Dual-Mode Microwave RF Tissue Ablation Instrument
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue ablation systems require multiple instruments and procedures to minimize blood loss and efficiently dissect solid organs, complicating the process and increasing procedure time.
Innovation Solution
A dual-mode surgical instrument that switches between microwave and radiofrequency energy transmission, using a wedge-shaped outer shaft with a microwave antenna and bipolar or monopolar electrodes to precoagulate tissue and then resect it with minimal bleeding, thereby combining the functions of tissue ablation and cutting in a single instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple surgical instruments are used for tissue ablation and resection, then blood loss is minimized and procedural efficacy is maintained, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines microwave ablation capability and RF electrosurgical cutting capability into a single integrated instrument. The instrument includes a microwave antenna for ablation and an RF electrode for cutting, both within the same shaft structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate ablation and cutting instruments, reducing device complexity while maintaining the procedural efficacy achieved by using multiple specialized instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical instrument is designed with multi-functionality, capable of performing both microwave tissue ablation and RF electrosurgical cutting/resection. The instrument can switch between these two modes of operation, making it a universal tool that replaces multiple single-function instruments. This universality directly addresses the contradiction by reducing the number of instruments needed while preserving the ability to perform both ablation and resection functions effectively.
2Reliability
If multiple surgical instruments and procedures are used for tissue dissection, then blood loss is minimized, but procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument performs microwave ablation as a preliminary action to coagulate tissue and seal blood vessels before the cutting/resection phase. This preliminary coagulation step minimizes blood loss during the subsequent cutting operation. By integrating this preliminary action into the same instrument that performs the cutting, the system maintains effective blood loss control while eliminating the time required to switch between separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument enables continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning from microwave ablation/coagulation mode to RF cutting mode without requiring instrument removal or replacement. The microwave component coagulates tissue in advance, and immediately afterward the RF electrode performs cutting on the pre-coagulated tissue, maintaining continuous productive action throughout the procedure. This continuity eliminates idle time associated with instrument changes while maintaining blood loss minimization.
3Productivity
If a single instrument performs multiple functions, then device complexity is reduced and procedure time is shortened, but the ability to minimize blood loss may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument applies different energy modes to different locations and stages of the tissue treatment process. Microwave energy is applied locally to coagulate tissue at the target site, sealing blood vessels. Then RF energy is applied to the same location for cutting. This local application of specialized energy types ensures that blood loss minimization is achieved at the critical coagulation stage while maintaining cutting effectiveness, all within a single instrument.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument changes the physical parameter of energy type from microwave radiation to RF electrical current. By switching between these different energy parameters, the instrument performs distinct functions: microwave for thermal coagulation to minimize blood loss, and RF for electrosurgical cutting. This parameter change capability allows the single instrument to maintain the blood loss minimization effectiveness of multiple specialized instruments while improving productivity.
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
The dual-mode instrument effectively precoagulates tissue to minimize bleeding and efficiently resects diseased portions of solid organs, reducing the number of surgical instruments needed and shortening procedure time while maintaining procedural efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting microwave energy into the portion of the tissue, thereby precoagulating the portion of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
a microwave antenna disposed within a distal portion of the outer shaft and configured to transmit microwave energy out of an apex of the outer shaft and into tissue to precoagulate tissue
Implementation Method 3
transmitting radiofrequency energy from an electrode of the surgical instrument into the tissue, thereby resecting the portion of the tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A surgical instrument for ablating tissue includes a handle portion and a shaft assembly extending distally from the handle portion. The shaft assembly includes an outer shaft, a coaxial cable extending through the outer shaft, and an electrode coupled to a distal portion of the outer shaft. The coaxial cable has a distal portion that forms a microwave antenna configured to transmit microwave energy radially outward and through the outer shaft. The electrode is configured to transmit radiofrequency energy. An actuation of the handle portion activates the transmission of the microwave energy from the microwave antenna and/or the transmission of the radiofrequency energy from the at least one electrode.