Dual-Mode LLETZ Device with Movable Arms for Bleeding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LLETZ devices require repeated insertion and removal of instruments to perform traditional electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation, which can lead to heavy bleeding during procedures and increased risk of contamination, necessitating a single device capable of both functions.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode LLETZ device with moveable arms and a retractable electrode that can transition between forming a wire loop for electrocautery and enclosing the loop for argon plasma coagulation, using an inert gas like argon and RF energy, allowing for both procedures to be performed with a single instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation are performed with separate instruments, then each function can be performed effectively, but repeated insertion and removal of instruments is required, increasing procedure time and contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation functions into a single LLETZ device. The device includes both a wire loop electrode for electrocautery and an argon gas delivery system with a separate electrode for plasma coagulation, allowing both bleeding control methods to be performed without instrument exchange. This merging eliminates the time loss from repeated insertions and removals while maintaining the reliability of both bleeding control techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The LLETZ device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both wire loop electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation. The device universally handles different bleeding control needs through its dual capability, allowing the surgeon to switch between electrocautery mode (using the wire loop) and plasma coagulation mode (using the argon gas and separate electrode) within the same instrument platform.
2Reliability
If traditional electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation are performed with separate instruments, then each function can be performed effectively, but repeated insertion and removal of instruments increases the risk of contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation functions into a single LLETZ device. The device includes both a wire loop electrode for electrocautery and an argon gas delivery system with a separate electrode for plasma coagulation, allowing both bleeding control methods to be performed without instrument exchange. This merging eliminates the time loss from repeated insertions and removals while maintaining the reliability of both bleeding control techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The LLETZ device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both wire loop electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation. The device universally handles different bleeding control needs through its dual capability, allowing the surgeon to switch between electrocautery mode (using the wire loop) and plasma coagulation mode (using the argon gas and separate electrode) within the same instrument platform.
3Productivity
If a single device performs both electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation, then instrument exchange is eliminated, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The LLETZ device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a wire loop electrode assembly for electrocautery, an argon gas delivery system with separate electrode for plasma coagulation, and integrated control mechanisms. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently while being housed in a single device, managing complexity through modular design. The moveable arm mechanism is also segmented to allow independent positioning of the argon delivery system relative to the wire loop.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a nested structure where the argon gas delivery system and its electrode are positioned within or alongside the wire loop electrode assembly. The moveable arm allows the argon delivery components to be nested within the overall device structure, enabling both functions to coexist in a compact configuration without excessive complexity.
4Productivity
If a single device performs both electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation, then instrument exchange is eliminated, but the device requires more channels and components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional electrocautery and argon plasma coagulation functions into a single LLETZ device. The device includes both a wire loop electrode for electrocautery and an argon gas delivery system with a separate electrode for plasma coagulation, allowing both bleeding control methods to be performed without instrument exchange. This merging eliminates the time loss from repeated insertions and removals while maintaining the reliability of both bleeding control techniques.
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 quick and effective control of bleeding during LLETZ procedures by integrating argon plasma coagulation into the surgical process without the need for instrument exchange, reducing the risk of contamination and improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The wire loop is connected to an electrosurgical unit and is used to scoop out the abnormal tissue in one piece and seal any bleeding blood vessel via electrocautery
Implementation Method 2
Argon beam coagulators, also known as Argon Plasma Coagulators (APC), additionally have been demonstrated to be effective tissue coagulators
Implementation Method 3
a means for delivering an inert gas, such as argon, to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-mode LLETZ or LEEP device for performing LLETZ surgery and argon plasma coagulation using a single device is disclosed. The disclosed device has a body with a channel therein and movable arms having a wire therebetween at a distal end of the body such that the arms may be extended to perform conventions LLETZ surgery or may be moved together for performing argon plasma or beam coagulation.