Electrosurgical Filter Placement for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical instruments face contamination due to backflow from the distal end to the gas source or high-frequency generator, and existing solutions, such as integrating a filter into the plug connector, compromise handling and require specialized equipment.
Innovation Solution
A device with a coupling unit and a separate filter in the fluid flow path, allowing for the use of standard equipment and enabling selection of filters based on application-specific requirements, with the filter positioned close to the high-frequency generator or fluid source to prevent contamination and improve handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is integrated into the plug connector to prevent backflow contamination, then contamination protection is improved, but the plug connector size increases and handling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is separated from the plug connector and placed in the fluid line downstream. This segmentation allows the plug connector to maintain its original compact size for easy handling, while the filter independently provides contamination protection in the fluid flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted from the plug connector assembly and positioned separately in the fluid line. This extraction resolves the space conflict, allowing the plug connector to remain small and manageable while the filter provides its protective function downstream.
2Reliability
If a filter is integrated into the plug connector to prevent backflow contamination, then contamination protection is improved, but compatibility with standard equipment is lost
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the filter from the plug connector, the plug connector maintains its standard design that is compatible with existing equipment. The filter is independently positioned in the fluid line, providing contamination protection without affecting compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is extracted from the plug connector assembly, allowing the plug connector to remain a standard component that interfaces with existing equipment. The filter provides protection downstream without compromising compatibility.
3Reliability
If the filter is positioned close to the coupling unit to prevent contamination, then contamination protection is improved, but the filter may be damaged or soiled in the operating environment
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is positioned in the fluid line downstream from the coupling unit, before the fluid reaches the distal end and before any potential contamination sources in the operating environment. This preliminary positioning protects the filter from damage while maintaining its protective 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
Enables easier handling and use of conventional standard equipment, allows for selection of filters based on specific needs, and prevents contamination by positioning the filter near the high-frequency generator or fluid source, enhancing the device's functionality and safety in a surgical environment.
Implementation Method 1
a filter which is designed to absorb particles of a predetermined minimum size in order to separate them from the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for an electrosurgical instrument, comprising a coupling unit, said coupling unit having a fluid line connection and a current line connection which are designed to carry fluid and current, via a fluid line of the device and at least one current line of the device, between a higher-level assembly and a distal end of the device and a filter, the filter being provided separately from the coupling unit in a fluid flow path of the fluid line, such that the fluid flowing through the fluid line flows through the filter.