Disposable Resectoscope With Independently Rotating Electrode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transurethral resectoscopes are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring surgeons to rotate their hands in unnatural positions, leading to reduced precision and increased risk of complications, and they pose a risk of cross-contamination due to their reusable nature.

Innovation Solution

A disposable, highly maneuverable resectoscope with an independently rotatable handle and electrocautery electrode, along with a cord containment system that allows for ergonomic hand positioning and eliminates the need for reprocessing, featuring a virtually wireless design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cutting element has a fixed orientation with respect to the handle, then the device structure is simple, but the surgeon must rotate the handle 360 degrees to reach each cutting area, causing ergonomic discomfort and reduced precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgeon ergonomics and precisionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent segments: the handle remains stationary while the cutting element (electrode loop) and inner sheath can rotate independently around the longitudinal axis. This segmentation allows the cutting element to be oriented in any direction without rotating the handle, improving surgeon ergonomics while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a static fixed-orientation design to a dynamic configuration where the cutting element can be rotated to any angular position independently of the handle. This dynamic capability allows the surgeon to access all cutting areas without awkward hand rotations, while the rotational mechanism is designed to be compact and simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the resectoscope is designed as a reusable device, then equipment cost is reduced, but sterilization and repurposing are costly and time-consuming, and there is risk of cross-contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safety and cross-contamination preventionVSAvoidsterilization and repurposing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The resectoscope is designed as a disposable single-use device that is discarded after one procedure. This eliminates sterilization and repurposing steps, preventing cross-contamination between patients and saving time. The disposable design is made economically viable by using cost-effective materials and simplified construction, particularly for the disposable outer sheath and inner sheath components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the surgeon rotates the handle in unnatural positions to achieve 360-degree cutting access, then all cutting areas can be reached, but hand precision and steadiness are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting area accessibilityVSAvoidhand precision and steadiness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the rotation function from the handle: the handle remains in a comfortable, steady position while the cutting element rotates independently to access all areas. This segmentation allows full 360-degree cutting accessibility without compromising hand precision or steadiness, as the surgeon's hand does not need to rotate into unnatural positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If cables and cords are present for irrigation, power, and camera, then the device is functional, but they get in the way when the surgeon attempts to rotate the resectoscope in 360-degree space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improve360-degree rotation capabilityVSAvoidsurgeon comfort and freedom of movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The design extracts and eliminates physical cables and cords for irrigation, power, and camera by using wireless technology and integrated power sources within the disposable device. This removal of external cables eliminates the entanglement problem that restricted 360-degree rotation, allowing the surgeon to maneuver the device freely without cables getting in the way.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10758301B2Highly maneuverable disposable resectoscope

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 BOSTON SURGICAL & ENDOSCOPIC LLC

AI summary

A novel and useful highly maneuverable and disposable resectoscope having a working element such that surgeons are able to more comfortably perform transurethral resections. The resectoscope permits the surgeon to resect anywhere on the bladder or prostate wall while keep their hand in an ergonomic position. This results in more comfortable surgery that causes less fatigue for the surgeons as well a quicker, safer, and more effective operation. The disposable resectoscope includes a completely disposable design, an analog or digital optics system, a handle that is independently rotatable from the remainder of the resectoscope, a rotation mechanism that can independently rotate an electrocautery electrode and optical lens independent of the handle rotation, and a repositioning of surgical cords and cables for a more comfortable hand placement.