Electrode Instrument Casing for Resectoscope Irrigation Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
The forked design of existing electrode instruments for resectoscopes disrupts the flow of irrigation liquid, leading to turbulent flow and obscuring the operator's view during tissue manipulation.
Innovation Solution
The electrode instrument features two continuous electrode casing tubes with active and return contacts, eliminating the need for a forked design and ensuring a laminar flow of irrigation liquid by maintaining parallel orientation along the entire length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a forked design of electrode casing tubes is used to connect the electrode to current-carrying contacts, then the electrode can be mechanically stabilized and electrically contacted, but the irrigation liquid flow is disturbed causing turbulent flow and obscuring the operator's view
Solution Approach 1:
The single forked electrode casing tube is segmented into two separate continuous casing tubes (first and second electrode casing tubes), each extending independently from the distal to proximal end. This segmentation eliminates the forked structure that disrupted irrigation flow while maintaining electrical connection functionality through separate current paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode casing tubes are arranged in a parallel configuration along the longitudinal axis of the resectoscope shaft, transitioning from a radial forked arrangement to a longitudinal parallel arrangement. This dimensional reorganization allows irrigation liquid to flow smoothly along the shaft without encountering obstructions, while electrical contacts are positioned to maintain proper current flow.
2Ease of manufacture
If the forked electrode instrument design is used, then electrical contacting of the electrode is achieved, but the view of the treatment site is obscured due to swirling irrigation liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The forked structure that caused flow disruption is extracted and removed from the design. Instead, two separate continuous electrode casing tubes are used, which eliminate the flow-obstructing forked geometry while preserving the essential function of electrical contact delivery to the electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometric parameters of the electrode casing tubes are changed from a forked configuration with radial branches to a parallel longitudinal configuration. This parameter change ensures that the tubes follow the natural flow path of the irrigation liquid, preventing turbulence and improving visibility at the treatment site.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If two continuous electrode casing tubes are used instead of a forked design, then laminar flow of irrigation liquid is maintained, but the structural complexity of the electrode instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each of the two electrode casing tubes serves multiple functions: providing mechanical support for the electrode, conducting electrical current to the electrode, and defining a clear path for irrigation liquid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of mechanical support, electrical conduction, and fluid flow guidance are merged into the dual continuous casing tube structure. By combining these functions into the primary structural elements rather than adding separate components, the overall device complexity is minimized while achieving the desired laminar flow.
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
This design provides a clear and uninterrupted view of the treatment site by preventing swirling of the irrigation liquid, while also ensuring efficient and stable electrical contacting of the electrode.
Implementation Method 1
The radiofrequency current has the effect that a plasma forms at the electrode. On account of the thermal energy introduced and the interaction of the plasma with the tissue, these RF electrodes are particularly well suited for the treatment of tissue.
Implementation Method 2
On account of the thermal energy introduced and the interaction of the plasma with the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Radiofrequency instruments such as the resectoscope described here are used in medicine for treating body tissue and in particular for removing or manipulating this tissue. A particular disadvantage of the known instruments is that an irrigation liquid is disturbed by an electrode instrument in such a way that the resulting turbulence limits the view of the operator. The invention makes available an electrode instrument by which this problem is solved. This is achieved by the fact that two electrode casing tubes run from an electrode to the proximal end region of the electrode instrument and each have a respective electrical contact, namely an active contact and a return contact.