Endoscope Electrode Structure for Uniform Tissue Resection Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode designs for tissue resection and coagulation using high-frequency current lack the ability to consistently maintain a uniform thickness of resected tissue, as the depth of electrode penetration varies with user force and tissue surface irregularities.
Innovation Solution
The electrode unit incorporates a pair of distal end rigid members with a lower bending rigidity elastic region and an electrode protruding from these members, featuring a design that includes a ceramic pipe and resin covering to maintain consistent depth of tissue penetration by using the rigid members as stoppers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a loop-shaped electrode is used for tissue resection, then tissue can be resected or coagulated by high-frequency current, but the thickness of resected tissue cannot be kept constant due to variations in user force and tissue surface irregularities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode supporting member from completely rigid to having an elastic region with lower bending rigidity. This allows the supporting member to deform elastically under user force, maintaining constant contact pressure between the distal end rigid members and tissue surface, thereby ensuring constant electrode penetration depth and uniform resected tissue thickness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic characteristics to the electrode supporting member by creating an elastic region that can flex and adapt to tissue surface irregularities. This dynamic structure allows the distal end rigid members to maintain stable contact with the tissue surface regardless of force variations, solving the problem of inconsistent tissue thickness
2Stability of the object's composition
If the electrode supporting member is made rigid for stability, then the electrode can maintain position, but it cannot adapt to tissue surface irregularities, leading to variable penetration depth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different mechanical properties to different regions of the electrode supporting member: the distal end portion is made rigid to maintain stable contact with the tissue surface, while the proximal end portion is made elastic to allow deformation and adaptation to tissue irregularities. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability
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 design ensures consistent thickness of resected tissue by maintaining a constant depth of electrode penetration, regardless of user force variations or tissue surface irregularities, facilitating controlled tissue resection and coagulation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic region member having lower bending rigidity than bending rigidity of each of the pair of distal end rigid members, the elastic region member being provided on a proximal end side of each of the pair of distal end rigid members
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode unit configured to resect or coagulate tissue inside a subject by using a high-frequency current, including: an electrode supporting portion provided with a pair of distal end rigid portions surfaces of which are covered by an electrically insulating material, and an elastic region portion having lower bending rigidity than bending rigidity of each of the pair of distal end rigid portions, the elastic region portion being provided on a proximal end side of each of the pair of distal end rigid portions; and an electrode configured with electrode bodies respectively protruding downward from the pair of distal end rigid portions and an installation portion that installs respective lower ends of the electrode bodies.