Electrosurgical Probe With Reduction Gear for Precise Electrode Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgeons face challenges in precisely controlling the length of the distal end of electrosurgical probes to prevent unintended penetration into deeper tissue layers during procedures, as existing technologies lack precise handling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A probe design featuring a movable electrode with a reduction gear mechanism, allowing for precise positioning of the electrode's distal end through a long operating path, combined with a resting device for defined positions and a preload device for maintaining the electrode's position, and an optional water jet probe for tissue separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a direct coupling between the operating element and electrode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision of the electrode distal end is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
A reduction gear mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the operating element and the electrode. This gear mechanism includes a gear wheel and a pinion that transmit and reduce the movement from the operating element to the electrode, enabling precise sub-millimeter positioning of the electrode distal end while maintaining a manageable operating path length.
2Measurement precision
If a long operating path is provided for precise positioning, then the positioning precision is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction gear mechanism replaces the need for a long operating path with a compact mechanical transmission system. The gear wheel and pinion arrangement provides mechanical advantage, converting a short operating element movement into a precisely controlled, reduced movement of the electrode, achieving sub-millimeter precision without requiring an extended operating path.
3Ease of operation
If the electrode can be moved freely along the probe body, then the ease of operation is improved, but the control precision over electrode extension is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The reduction gear mechanism provides inherent feedback through its mechanical structure. As the operating element moves, the gear engagement ensures that the electrode moves in a controlled, proportional manner, giving the operator tactile feedback and visual indication of the electrode position while maintaining precise control over the extension distance.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a probe (10) for the electrosurgical treatment of tissue (44). An electrode (16) is movably arranged in a probe body (12) in one extension direction (R) of an electrode channel (15). The probe body (12) is connected at its proximal end (14) to an operating device (20). This device has an electrode control element (23) for moving the electrode (16) along the electrode channel (15). The movement coupling between the electrode control element (23) and the electrode (16) is effected via a reduction gear (25), for example, a lever gear (26).