Electrosurgical Wand with Multi-Mode Controller for Tissue Versatility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical systems require multiple wands and controllers for different tissue types and procedures, leading to inefficiencies and potential suboptimal clinical results due to the need for various energy settings and aspiration controls.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a single wand and controller that utilizes multiple modes of ablation, including low, medium, high, and vacuum modes, controlled by a single active electrode and peristaltic pump, allowing for adjustable energy and aspiration flow rates to suit specific tissue types and procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrosurgical wands and controllers are used for different tissue types and procedures, then the ability to treat various tissue types effectively is improved, but the device complexity and procedure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical system employs a single multi-functional wand that can treat multiple tissue types (cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, tendons, bone) through different operational modes. The controller provides multiple pre-configured modes (low energy, medium energy, high energy, vacuum) that enable one device to perform functions previously requiring multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (energy level, aspiration flow rate) to adapt to different tissue types and procedural needs. The controller allows selection of different energy levels and aspiration rates, enabling the same physical wand to effectively treat various tissues by adjusting these parameters rather than requiring multiple specialized wands
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrosurgical wands and controllers are used for different tissue types and procedures, then the ability to treat various tissue types effectively is improved, but the procedure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By providing a single wand that can treat all major tissue types through multiple operational modes, the system eliminates the need to purchase and inventory multiple specialized wands and controllers. This universal device reduces procedure cost by consolidating equipment requirements while maintaining the ability to treat cartilage, meniscus, ligaments, tendons, and bone effectively
3Device complexity
If a single electrosurgical wand and controller are used for all tissue types and procedures, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of treatment for specific tissue types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides mode-specific optimization where each operational mode (low energy, medium energy, high energy, vacuum) is tailored with specific energy levels and aspiration flow rates optimized for particular tissue types. This allows the single wand to deliver precise, customized treatment parameters for each tissue type, maintaining treatment precision despite device consolidation
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy levels and aspiration flow rates based on the selected mode and tissue type being treated. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures optimal treatment precision for each specific tissue type, allowing the single wand to adapt its performance characteristics to match the requirements of different tissues during the procedure
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrosurgical wands and controllers are used for different tissue types and procedures, then the treatment effectiveness for specific tissues is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller provides pre-configured operational modes with predetermined energy levels and aspiration flow rates optimized for specific tissue types. The surgeon simply selects the appropriate mode (low energy, medium energy, high energy, vacuum) before treatment, eliminating the need to manually adjust multiple parameters during the procedure. This preliminary configuration maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly improving ease of operation
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 more precise and efficient tissue removal with reduced equipment complexity, improving clinical outcomes by allowing surgeons to select appropriate energy and aspiration settings for different tissue types and procedures using a single system.
Implementation Method 1
maintaining plasma proximate to an active electrode of an electrosurgical wand, the plasma created based on the delivery of output energy to the active electrode by an electrosurgical controller
Implementation Method 2
controlling flow of fluid drawn into an aperture of the electrosurgical wand
Data Source
AI summary
Electrosurgical methods and systems. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including maintaining plasma proximate to an active electrode in a first energy range, and a second energy range. During periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include controlling flow of fluid drawn into an aperture of an electrosurgical wand, and in some situations increasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue, and in other cases decreasing fluid flow drawing into the aperture responsive to the active electrode being in operational relationship with tissue. Further, during periods when plasma is proximate to the active electrode, the illustrative method may include providing output energy at a default energy setpoint, and then providing output energy at a second energy setpoint.