Curved Electrosurgical Electrode for Uniform Tissue Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrosurgical electrodes are inadequate for effectively ablating tissue without cutting, particularly in procedures requiring precise tissue removal such as treating gum tissue for conditions like gingival hyperplasia or racial pigmentation, as they often result in incomplete removal, uneven depth, and collateral tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A curved-profile electrosurgical electrode with a brushing mechanism that slides across the tissue while applying electrosurgical currents to vaporize and ablate tissue, allowing for controlled depth and width of tissue removal without cutting, and includes a wiping insert for residual tissue removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional electrodes (needles, blades, scalpels, balls) are used for tissue ablation, then cutting procedures can be performed effectively, but tissue ablation results in incomplete removal, uneven depth, and collateral tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue ablation uniformityVSAvoidcollateral tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode contact surface features a curved profile with a minimum arc radius of 1.5mm, allowing the electrode to roll smoothly across the tissue surface during ablation. This curvature enables uniform contact pressure distribution and consistent ablation depth, eliminating the uneven depth and collateral damage associated with conventional sharp or flat electrodes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical cutting action of conventional electrodes with electrosurgical vaporization. The curved electrode delivers electrosurgical current to vaporize tissue through a rolling motion, substituting mechanical blade cutting with thermal vaporization that provides more precise control over tissue removal depth and reduces mechanical trauma to surrounding tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If electrosurgical currents are applied to vaporize and ablate tissue, then complete tissue removal can be achieved, but surgical time increases due to lack of efficient tissue removal mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue removal completenessVSAvoidsurgical efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functions into a single electrode design: the curved contact surface performs both electrosurgical ablation and mechanical scraping. The lateral edges of the curved contact surface are used to scrape away vaporized tissue remnants after electrosurgical treatment, eliminating the need for separate instruments and reducing surgical time while ensuring complete tissue removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If conventional electrodes are pressed into service for tissue ablation, then some tissue vaporization can occur, but the outcome falls short of desired precision and control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation depth controlVSAvoidelectrode functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The curved profile with minimum arc radius of 1.5mm provides precise control over ablation depth through rolling motion. The curvature geometry ensures that the electrosurgical current is delivered at a consistent distance from the tissue surface, enabling precise depth control that conventional electrodes cannot achieve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode is designed with multi-functionality: the curved contact surface performs electrosurgical ablation, the lateral edges perform mechanical scraping of residual tissue, and the overall design allows for both vaporization and mechanical removal functions in a single instrument, enhancing versatility while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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, precise, and controlled tissue ablation with reduced collateral damage and faster surgical times, effectively addressing the limitations of existing electrodes by providing uniform depth and complete removal of targeted tissue layers.

Implementation Method 1

applying electrosurgical currents to the surface tissue via the contact surface to thereby vaporize and ablate the surface tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11051872B2Electrosurgical electrodes and systems and methods including same

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 BRITEGUMS IP LLC

AI summary

A method for treating surface tissue of a patient includes: providing an electrode having a contact surface, wherein the contact surface has a curved profile; placing the contact surface in contact with surface tissue of the patient; and sliding the contact surface across and in contact with the surface tissue while applying electrosurgical currents to the surface tissue via the contact surface to thereby vaporize and ablate the surface tissue and form a treated band of the surface tissue.