Cavitating Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator With Movable RF Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic surgical devices face limitations in cauterizing tissue effectively while in use, as they require frequent tool switching and position changes to manage bleeding, which prolongs surgical procedures and increases patient risk.
Innovation Solution
An ultrasonic and ablative medical treatment device with a cannula featuring a vibrating tip and a flue around it, equipped with movable and removable RF electrodes that can be positioned along the flue to create a variable cauterizing zone, allowing for efficient coagulation without tool removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ultrasonic ablation is used to remove tissue, then tissue removal precision is improved, but bleeding control deteriorates due to vessel compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic ablation and RF coagulation functions into a single integrated device. The cannula includes both an ultrasonic tip for tissue removal and RF electrodes for coagulation, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of both functions without tool switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions: ultrasonic tissue fragmentation, RF coagulation of blood vessels, and aspiration. This multi-functional approach allows the single device to address both tissue removal precision and bleeding control needs.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If coagulation is performed with separate cauterizing devices, then bleeding control is improved, but procedure time increases due to tool switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic ablation and RF coagulation functions into a single integrated device. The cannula includes both an ultrasonic tip for tissue removal and RF electrodes for coagulation, allowing simultaneous or sequential operation of both functions without tool switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables continuous operation by eliminating the need to stop and switch tools. The RF coagulation can be performed continuously alongside ultrasonic ablation, maintaining procedural flow and reducing downtime.
3Device complexity
If RF electrodes are fixed on the cannula, then device simplicity is improved, but cauterizing zone flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the RF electrodes movable along the cannula shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of the cauterizing zone position and size. The electrodes can be repositioned as needed during the procedure to match the surgical requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF electrode system is divided into multiple segments or individual electrodes that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows flexible configuration of the cauterizing zone to match different surgical needs.
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 flexible and efficient cauterization with minimal downtime, allowing surgeons to manage bleeding directly during procedures, reducing the need for tool switching and position changes, thus shortening surgical times and minimizing patient risk.
Implementation Method 1
the moving tip ablates the cells and causes them to fragment or otherwise emulsify in the irrigation fluid that is being added simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
the application of RF cautery currents to the tool or probe itself
Data Source
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AI summary
An CUSA having a cannula with an ultrasonic frequency vibrating tip with a flue disposed around the cannula. A first electrode is disposed on an outside of the flue and an RF generator provides current to the first electrode. A current flow is formed between the electrode and the tip and the tip acts as a ground. The first electrode can take the shape of a complete circumferential ring or a partially circumferential ring. The first electrode can be removably disposed on and/or movable along a length of the flue to allow the surgeon to "clip-on" or adjust the electrode at the position of their choice. A second electrode can be disposed on the outside of the flue and proximal to the first. A second current flow can be formed between the first electrode and the second electrode.