Multifunctional Electrosurgical Instrument with Dynamic Electrode Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical procedures require switching between injection needles and separate electrosurgical instruments, increasing procedure time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A multifunctional electrosurgical instrument with a dynamic electrode assembly, featuring a sheath with a fluid cannula and a cutting electrode, where at least one of the cannula or cutting electrode surfaces is longitudinally slidable, allowing for simultaneous fluid injection and tissue cutting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate injection needle and electrosurgical instrument are used, then tissue injection and cutting functions are achieved, but procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the injection needle and electrosurgical instrument into a single integrated device. The inner member contains both the fluid injection lumen and the electrosurgical electrode, allowing simultaneous or sequential performance of injection and cutting functions without switching between separate instruments, thereby reducing procedure time while maintaining functional versatility
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate injection needle and electrosurgical instrument are used, then tissue injection and cutting functions are achieved, but procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where the inner member (containing injection and cutting functions) is inserted within the outer member (sheath). This nesting arrangement integrates multiple functions into a hierarchical structure that reduces the number of separate instruments needed, thereby reducing procedure complexity while maintaining adaptability
3Productivity
If dynamic electrode assembly with slidable surfaces is used, then simultaneous fluid injection and cutting is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic electrode assembly where the inner member can slide longitudinally within the outer member. This dynamic configuration allows the electrode to be positioned in different configurations (e.g., exposed for cutting, retracted for injection) and enables simultaneous fluid injection and cutting operations, improving operational efficiency despite the increased structural complexity
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
The instrument reduces procedure length and complexity by enabling simultaneous fluid injection and cutting, improving operational efficiency in electrosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Electrosurgery may involve the application of various types of high-frequency electrical energy to biological tissue to, for example, cut, coagulate, dissect, resect, ablate, perforate, or fulgurate tissue
Implementation Method 2
a physician may use an injection needle to inject fluid into tissue, to create separation between an overlying layer of tissue and an underlying layer of tissue
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, an instrument may include a sheath having a distal end. The instrument also may include a fluid cannula at the distal end of the sheath. The instrument also may include a cutting electrode at the distal end of the sheath. At least one of: (i) an exterior surface of the fluid cannula, and (ii) a cutting electrode surface that faces the exterior surface, is longitudinally slidable along the other of the exterior surface and the cutting electrode surface during movement of at least one of the cutting electrode and the fluid cannula relative to the other of the cutting electrode and the fluid cannula.