Dual-Function Electrode Control Surface for Independent Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in simplifying the control and positioning of multiple electrodes within a body, particularly when independent movement and fixation of multiple electrodes are required for precise tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a single control surface allows for the sequential manipulation of primary and secondary actuators, enabling independent and concurrent movement of primary and secondary electrodes through an actuator controller, facilitating precise positioning and fixation of electrodes at a reference point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used to control multiple electrodes independently, then the positioning precision of each electrode is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent actuators (first actuator for primary electrode, second actuator for secondary electrode), each capable of independent operation to position its respective electrode precisely. This segmentation allows each actuator to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system coordination through the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage both the first and second actuators through a unified interface. The controller can selectively activate and coordinate different actuators based on the procedural requirements, providing universal control capability that reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each electrode.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate control surfaces are used for each actuator, then the ease of operation for each electrode is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple control functions for different actuators are merged into a single control surface. The controller integrates the control interfaces for the first actuator (primary electrode control) and the second actuator (secondary electrode control) into one unified surface, allowing the operator to manipulate both electrodes through a single interface rather than requiring separate control surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The control surface is designed with multi-functionality to provide selective control over different actuators. The controller can respond to user input by activating the appropriate actuator or coordinating multiple actuators based on the procedural needs, making the single control surface universally applicable for managing all electrode positioning tasks.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes using a single control surface. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an actuator shaft defining a lumen through which a primary electrode and a secondary electrode are linearly movable. A primary actuator is movably couplable with the actuator shaft and a primary electrode with the primary actuator being configured to extend and retract the primary electrode. A secondary actuator is movably couplable with the primary actuator and a secondary electrode with the secondary actuator being configured to extend and retract the secondary electrode. An actuator controller is configured to move along the shaft in a first direction to engage and motivate the primary actuator and is further configured to move along the shaft in a second direction to engage and motivate the secondary actuator. The primary actuator and the secondary actuator are sequentially manipulatable using only the actuator controller.