Electrosurgical Handpiece Depth Control via Spacer and Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spinal surgery poses a challenge in accurately controlling the depth of electrosurgical electrodes to ensure proper penetration during procedures, as existing methods lack precision and consistency.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical handpiece with a squeezable handle and a spacer system that allows for adjustable depth control of the active electrode, utilizing a spring mechanism and interchangeable spacers of varying widths to set the desired penetration depth, ensuring precise electrode placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional open surgical procedures are used, then surgical access is achieved, but operating time and post-operative recovery time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical instrument is divided into distinct segments including a handle assembly, a rod, and an electrode assembly that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows for minimally invasive insertion through small incisions while maintaining full control over electrode deployment and retraction, avoiding the need for extensive open surgery
2Ease of operation
If electrosurgical instruments are used without depth control, then surgical procedure is simplified, but electrode penetration depth precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Depth control features including spacers and engagement mechanisms are pre-configured on the instrument before surgery. The spacer is attached to the rod at a predetermined position, and the electrode assembly includes pre-set engagement features that automatically limit penetration depth when the electrode contacts bone, eliminating the need for complex intraoperative depth measurement while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
A spacer acts as an intermediary element between the rod and the electrode assembly, providing a predetermined depth offset. This spacer ensures consistent electrode penetration depth by physically limiting how far the electrode can extend beyond the bone surface, thereby standardizing depth precision across different surgical procedures
3Manufacturing precision
If depth control mechanisms are added to electrosurgical instruments, then electrode penetration depth precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The depth control system is segmented into independent components: a handle assembly for actuation, a rod for positioning, and an electrode assembly with integrated depth-limiting features. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple geometry, avoiding the need for complex integrated mechanisms while achieving precise depth control
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design employs simple, easily manufactured depth control features such as fixed spacers and engagement protrusions that can be produced through standard manufacturing processes. These depth-limiting structures are designed as single-use or limited-use components that ensure precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or expensive materials
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 solution provides precise and adjustable depth control for electrosurgical electrodes, enhancing the accuracy and safety of spinal procedures by allowing surgeons to select the appropriate depth setting based on the specific surgical requirements, thereby reducing the risk of complications and improving surgical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is located in the aperture and biases against the smaller diameter region to bias the first main body and the second main body into their first position.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrosurgical handpiece that has a first main body and a second main body. A squeezable handle connects to and across the first main body and the second main body such that, when the handle is unsqueezed, the first main body and the second main body assume a first position relative to one another. When the handle is squeezed, the first main body and the second main body assumes a second position relative to one another. An active electrosurgical electrode is slidingly mounted within the second main body and extends from the second end. A spacer is positioned around and in sliding engagement with the smaller diameter region of the first main body.