Coaxial Electrosurgical Tissue Resection for Small-Diameter Hysteroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively and efficiently remove uterine fibroid tissue through a small diameter hysteroscope.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electrosurgical cutting device comprising an outer and an inner tube, each formed from or including an outer tube and an inner tube, each formed from or including an outer tube and an inner tube, each formed from or including a dielectric material, each formed from or comprising a dielectric material disposed over or incorporated into a structure, circumscribing a cutting window or the outer tube, with dimensions and geometry chosen to optimize plasma generation about a cutting end or electrode at a distal end of the inner electrode as the inner electrode, each formed from or including an electrically conductive material so that they act as the electrodes of the electrosurgical cutting device when connected to opposite poles of an electrosurgical power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional resectoscopes are used with large diameter cutting instruments, then cutting effectiveness is improved, but the procedure requires anesthesia and operating room environment
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting instrument is divided into two separate conductive tubes (inner and outer) that can reciprocate relative to each other, allowing the use of smaller diameter components while maintaining cutting effectiveness through the electrosurgical plasma generation between the segmented electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cutting system is replaced with an electrosurgical plasma-based cutting system, where RF energy applied between the inner and outer conductive tubes generates plasma to cut tissue, eliminating the need for large mechanical cutters and enabling smaller instrument diameter
2Productivity
If conventional resectoscopes with large diameter instruments are used, then cutting capability is improved, but cervical dilation to 9 mm is required
Solution Approach 1:
The large diameter mechanical cutting instruments are replaced with a small diameter electrosurgical system where RF energy applied between concentric conductive tubes generates plasma for cutting, eliminating the need for 9 mm cervical dilation
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting mechanism changes from mechanical contact-based cutting to plasma-based cutting, allowing the instrument diameter to be reduced from conventional large sizes to smaller diameters that can pass through minimally dilated cervical channels
3Ease of operation
If small diameter hysteroscope is used, then procedure comfort is improved, but cutting effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cutting approach is replaced with electrosurgical plasma generation, where RF energy applied between the inner and outer conductive tubes creates plasma that effectively cuts tissue even through small diameter instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The inner conductive tube reciprocates within the outer tube, creating periodic plasma generation cycles that maintain cutting effectiveness through repeated plasma discharge events, compensating for the limited size of the instrument channel
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 device effectively cuts and removes fibroid tissue through a small diameter hysteroscope, reducing the need for anesthesia and allowing for a more comfortable procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The tubes are each formed from or include electrically conductive materials so that they act as the electrodes of the electrosurgical cutting device when connected to opposite poles of an electrosurgical power supply
Implementation Method 2
as the inner electrode is advanced (with radiofrequency energy being applied) past the cutting window with tissue invaginated within the window
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue resection device comprises inner and outer coaxial sleeves. The outer sleeve has a cutting window formed therein, and the inner sleeve has a distal cutting end that can be reciprocated past the cutting window. The sleeves comprise electrodes to provide electrosurgical cutting, and an edge portion of the window includes a dielectric material.