Monopolar Bipolar Electrosurgical Tool Mode Switching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electro-surgical systems lack the ability to seamlessly switch between monopolar and bipolar modes without requiring tool removal or additional components, limiting their versatility and efficiency in surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A modular electro-surgical system with a surgical mechanical arm that includes a motor unit and actuators, allowing for the same surgical arm to operate in both monopolar and bipolar modes by using a single tool with a monopolar tip and bipolar surfaces, and featuring a mechanism to adjust the separation between tool portions for effective tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single surgical tool is designed to operate in both monopolar and bipolar modes, then the adaptability and versatility of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for switching mechanisms and multiple electrode configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool is designed with universal functionality to perform both monopolar and bipolar electrosurgical operations. The tool incorporates a monopolar electrode tip and bipolar electrode surfaces that can be selectively activated through a switching mechanism, allowing a single tool to replace multiple specialized tools and enhance surgical versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The tool employs a dynamic switching mechanism that can transition between monopolar and bipolar modes during surgical procedures. The switching system allows real-time reconfiguration of electrical circuitry and electrode activation states, enabling adaptive operation based on surgical requirements without requiring tool replacement
2Productivity
If the surgical arm structure is modified to enable mode switching, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanisms for mode switching are merged with the existing surgical arm control system. The switching functionality is integrated into the handpiece or control console, allowing surgeons to transition between monopolar and bipolar modes through existing control interfaces without requiring separate control systems or additional manual operations
3Loss of time
If a switching mechanism is implemented to enable seamless mode transitions, then the operational continuity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional electrical circuitry and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
Both monopolar and bipolar electrode configurations and their associated circuitry are pre-configured within the tool before the surgical procedure begins. The switching mechanism is pre-programmed with the necessary circuit reconfiguration logic, allowing instantaneous mode transitions without requiring manual reconfiguration or tool replacement during surgery
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 efficient and versatile surgical procedures by allowing seamless switching between monopolar and bipolar modes without tool removal, enhancing the system's adaptability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter assembly enables an operator to perform both bipolar and monopolar procedures on tissue... applying bipolar current for tissue electro-therapy and monopolar current for tissue cutting
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical system comprising: an electrosurgical power generator; at least one surgical mechanical arm comprising a tool configured to operate in at least one bipolar operational mode; at least one motor unit comprising: a connector configured to connect said motor unit to said electrosurgical power generator or wherein said electrosurgical power generator is housed within said at least one motor unit; wherein said at least one motor unit comprises: one or more actuators mechanically coupled to said surgical arm and configured to actuate said surgical arm; a first electrical conduction pathway electrically connected to said electrosurgical power generator and extending from said motor unit, through a volume defined by said surgical mechanical arm, to said tool; and a second electrical conduction pathway connected to said electrosurgical power generator and extending from said motor unit to said tool.