Blade-like Electrosurgical Electrode Integrating Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in integrating a suction lumen with a tissue treatment electrode, often requiring separate components and limiting the instrument's ability to perform both cutting and coagulation effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a tubular shaft featuring a suction lumen and a blade-like tissue treatment electrode formed by flattening the distal end of the suction tube, which includes both closed and open portions to create a chisel-shaped electrode with integrated suction apertures, allowing for angled deployment and simultaneous suction and tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate electrode element is attached to the end of the suction tube, then the tissue treatment function is provided, but the device complexity increases and the suction lumen integration becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube and tissue treatment electrode are merged into a single integrated structure. The distal end of the suction tube is flattened to form a blade-like electrode, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining both suction and tissue treatment functions through a unified device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the suction conduit and the tissue treatment electrode. By flattening the distal end of the suction tube, the same component enables both fluid evacuation and electrosurgical tissue treatment, achieving multi-functionality without increasing device complexity
2Productivity
If the suction tube is flattened to form a blade-like electrode, then the cutting capability is improved, but the suction openings must be carefully positioned to maintain suction functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The suction tube exhibits different structural qualities at different locations: the distal end is flattened to form a blade-like electrode for cutting, while the proximal portion remains circular to maintain suction functionality. This local differentiation allows the single component to perform both cutting and suction functions effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The suction tube is segmented into functional zones: a flattened blade-like distal end for tissue treatment and a circular proximal end for suction. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and manufacturability
3Manufacturing precision
If the distal end of the suction tube is flattened, then the blade-like structure provides better tissue treatment, but the suction openings require precise positioning to avoid compromising the electrode integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The suction openings are positioned in the lateral walls of the flattened distal end rather than at the tip. This dimensional repositioning allows the electrode tip to maintain its blade-like integrity for effective tissue treatment while suction openings in the sides provide reliable fluid evacuation without compromising electrode structural integrity
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
Enables efficient vaporization and removal of tissue debris, smoke, and fluids while performing cutting and coagulation without the need for separate electrodes, enhancing surgical precision and efficiency in minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the suction tube being formed of an electrically-conductive material and including means by which it can be connected to a source of electrosurgical energy
Implementation Method 2
a suction lumen provided along which a suction lumen is provided... for suction in order to remove matter from the surgical site
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument includes an instrument shaft, and a suction tube extending along the shaft, the suction tube being formed of an electrically-conductive material and including a way or portion by which it can be connected to a source of electrosurgical energy. A blade-like tissue treatment electrode extends from the shaft, the blade-like tissue treatment electrode being integrally formed by the distal end of the suction tube. The distal end of the suction tube is flattened to form the blade-like tissue treatment electrode, and the distal end of the suction tube is disposed at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.