing tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The return electrode configuration transitions from a single-point or simple linear configuration to a distributed two-dimensional arrangement with proximal and distal cannulas positioned at different locations along the tubular member. This dimensional expansion enables better control over current density distribution and sparking prevention.
2Productivity
If electrical current density is increased to improve cutting efficiency, then cutting speed increases, but tissue damage and sparking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The proximal and distal cannulas create localized current density zones at specific positions along the elongate tubular member. By concentrating current at these controlled locations rather than uniformly distributing it, the system achieves high cutting efficiency at the cutting edge while minimizing harmful effects like sparking and tissue damage at other locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The metallic cannulas serve as intermediary conductive elements between the return wire and the tissue. These intermediaries channel and control the electrical current flow, allowing high current density to be delivered precisely where needed for cutting while preventing uncontrolled sparking and excessive tissue damage through the structured current path.
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 sphincterotome enhances cutting precision and reduces tissue damage by concentrating current density and preventing undesirable sparking, improving the efficacy of sphincterotomy procedures.
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
allows for controlled electrical current delivery to facilitate cutting
Data Source
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.