Digitizing Pad Segmented Electrosurgical Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Therapeutic surgical procedures heavily rely on the subjective knowledge and skill of surgeons, as existing technologies lack automation in the delivery of electrosurgical energy, leading to variations in treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
An automated digitizing pad with discrete segments that can be energized individually or in patterns for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, using monopolar or bipolar electrosurgical signals, controlled by a microprocessor, and integrated with CCD cameras and lights for visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If automated digitizing pad with discrete segments is used, then precision and consistency of surgical procedures is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pad is divided into a multiplicity of discrete segments that can be individually energized or interrogated. Each segment can be independently controlled to deliver electrosurgical energy to specific anatomical locations, enabling precise targeting while maintaining overall system manageability through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handpiece operation with an automated digitizing pad system controlled by a microprocessor. The mechanical skill of manually maintaining distance and positioning is substituted with automated electronic control of energy delivery through multiple discrete segments, enhancing precision while reducing reliance on surgeon skill variability.
2Reliability
If electrosurgical energy is delivered through automated pad, then reliance on surgeon skill is reduced, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The digitizing pad system performs self-diagnosis and self-regulation through automated microprocessor control. The system independently manages energy delivery parameters, segment activation sequences, and diagnostic feedback, reducing the need for surgeon intervention and skill variability while maintaining operational simplicity through centralized control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms where diagnostic information from tissue interrogation is immediately processed and used to adjust therapeutic energy delivery. This closed-loop control enhances reliability by continuously adapting to actual tissue conditions while simplifying operation through automated decision-making algorithms.
3Manufacturing precision
If individual segments are activated for therapeutic purpose, then precision of energy delivery is improved, but loss of time increases due to sequential activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic and sequential activation of discrete segments in optimized patterns. Multiple segments can be activated in rapid succession or simultaneously based on pre-programmed patterns, delivering electrosurgical energy precisely to targeted areas while minimizing total treatment time through efficient sequencing algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
Treatment patterns and segment activation sequences are pre-programmed and prepared in advance based on the specific surgical procedure and anatomical target. This preliminary configuration allows the system to execute precise multi-segment activation without requiring real-time decision-making, thereby maintaining precision while reducing operational time.
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
Enhances the precision and consistency of surgical procedures by providing controlled electrosurgical energy delivery and real-time diagnostic feedback, reducing reliance on surgeon skill and variability.
Implementation Method 1
This concept involves a digitizing pad including a multiplicity of discrete segments which can be energized or interrogated individually or in patterns... The segments of the digitizing pad can be individually activated as appropriate to accomplish the therapeutic purpose. This segment activation can be provided through monopolar or bipolar application of electrosurgical signals
Implementation Method 2
CCD cameras can be provided in the individual segments or in the pad as a whole
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical digitizing apparatus and procedure will typically involve a pad having discrete segments which may be arranged in a specific order to accommodate a particular procedure. The individual segments can then be used to accomplish both diagnostic and therapeutic functions. For example, the segments can be interrogated to produce a map of body tissue and then electrosurgically energized to perform a therapeutic function in accordance with the map. Communication with the discrete segments will typically be accomplished through a microprocessor and associated switching circuits.