Electrode Instrument Angled Tissue Contact for Resectoscope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resectoscopes require separate instruments for tissue resection and removal, leading to risks of tissue fragmentation and increased patient discomfort due to multiple insertion points, and existing electrode instruments are prone to damage during tissue extraction.
Innovation Solution
An electrode instrument with support arms featuring a tissue contact part angled relative to the longitudinal axis, allowing for secure clamping or impaling of tissue fragments, enabling their removal without compromising the electrode's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate gripping instrument is used for tissue removal, then tissue extraction capability is improved, but the risk of tissue fragment loss and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the resection function (electrode) and gripping function (tissue contact part) into a single electrode instrument. The tissue contact part is integrated on the support arm, allowing both tissue cutting and retrieval to be performed by one instrument, eliminating the need for separate gripping instruments and reducing the risk of tissue fragment loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a resection tool (via the electrode) and a gripping tool (via the tissue contact part). This universal instrument can perform multiple tasks including tissue resection, tissue gripping, and tissue removal through a single insertion point, improving versatility while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode instrument is pulled together with the inner tube for tissue removal, then tissue extraction is enabled, but the risk of damaging the sensitive electrode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode instrument is segmented into distinct functional parts: the electrode for resection and the tissue contact part for gripping. This segmentation allows the tissue contact part to bear the mechanical stress of gripping and pulling tissue, while the electrode remains protected from damage during the extraction process.
Solution Approach 2:
The tissue contact part acts as an intermediary between the electrode and the tissue during the pulling operation. It provides a dedicated gripping surface that interfaces with the tissue, allowing the electrode to focus on its resection function while the tissue contact part handles the mechanical extraction, thereby protecting the electrode from damage.
3Ease of operation
If the gripping function depends on the geometry and arrangement of the electrode and inner tube, then tissue clamping is achieved, but structural changes lead to loss or change of gripping function
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue contact part is designed with specific local quality features including an angled arrangement relative to the longitudinal axis of the support arm and a specific geometric configuration. These localized design features provide consistent and reliable tissue gripping capability, and changes to other parts of the instrument do not affect the gripping function as long as the tissue contact part geometry remains intact.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple instruments are used for resection and removal, then functional versatility is improved, but the number of insertion points and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode instrument is designed as a universal instrument that can perform both resection (via the electrode) and tissue removal (via the tissue contact part) functions. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments and multiple insertion points, thereby reducing patient discomfort while maintaining full surgical versatility.
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 safe and efficient removal of tissue fragments using the same instrument for both resection and extraction, reducing the need for multiple instruments and minimizing patient discomfort.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode at the distal end of the electrode instrument that can be subjected to high-frequency current
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode instrument for use in a resectoscope, the electrode instrument having an elongate shaft portion with two support arms through which a conductor extends that forms an electrode at the distal end of the electrode instrument that can be subjected to high-frequency current and is arranged between the distal ends of the support arms, wherein at least one of the support arms has in its distal end region a tissue contact part for holding tissue fragments that is arranged on the outer wall of the support arm and angled in relation to the longitudinal axis of the support arm; and to a corresponding resectoscope.