Endoscopic Safety Switch Disconnects HF Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical instruments for end-to-end anastomosis risk inadvertently damaging tissue with high-frequency current when being removed from a hollow organ due to potential accidental activation of the HF current supply.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar instrument with a distal safety switch mechanism integrated into the electrode carrier that automatically disconnects the HF current supply when the instrument is moved to an out-of-operation position, preventing accidental tissue damage by ensuring the HF current is only active during the procedure and not during instrument removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the HF current supply is continuously available during instrument operation, then the anastomosis procedure can be performed efficiently, but the risk of accidental tissue damage during instrument removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch mechanism is pre-configured to automatically disconnect HF current when the instrument is in the out-of-operation position. This preliminary safety arrangement ensures that before any accidental activation can occur during instrument removal, the HF current is already disconnected, preventing tissue damage while maintaining continuous power during the actual anastomosis procedure
Solution Approach 2:
A safety switch mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the HF current supply and the electrodes. This mediator automatically interrupts the electrical connection when the instrument is positioned for removal, serving as a protective barrier that prevents harmful current flow without interfering with the normal surgical procedure
2Ease of operation
If the electrode carrier is made movable to enable instrument operation, then the anastomosis function is achieved, but the risk of inadvertent HF activation during removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety switch is pre-positioned to detect when the electrode carrier is in the out-of-operation position and automatically disconnects HF current accordingly. This preliminary safety action ensures that the movable electrode carrier cannot cause accidental activation during removal, as the electrical connection is already interrupted by the safety mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The safety switch mechanism provides automatic feedback control by monitoring the position of the electrode carrier and adjusting the HF current supply state accordingly. When the carrier moves to the out-of-operation position, the safety switch detects this change and automatically disconnects the current, creating a self-regulating safety system that responds to the instrument's operational state
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 safety switch mechanism effectively prevents tissue damage by ensuring the HF current is disconnected during instrument removal, enhancing the safety and reliability of the end-to-end anastomosis procedure.
Implementation Method 1
coagulate (weld or seal) the same by charging the electrodes with HF current
Data Source
AI summary
A medical instrument includes an endoscope shaft and an electrode cap with a pin axially movable in the endoscope shaft. A first electrode is held by a first electrode carrier at a distal end piece of the endoscope shaft, and a second electrode is held by a second electrode carrier at the electrode cap. A safety switch is arranged in proximity to one of the electrode carriers and interconnected with a feed line that feeds HF current to the second electrode. The safety switch can be brought into an OFF or disconnect position to disconnect HF current supply to the second electrode. The safety switch can include an outer contact ring fixed at a proximal end portion of the pin, and an actuating rod that protrudes from the pin at the distal end and transmits movement to the second electrode carrier.