Flexible Bipolar Sheath With Embedded Leads for RF Insulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices, such as microdebriders, lack the capability to efficiently utilize bipolar RF energy due to separate stainless steel sheaths and insulative coatings, which are costly and limit flexibility and component count.

Innovation Solution

A flexible polymeric sheath with embedded electrical leads allows for integrated bipolar RF energy delivery, reducing the need for additional insulation and enabling a bendable, less component-intensive design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate stainless steel sheaths with insulative coatings are used for bipolar electrodes, then electrical insulation is provided, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sheath structure and electrical insulation function into a single integrated polymeric sheath with embedded leads, eliminating the need for separate stainless steel sheaths and insulative coatings. The polymeric material itself provides the insulation, while embedded conductive leads provide the electrical pathways, merging multiple components into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction by embedding conductive leads within an insulating polymeric sheath material. This composite structure integrates the electrical conductor and electrical insulator into a single component, providing both electrical pathways and insulation simultaneously while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If separate stainless steel sheaths with insulative coatings are used, then electrical insulation is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sheath structure and electrical insulation function into a single integrated polymeric sheath with embedded leads, eliminating the need for separate stainless steel sheaths and insulative coatings. The polymeric material itself provides the insulation, while embedded conductive leads provide the electrical pathways, merging multiple components into one unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a disposable polymeric sheath that integrates insulation and electrical pathways, replacing expensive reusable stainless steel components with a cost-effective single-use alternative that maintains reliable electrical insulation through its embedded lead structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Strength

If separate stainless steel sheaths are used, then structural support is provided, but flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid stainless steel sheaths with a flexible polymeric sheath that can be bent and shaped as needed. The polymeric material provides sufficient structural support while allowing the device to conform to anatomical structures, and the embedded leads maintain electrical continuity throughout the flexible structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite construction by embedding conductive leads within an insulating polymeric sheath material. This composite structure integrates the electrical conductor and electrical insulator into a single component, providing both electrical pathways and insulation simultaneously while reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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

Enables cost-effective, flexible bipolar RF energy delivery for surgical operations, reducing component count and manufacturing costs while maintaining effective tissue cutting and coagulation.

Implementation Method 1

the polymeric sheath and the at least one electrode are configured to provide radiofrequency (RF) energy for a surgical operation when the polymeric sheath is connected to an radiofrequency (RF) energy source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency energy: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3698746B1Flexible bipolar sheath

Publication Date: 2026.02.18 GYRUS ACMI INC

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AI summary

A medical instrument sheath including an elongated hollow tube having a wall comprised of polymeric material; and at least one electrical lead embedded inside the wall, wherein the at least one electrical lead is configured to be connected with a respective electrode disposed in a member located inside the sheath and extending from a distal end of the sheath.