Medical Treatment Device Electrode Clearance and Microwave Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical treatment devices using microwaves for coagulation and cutting of living tissues face issues with energy attenuation and leakage, leading to inefficient microwave application and potential damage from sparks, particularly due to electrode design and mechanical limitations.
Innovation Solution
A medical treatment device featuring a coaxial cable with a fixed second electrode blade connected directly to the central electrode and a movable first electrode blade that can turn about a shaft, maintaining clearances to prevent energy leakage and facilitate efficient microwave application, while an insulating portion and strategic positioning of components reduce the risk of sparks and enhance mechanical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electrode structure is designed with turning shaft and point of effort in the same electrode with small distance, then the electrode can be turned easily, but the mechanical movement becomes difficult and delicate surgical work is not easy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a first electrode assembly with turning capability and a second electrode assembly with fixation capability. The turning shaft is positioned in the first electrode while the point of effort is in the second electrode, separating the mechanical functions to improve both ease of operation and reduce structural complexity interference
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a single-electrode design to a multi-electrode spatial arrangement. By positioning components in different spatial locations (first electrode vs. second electrode), the patent resolves the mechanical conflict between easy turning and structural simplicity through dimensional separation
2Stability of the object's composition
If the distance from distal end portion of coaxial cables to blades for cutting is long, then the electrode structure is stable, but the microwave is not efficiently applied to the living tissue
Solution Approach 1:
A connector is introduced as an intermediary component between the coaxial cable distal end and the electrode blades. This connector serves as a transition element that maintains structural stability while enabling efficient microwave energy transfer to the tissue at the blade level
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional long-distance connection to a multi-dimensional structure where the connector provides both mechanical support and electromagnetic energy transfer pathways, resolving the conflict between stability and efficiency through spatial and functional differentiation
3Reliability
If microwaves are applied to living tissue, then coagulation and hemostasis are achieved, but sparks may be generated by electrodes brought into contact that cause excessive damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potential harmful effect of electrode contact (sparks) into a beneficial safety feature by designing the electrodes to maintain a controlled gap. The near electromagnetic field between the separated electrodes produces dielectric heating for coagulation without the harmful sparks that would result from direct contact
Solution Approach 2:
The living tissue itself acts as an intermediary between the first and second electrodes. By positioning the tissue between the electrodes rather than allowing direct electrode contact, the system achieves coagulation through the tissue's dielectric properties while preventing spark generation
4Productivity
If Joule heat is used for coagulation with conventional electrosurgical knife, then the living tissue is easily coagulated, but the coagulated surface may be peeled off and dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of heating mechanism from Joule heat (resistive heating) to dielectric heat (microwave heating). This parameter change allows coagulation at lower temperatures that preserve tissue structure and prevent surface peeling, while still achieving effective coagulation and hemostasis
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 device efficiently applies microwaves to the tissue with reduced energy attenuation and leakage, allowing for safe coagulation and cutting with lower electrical risk, while enabling easier mechanical manipulation to prevent tissue drop-off and improve surgical precision.
Implementation Method 1
a coaxial cable for transmitting a microwave
Implementation Method 2
dielectric heat is generated in the living tissue by a near electromagnetic field formed by microwave power
Implementation Method 3
a near electromagnetic field formed by microwave power
Data Source
AI summary
In order to reliably cut off a living tissue by using a microwave in a surgical operation without causing excessive damage to the living tissue or without bleeding, it is necessary to suppress energy attenuation until the microwave reaches electrode blades for nipping, coagulating, and cutting off a tissue. However, it is difficult to suppress the energy attenuation. The present invention relates to a medical treatment device capable of reliably cutting off a living tissue by using a microwave while sealing vasculature by coagulating the living tissue without excessively damaging the living tissue. Specifically, the present invention relates to a medical treatment device including a movable first electrode blade connected to an external conductor and a fixed second electrode blade connected directly to a central electrode. The medical treatment device has a function of holding a living tissue between the movable first electrode blade and the fixed second electrode blade, coagulating the living tissue by supplying a microwave from the fixed second electrode blade, and cutting off the living tissue by turning the movable first electrode blade. In the medical treatment device, a turning mechanism for the movable first electrode blade is arranged at a certain clearance from the central electrode.