Electrosurgical Coagulation Instrument with Collapsible Tip and Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blunt dissectors used in laparoscopic surgery are difficult to manage, as they can become loose and obstruct the operative field with tissue and fluids, necessitating frequent irrigation and aspiration, which interrupts the surgical process.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical coagulation instrument with a retractable and collapsible electrode and suction pipe design, allowing for simultaneous energy delivery to tissue and suction, with the electrode tip extending or retracting to optimize tissue dissection and coagulation while maintaining clear visibility and minimizing interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional blunt dissectors are used during laparoscopic procedures, then tissue dissection can be performed, but the dissectors can become loose and obstruct the operative field with tissue and fluids, necessitating frequent irrigation and aspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dissection function and suction function into a single integrated instrument. The electrosurgical instrument includes both an electrode for tissue dissection and a suction catheter for removing fluids and debris, allowing simultaneous dissection and suction without requiring separate instruments or interruptions for irrigation and aspiration
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument performs multiple functions through a single device: it can dissect tissue using the electrode, suction fluids and debris through the integrated suction catheter, and coagulate bleeding vessels. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate instruments and reduces procedural interruptions
2Productivity
If the electrode tip is extended for tissue dissection, then effective energy delivery is achieved, but the suction pipe may obstruct the operative field when extended
Solution Approach 1:
The suction pipe is designed to be dynamically adjustable relative to the electrode. The suction pipe can be retracted into or extended from the electrode shaft, allowing the operator to position the suction pipe as needed during the procedure without it obstructing the operative field when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument is divided into functionally independent segments: the electrode assembly for energy delivery and the suction catheter for fluid removal. These segments can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the suction pipe to be retracted when not needed and extended when required without interfering with electrode function
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 enables efficient and uninterrupted tissue dissection and coagulation, reducing procedural time by allowing for quick adjustment of the electrode and suction pipe positions, improving surgical efficiency and reducing the need for frequent irrigation and aspiration.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode has a distal tip that is configured to deliver energy to tissue
Implementation Method 2
A suction source is attached to a proximal portion of the tube for evacuating excess fluid and debris from the surgical site through the distal end of the tube
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating tissue includes extending a distal tip of an electrode of a surgical instrument from a body of the surgical instrument to expose the distal tip by sliding the electrode along a longitudinal axis defined by the body, delivering energy from the distal tip to tissue, and applying suction adjacent the distal end of the body with a suction pipe of the surgical instrument. The distal tip of the electrode may include a collapsible portion. Extending the distal tip of the electrode may include moving the collapsible portion to extend beyond an outer radial dimension of a nose of the surgical instrument.