Curved Electrosurgical Electrode Extender for Cervical View Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional straight electrosurgical electrode extenders often interfere with the colposcope body or block the cervical view during gynecologic procedures, particularly in cases where the cervix is deeper, leading to inadequate reach and visual obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A curved electrosurgical electrode extender that positions the surgically active end of the electrode along the handpiece central axis, providing additional reach without obstructing the cervical view, and is designed to be used with both colposcopically and directly visualized LETZ procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a traditional straight electrode extender is used to provide adequate reach, then the electrode can reach deeper cervices, but the handpiece interferes with the colposcope body or blocks the cervical view
Solution Approach 1:
The extender shaft is curved rather than straight, allowing the handpiece to be positioned away from the colposcope body while the electrode tip reaches the cervix. The curvature enables the shaft to bend around the colposcope, eliminating interference between the handpiece and colposcope body during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved shaft introduces a spatial dimension change, allowing the electrode to reach deeper cervices by bending in space rather than extending linearly. This dimensional change enables the handpiece to clear the colposcope body while maintaining adequate electrode reach.
2Length of moving object
If a longer straight electrode extender is used, then the electrode can reach deeper cervices, but the handpiece blocks the cervical view axis
Solution Approach 1:
The curved shaft configuration allows the handpiece to clear the cervical view axis by positioning it laterally, while the electrode tip maintains alignment with the cervix through the curved path. This curvature enables the handpiece to exit the visual field while the electrode reaches the target.
Solution Approach 2:
The asymmetric curved design positions the handpiece away from the central cervical view axis, creating an asymmetric spatial arrangement where the electrode reaches along the axis while the handpiece clears it laterally.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode extender is curved to clear the colposcope, then handpiece interference is avoided, but the surgically active end may not align with the handpiece central axis
Solution Approach 1:
The curved shaft is designed with a specific geometry that, despite its curvature, positions the electrode tip to intersect the handpiece central axis at the cervix. The curvature compensates for the offset, allowing alignment to be achieved through geometric design rather than straight-line extension.
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 curved electrode extender maintains tactility and control while providing adequate clearance from the colposcope body and keeping the handpiece outside the cervical view axis, ensuring effective tissue cutting and visualization during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an electrosurgical generator which generates an electric current that heats and cuts cervical tissue cells close to the wire loop
Data Source
AI summary
A non-linear electrosurgical electrode extender is disclosed. The extender includes a shaft at a proximal end thereof, a receiver at a distal end thereof, and a curved body portion extending between the shaft and the receiver. The shaft fits in an electrosurgical handpiece that defines a handpiece central axis. The receiver receives the electrosurgical electrode. The curved body portion is disposed outside the handpiece central axis and positions the receiver at a converging angle relative to the handpiece central axis such that when the electrosurgical electrode is disposed in the receiver, a surgically active distal end of the electrode intersects the handpiece central axis. The electrode extender is adapted for use with wire loop gynecologic electrosurgical electrode in gynecologic procedures. The extender maintains the tactility and control of a straight electrode extender while permitting the handpiece to be disposed outside the cervix view axis.