Finger-Mountable Ablation Device With Optical Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments have a limited range of motion and lack feedback mechanisms to provide tactile sensory feedback and monitor tissue conditions during complex surgical procedures, making it difficult for surgeons to perform intricate tasks with precision and control.
Innovation Solution
A finger-mountable electrosurgical device with paired annular members, each equipped with an electrode and an optical fiber that senses temperature and mechanical strain, allowing for real-time feedback on tissue engagement and pressure through changes in light transmission properties, enabling more dexterous movements and improved surgical control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrosurgical instruments are used, then the device structure is simple, but the range of motion is limited and tactile feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the second annular member is mounted within the first annular member, allowing the inner member to rotate independently relative to the outer member. This nesting arrangement enables complex articulatory motions while maintaining a compact overall device structure that fits on the finger.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic rotational capability to the device through the rotation mechanism between the first and second annular members. The tissue engaging surfaces can rotate relative to each other, providing dynamic adjustment of the electrode orientation and enabling a wide range of motion for complex surgical tasks.
2Loss of information
If traditional electrosurgical instruments are used, then the device structure is simple, but tactile sensory feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates optical sensors that detect changes in light transmission through the annular members during tissue engagement. These sensors provide real-time feedback on pressure applied and tissue contact conditions, allowing the surgeon to monitor tactile information and adjust the procedure accordingly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit tactile and positional information from the distal tissue engagement area to the proximal control area. The optical fibers carry light signals that reflect changes in the physical state of the device during surgery, enabling indirect sensing of tactile feedback.
3Measurement precision
If traditional electrosurgical instruments are used, then the device structure is simple, but real-time monitoring of tissue conditions is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical sensors to continuously monitor tissue conditions in real-time by detecting changes in light transmission properties. The sensors provide feedback on temperature, pressure, and tissue contact, enabling precise monitoring of the electrosurgical process and tissue response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sensing methods with optical sensing technology. Instead of using mechanical transducers or electrical sensors, the system uses light transmission through the annular members to detect tissue conditions, providing a non-invasive and real-time monitoring capability.
4Ease of operation
If electrodes are separated to limit current flow, then safety is improved, but the ability to perform complex motions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic rotation of the annular members to adjust the relative position and orientation of electrodes during surgery. The electrodes can be positioned close together for bipolar current flow when needed, or separated when safety is prioritized, with the ability to transition between configurations through rotational movement.
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 device enhances the surgeon's ability to perform complex surgical motions with improved tactile feedback and real-time monitoring of tissue conditions, facilitating precise coagulation, cutting, and sealing by providing accurate pressure and temperature readings.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber for the detection of the changing physical characteristics of the finger-mountable annular member
Implementation Method 2
changes in light transmission properties
Implementation Method 3
A source or active electrode delivers RF energy from the electrosurgical generator to the tissue
Implementation Method 4
Electrosurgery involves application of high RF electrical current to a surgical site to cut, ablate, or coagulate tissue
Implementation Method 5
an optical member configured to transmit light from the light source
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical device is disclosed, and includes a pair of finger-mountable annular members, each having an electrode disposed thereon. An optical member is disposed on at least one of the pair of finger-mountable annular members and has a first set of light transmitting properties corresponding to a first set of physical parameters of at least one of the finger-mountable annular members. At least one finger-mountable annular member is configured to transition to a second set of physical parameters being different from the first set of physical parameters. The optical member is configured to transition from a first set of light transmitting properties to a second set of light transmitting properties, the second set of light transmitting properties corresponding to the second set of physical parameters, the second set of light transmitting properties being different from the first set of light transmitting properties.