Distal-End Fluid Evacuation Device for Electrosurgical Instruments
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments with integrated smoke evacuation devices experience resistance and fatigue due to the weight and positioning of power cables and hoses, which impede precise movement and accuracy, especially during delicate procedures.
Innovation Solution
A fluid evacuation device that attaches to the distal end of electrosurgical instruments, allowing the evacuation hose to extend from a location away from the proximal end, reducing resistance and fatigue by securing the cable and hose together to minimize torque and improve handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the power cable and smoke evacuation hose are connected to the proximal end of the electrosurgical instrument, then the electrical connection and smoke evacuation function are achieved, but the weight and drag of the cable and hose create resistance that limits the physician's ability to manipulate the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional connection arrangement by connecting the power cable and smoke evacuation hose to the distal end of the electrosurgical instrument instead of the proximal end. This reversal moves the connection point away from the physician's hand, eliminating the weight moment-arm effect and drag that resist instrument manipulation during surgical procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the electrosurgical instrument is used for precise delicate procedures, then the surgical accuracy is improved, but the resistance from the cable and hose makes it difficult to control the instrument precisely
Solution Approach 1:
By reversing the connection location to the distal end, the patent eliminates the resistance that interferes with precise instrument control, enabling surgeons to perform delicate procedures with greater accuracy and confidence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful resistance force from the system by removing the cable and hose connection from the proximal end where it interferes with precision control, while maintaining the necessary electrical and smoke evacuation functions through alternative distal connection arrangements.
3Manufacturing precision
If the physician must compensate for cable resistance during delicate incisions, then the incision precision can be maintained, but the physician experiences increased fatigue from continuous compensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for continuous compensation by inverting the connection arrangement, thereby removing the source of resistance that causes physician fatigue during extended surgical procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid evacuation device is attachable to a hand-held instrument to provide the hand-held instrument with fluid evacuation capabilities. The fluid evacuation device includes a nozzle, a hose mount, and an evacuation hose. The nozzle has a receptacle that receives a portion of a hand-held instrument therein. The distal end of the nozzle has an opening therein through which fluid may be drawn into the nozzle. The fluid can pass through a flow region in the nozzle. The hose mount extends from the nozzle and connects the hose to the nozzle. The hose mount includes a passageway through which the fluid can pass from the flow region into the evacuation hose.