Electrosurgical Electrode with Vaporization Member for Resection and Coagulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical electrodes for endoscopic urological surgery either specialize in tissue resection or vaporization/coagulation, requiring separate instruments or modes of operation, which limits efficiency and versatility.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar or monopolar electrosurgical electrode with a loop extending laterally from two arms, featuring an electrically conductive vaporization member attached to the loop, allowing for efficient tissue resection when moved in one direction and vaporization/coagulation when moved in the opposite direction, without obstructing the cutting area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electrode is designed to perform both tissue resection and vaporisation/coagulation, then versatility and surgical efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate electrosurgical functions (tissue resection and vaporisation/coagulation) into a single electrode assembly. The loop element handles resection while the vaporisation member handles coagulation, merging what were previously separate instruments into one unified device that can perform multiple tissue treatment functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both a loop for resection and a vaporisation member for coagulation, allowing a single instrument to serve multiple surgical purposes. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple specialized electrodes and improves adaptability during surgery.
2Productivity
If the vaporisation member presents a substantial profile for effective tissue vaporisation, then vaporisation capability is improved, but the cutting area visibility and access are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporisation member is designed with specific local characteristics - it presents a substantial profile in the longitudinal direction for effective vaporisation, while being positioned and oriented such that it does not obstruct the cutting area. The loop extends laterally to provide an open cutting area, creating local quality differences that optimize both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution resolves the spatial conflict by utilizing different dimensions - the vaporisation member extends in the longitudinal direction to provide substantial profile for vaporisation, while the loop extends laterally to maintain cutting area access. This dimensional arrangement allows both functions to operate without mutual interference.
3Manufacturing precision
If the electrode uses bipolar configuration with two electrodes, then tissue resection precision is improved, but device complexity and energy requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bipolar electrode is segmented into distinct functional elements - the loop element for resection and the vaporisation member for coagulation. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, with the loop providing precise resection capability and the vaporisation member providing controlled coagulation, while both are electrically connected to the generator.
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 simultaneous effective tissue resection and vaporization/coagulation with a single electrode, improving surgical efficiency by changing the tissue effect with direction of movement rather than instrument rotation, providing clear visibility and preventing tissue tangling.
Implementation Method 1
when the loop is supplied with RF energy the vaporisation member is also energised... when the electrode is energised and moved in a first longitudinal direction, the loop is capable of resecting a sample of tissue
Implementation Method 2
when the electrode is energised and moved in the opposite longitudinal direction, the vaporisation member is capable of vaporising tissue adjacent thereto
Implementation Method 3
the vaporisation member is capable of vaporising tissue adjacent thereto to form a groove therein
Implementation Method 4
The upward profile urges the tissue up and away from the loop, providing the user with good visibility and preventing removed tissue from becoming tangled with the remainder of the electrosurgical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode is for use in an electrosurgical probe, the electrode having two arms defining a longitudinal direction. The electrode also includes a loop depending from the two arms and defining a cutting area within the loop, and a vaporization member attached to one side of the loop. The vaporization member is such that it does not occlude the cutting area and yet presents a substantial profile when the electrode is moved in the longitudinal direction. The arrangement is such that when the electrode is moved in a first longitudinal direction, the loop is capable of resecting a sample of tissue. When the electrode is moved in the opposite longitudinal direction, the vaporization member is capable of vaporizing tissue adjacent thereto to form a groove therein.