Endoscopic Instrument Head With Dedicated Flush Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscopic surgical instruments with TFT construction and RF electrodes face challenges in maintaining high fluid pressure at the operation site due to flow obstacles in the guide sleeve and inserted part, which hampers effective flushing and tissue cleaning during minimally invasive surgery.
Innovation Solution
The design features a hose-shaped outside sleeve with a displaceable inside sleeve and a sleeve-shaped instrument head that houses the RF electrode, allowing for optimal positioning and alignment of flush channels to reduce flow resistance and increase flush pressure, while the RF electrode is fixed within the instrument head to prevent axial movement and ensure precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the guide sleeve and inserted part with decentralized flush transition channels are used, then the RF electrode can be advanced and guided, but the flow resistance increases and flush pressure decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flush channel from the guide sleeve and inserted part, creating a separate, dedicated flush channel in the instrument shaft that bypasses the obstructive components. This separation allows the RF electrode to be guided through the guide sleeve while the flush medium flows through a clear, unobstructed path, thereby reducing flow resistance and maintaining high flush pressure at the operation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the instrument into distinct functional components: the guide sleeve for RF electrode guidance, the inserted part for electrical connection, and a separate flush channel system. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without interfering with the flow path, enabling independent optimization of electrode positioning and flush pressure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flush transition channels are passed through in the guide sleeve and inserted part, then the RF electrode can be supplied with flush medium, but the flow obstacle increases and flush effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flush channel from the obstructive path of the guide sleeve and inserted part, creating a dedicated flush channel in the instrument shaft. This allows the flush medium to be supplied to the operation site through a clear, unobstructed path, significantly improving flush effectiveness while maintaining the adaptability of the system for different surgical applications.
3Ease of operation
If the RF electrode is movable axially in the guide sleeve, then the electrode can be advanced to the operation site, but the positioning precision and flush alignment are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the flush channel from the moving guide sleeve component and places it in the stationary instrument shaft. This allows the RF electrode to be advanced axially in the guide sleeve for positioning at the operation site, while the flush channel remains stationary and precisely aligned with the electrode, thereby improving both positioning precision and flush alignment.
Data Source
AI summary
What is disclosed is an endoscopic surgical instrument with a hose-shaped outside jacket, in which a likewise hose-shaped inside jacket is supported relatively displaceable, on whose distal end section a sleeve or shaft-shaped instrument head is formed or mounted. In the instrument head is fixed a needle-shaped RF electrode electrically-insulated, whose electrical supply line is routed through the inside jacket, and which projects freely beyond the distal end of the instrument head in the axial direction. In the instrument head is formed a flush channel, extending at least axially, opening at both instrument head ends.