Electrosurgical Control Device Multi-Function Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for electrosurgical instruments are limited in functionality, often tailored to specific applications, requiring surgeons to change instruments during procedures, which complicates handling and prolongs surgical time, especially in urgent situations.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a movable handle part and an activation element that can be adjusted about a pivot point, featuring a switching element on the movable handle part that allows independent activation of current flows for coagulation, sealing, and cutting, enabling seamless switching between bipolar currents without changing instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed control device is designed for a specific application, then the device structure is simple, but the adaptability is poor requiring instrument changes during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device incorporates multiple switching elements that can activate different current types (sealing current, coagulation current, cutting current) through a single unified structure. The activation element can be adjusted to different positions to select different current types, allowing one device to perform multiple surgical functions without requiring separate instruments for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The activation element is designed to be adjustable between different positions (deactivation position and activation positions) rather than being fixed. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the same physical device to switch between different functional modes (sealing, coagulation, cutting) by changing the activation element's position, thereby achieving versatility without multiplying the physical device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple instruments are used for different applications, then the functionality is comprehensive, but the handling complexity increases and surgical time prolongs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidhandling
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the control functions for different current types (sealing, coagulation, cutting) into a single unified control device. Instead of having separate instruments for each function, the device merges multiple switching elements and an adjustable activation element into one integrated unit, allowing the surgeon to control all current types with a single device throughout the surgical procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is designed as a universal instrument that can activate multiple types of bipolar currents through a single device. The adjustable activation element can be positioned to select different current types, making the device universally applicable to various surgical tasks (vessel sealing, coagulation, cutting) without requiring the surgeon to switch between multiple specialized instruments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If instruments are changed during surgery, then the application specificity is maintained, but the surgical time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication specificityVSAvoidsurgical time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The activation element can be dynamically adjusted between different positions to switch between different current types during the surgical procedure. Instead of physically changing instruments, the surgeon can quickly reposition the activation element to select the appropriate current type (sealing, coagulation, or cutting) for the current surgical task, maintaining application specificity while eliminating instrument change time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device is pre-configured with multiple switching elements and an adjustable activation element that can be positioned in advance to select the required current type. This preliminary setup allows the surgeon to have the appropriate current type ready before needed, eliminating the time loss associated with changing instruments during urgent surgical situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution allows for reliable and smooth activation of different current types, simplifying surgical procedures by eliminating the need for instrument changes, reducing operational time, and enhancing handling efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the activation element is designed such that a current activated by the activation element flows or can flow through the activation element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical contact closure:

Implementation Method 2

Due to the specific resistance of the tissue, the electrical energy is converted into thermal energy, thus heating the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

high-frequency alternating current (hereinafter also referred to as RF current) to create a thermal effect in the tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4146107B1Control device and electrosurgical instrument
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 KLS MARTIN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (1) for an electrosurgical instrument (2), in particular a high-frequency sealing instrument, comprising a stationary handle part (3), a movable handle part (4), an activation element (5) for activating a current flow, in particular a first type, preferably a sealing current, wherein the activation element (5) is or can be adjusted between a deactivation position and at least one activation position when the movable handle part (4) is actuated, wherein, when the movable handle part (4) is actuated, the activation element (5) is or can be adjusted about an axis of rotation (7).