Electrosurgical Instrument Movable Electrode Tissue Removal Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical systems with argon plasma coagulation capabilities lack the ability to perform both non-contact tissue removal and coagulation from a single instrument, often requiring separate instruments or power adjustments for cutting and coagulation functions.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a movable electrode and conduit arrangement that switches between a focused ionized gas stream for tissue removal and a broader, heat-generating plasma loop for coagulation, utilizing a switch mechanism to control the direction and distribution of ionized gas between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electrosurgical instrument is designed to perform both tissue removal and coagulation, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument employs a movable electrode that can be positioned in different locations within the instrument shaft. By moving the electrode between a first position for tissue removal and a second position for coagulation, the instrument dynamically changes its function without requiring multiple separate devices, thus improving versatility while managing complexity through a single movable component rather than multiple fixed components
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical instrument is designed with a universal capability to perform both tissue removal and coagulation functions using a single instrument platform. The universal gas delivery system supplies ionizable gas to the electrode regardless of its position, allowing the same physical instrument to universally perform multiple surgical functions by simply repositioning the electrode
2Device complexity
If separate instruments are used for tissue removal and coagulation, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases due to instrument changes
Solution Approach 1:
The movable electrode can be quickly repositioned between the first position for tissue removal and the second position for coagulation during surgical procedures. This dynamic repositioning eliminates the time required to change between separate instruments while maintaining relatively simple device architecture through the use of a single instrument body with a movable component
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is pre-positioned in the instrument shaft and can be rapidly moved to the appropriate position based on the surgical need. The gas delivery system is pre-configured to supply ionizable gas regardless of electrode position, allowing immediate transition between functions without requiring instrument changes or complex reconfiguration
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 versatile, non-contact tissue removal and coagulation from a single instrument, allowing for efficient and precise surgical procedures without the need for multiple devices or power adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode for ionising the ionisable gas exiting the at least one aperture
Implementation Method 2
the at least one electrode produces a stream of ionised gas exiting the at least one aperture of such energy that it is capable of the removal of the tissue being treated
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical system for the treatment of tissue includes an electrosurgical instrument, a source for supplying ionizable gas to said electrosurgical instrument, an electrosurgical generator for supplying high frequency energy to the electrosurgical instrument, and a switch mechanism. The electrosurgical instrument includes one or more conduits and one or more electrodes connected to the electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgical system is movable between at least a first and a second arrangement. The first arrangement is such that one electrode produces a stream of ionized gas exiting one of the conduits, the ionizable gas being capable of the removal of tissue. The second arrangement is such that ionized gas is produced such that it is capable of the coagulation of tissue. The switch mechanism causes the electrosurgical instrument to move between the first and second arrangements.