Fixed Position RF Electrode for Minimizing Tissue Tears

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrosurgical instruments face challenges in achieving enhanced surgical accuracy, ease of use, and minimizing tissue tears and electrosurgical arcing, which can cause tissue burns, due to pressing or pulling forces and inadequate control over power settings, temperature, moisture levels, and RF energy settings.

Innovation Solution

A fixed position RF electrode system with adjustable spherical electrodes, a balanced design for reduced pressure application, and an integrated delivery system for fluid management, including irrigation and misting capabilities, to enhance surgical precision and safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pressing or pulling forces are applied to tissue during electrosurgical procedures, then surgical procedures can be performed, but tissue tears occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical procedure performanceVSAvoidtissue tears
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical pressing/pulling forces with a fixed-position electrode system that delivers RF energy to tissue without requiring physical pressure. The electrode is positioned to contact tissue passively, and surgical effects are achieved through controlled RF energy application rather than mechanical force, thereby preventing tissue tears while maintaining procedural effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If electrosurgical arcing occurs during procedures, then cutting and coagulation can be achieved, but tissue burns are caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting and coagulation efficiencyVSAvoidtissue burns
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates feedback control mechanisms including temperature sensors and power adjustment systems that monitor tissue conditions and modulate RF energy delivery in real-time. This prevents excessive energy accumulation and arcing events that cause tissue burns, while maintaining effective cutting and coagulation through optimized energy parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts RF energy parameters including power level, frequency, and pulse duration based on tissue response and procedural requirements. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective cutting and coagulation without exceeding safe energy thresholds that would cause tissue burns or arcing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If fluid is delivered to electrode tips at locations facing each other, then fluid management is achieved, but RF energy utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid deliveryVSAvoidRF energy utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions fluid delivery outlets at locations remote from the electrode tip portions that face each other, creating distinct functional zones. Fluid is delivered to areas adjacent to but not between the opposing electrode faces, preserving the RF energy field integrity between electrodes while still providing adequate fluid management for cooling and smoke evacuation in the broader surgical field.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system improves surgical precision and reduces tissue damage by allowing delicate usage with minimal pressure, while the fluid management and adjustable settings optimize RF energy application for procedures like tissue hemostasis, cutting, and coagulation.

Implementation Method 1

electrosurgical instruments utilizing RF energy... to perform surgical procedures such as cutting tissue and coagulating blood vessels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF energy heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a fluid passage directed to provide a fluid towards the cylindrical side portion of the electrode tip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2928403B1Fixed position RF electrode
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 ELLMAN
  • EP2928403B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2928403B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2928403B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

In one aspect, a fixed position RF electrode for conducting surgical procedures, includes a main device body detachably connectable to an RF generating system, a first polarized conductor and a second oppositely polarized conductor, a bipolar electrical conduit passing through the main device body that passes RF energy from the RF generating system to the first polarized conductor and the second oppositely polarized conductor, and a bipolar electrode for contacting a surgically operative material.