Electrosurgical Device With Force-Transmitting Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional transseptal needles rely on mechanical force for puncturing tissue, which is not always effective, and electrifying non-insulated needles poses risks of burns and tissue coring, leading to potential emboli and ischemic events.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical device with an electrically conductive elongate member capable of force transmission from the distal to the proximal portion, providing tactile feedback and incorporating insulation to prevent burns and emboli, featuring a handle with an electrical connector for coupling to an energy source and a distal electrode for delivering energy to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical force is used with conventional transseptal needles for puncturing tissue, then the device structure is simple, but the puncturing effectiveness is insufficient under certain circumstances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical puncturing system with an electrosurgical system that uses electrical energy to create punctures. The electrosurgical device includes an electrically conductive elongate member capable of delivering electrical energy to tissue to create punctures, thereby improving puncturing effectiveness when mechanical force is insufficient while maintaining operational simplicity through automated energy delivery.
2Productivity
If non-insulated needles are electrified to improve puncturing effectiveness, then the energy delivery capability is enhanced, but the risk of burns and tissue coring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electrical insulation in the form of a protective sheath or coating around the electrically conductive elongate member. This insulation layer prevents direct contact between the conductive member and surrounding tissues, thereby reducing the risk of burns and tissue coring while allowing the device to maintain its electrosurgical energy delivery capability for effective puncturing.
3Ease of operation
If the electrosurgical device is made stiff to provide tactile feedback, then the user feedback capability is improved, but the flexibility to adapt to different tissue conditions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements different stiffness characteristics at different portions of the electrosurgical device. The proximal portion (handle area) is made stiffer to provide tactile feedback to the user, while the distal portion (electrode area) maintains appropriate flexibility to adapt to different tissue conditions and puncturing requirements. This local differentiation of mechanical properties allows simultaneous achievement of user feedback and tissue adaptability.
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 device effectively punctures tissue with reduced risk of burns and emboli, providing tactile feedback and ensuring safe energy delivery while maintaining the stiffness and feel of mechanical devices.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive elongate member being capable of force transmission from the distal portion to the proximal portion to thereby provide tactile feedback to a user
Implementation Method 2
a distal tip including an electrode for delivering energy to a tissue
Implementation Method 3
the handle having insulation for electrically insulating a user from the electrically conductive elongate member
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical device for puncturing tissue comprises an electrically conductive elongate member which is capable of force transmission from a distal portion of the electrosurgical device to a proximal portion of the electrosurgical device to thereby provide tactile feedback to a user. The proximal portion comprises a handle or hub which includes an electrical connector configured to receive, in a releasable manner, an electrically conductive component operable to be electrically coupled to an energy source.