Electrosurgical Tool Integrated Suction Shaft Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical tools with suction capabilities face issues such as bubble formation during procedures, clogging due to charred tissue, and limited size constraints, which affect their performance and usability in minimally invasive surgeries.
Innovation Solution
The design integrates suction and energy delivery into a single conductive inner shaft, with suction openings defined by both the electrode and insulator cap to reduce clogging, and incorporates reinforced metal areas for improved durability and access to surgical sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate plastic suction tube is used inside the outer shaft, then suction capability is provided, but the tool size is increased and assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the suction tube and inner shaft into a single integrated component. The inner shaft itself is configured with a suction lumen that extends from the proximal to distal end, eliminating the need for a separate suction tube. This integration simplifies the assembly process while maintaining effective suction capability throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the suction conduit and the structural support element within the tool. By making the inner shaft multi-functional, the patent reduces the total number of components needed, thereby simplifying assembly while preserving all necessary capabilities.
2Reliability
If the suction opening is fully defined by the electrode, then tissue contact is improved, but clogging by charred tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction opening is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion defined by the electrode and a second portion defined by the insulator. This segmentation allows the electrode to maintain full tissue contact through its suction opening while the insulator's suction opening provides an alternative pathway that is less prone to clogging, as charred tissue does not adhere to the insulator material.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator acts as an intermediary element that provides a secondary suction pathway. Since charred tissue does not stick to the insulator, this intermediary structure prevents clogging while the electrode continues to provide primary tissue contact and ablation function.
3Weight of moving object
If the tool is made smaller for minimally invasive surgery, then patient trauma is reduced, but assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the suction tube and inner shaft into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be assembled. This integration is particularly beneficial for miniaturized tools where fewer components mean simpler assembly procedures and reduced overall size, making the tool suitable for minimally invasive applications.
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 configuration minimizes bubble interference, reduces clogging by facilitating easy removal of charred tissue, and enhances the tool's durability and accessibility, ensuring continuous suction and effective tissue treatment during surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
electrosurgical tool for ablation and coagulation of body tissues during surgery
Implementation Method 2
additionally provides aspiration or suction at the tip of the tool
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical tool for cauterizing or ablating patient tissue, which tool includes a tubular shaft which defines therein a conduit in communication with a suction source and which mounts an electrode at the distal end thereof. An electrode support element is provided at the distal end of the shaft for mounting and insulating the electrode. The support element and the electrode together define a suction opening at the treating surface of the electrode which minimizes clogging of the tool.