Hybrid Dissection Spatula Layout for Low-Smoke Tissue Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical dissection technologies, such as hydro-dissection and electro-dissection, face challenges including thermal necrosis of adjacent tissues, production of toxic smoke, and increased electrical resistance leading to inefficient and potentially dangerous surgical procedures, particularly in cardiovascular surgery.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device combining hydro-dissection and electro-dissection capabilities with a staggered configuration of dissecting means and fluid dispensing, allowing precise tissue separation with reduced thermal damage and smoke production, featuring a hybrid system with a spatula-shaped contact portion, retractable nozzles for fluid jets, and an electrode for monopolar current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If monopolar electro-dissection is used to separate tissues, then tissue dissection and haemostasis are achieved, but thermal damages occur in adjacent tissues causing necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the electro-dissection function into two separate electrodes: a first electrode for tissue separation and a second electrode for haemostasis. This segmentation allows independent control of each function, enabling the surgeon to apply electrical current only where needed without causing thermal damage to adjacent tissues through uncontrolled current flow through the entire body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control mechanism that monitors tissue impedance and automatically adjusts electrical current parameters. This intermediary system prevents excessive current that would cause thermal necrosis, while still providing sufficient current for effective tissue dissection and haemostasis.
2Productivity
If increased electrical power is applied to overcome tissue resistance, then tissue dissection continues, but smoke production increases causing hazardous conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a feedback system that continuously monitors tissue impedance, temperature, and smoke generation. When smoke production reaches a threshold level, the system automatically reduces electrical power or activates cooling mechanisms, preventing hazardous smoke accumulation while maintaining effective tissue dissection through optimized current delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed electrical delivery rather than continuous current. This periodic action allows brief intervals for heat dissipation and smoke evacuation, reducing cumulative smoke production while maintaining effective tissue dissection during the active pulse phases.
3Productivity
If monopolar current flows through the patient's body to the return electrode, then tissue separation occurs, but electrical resistance increases causing voltage decrease and procedure delays
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the electrical circuit into localized bipolar electrodes placed directly at the tissue site, the patent eliminates the need for current to flow through the entire body to a distant return electrode. This localized approach maintains consistent electrical resistance throughout the procedure, preventing voltage drops and avoiding delays while achieving effective tissue separation.
4Manufacturing precision
If a thin-tipped scalpel is used for precise tissue separation, then mechanical precision is improved, but the risk of thermal necrosis in nearby tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that monitors temperature and electrical parameters in real-time. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of fine-tipped electrodes for precise tissue separation while automatically preventing thermal necrosis by adjusting current parameters before dangerous temperature levels are reached.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically changes electrical parameters (current amplitude, pulse duration, frequency) based on real-time tissue feedback. This allows the use of thin-tipped electrodes for precise mechanical separation while adjusting electrical parameters to prevent thermal damage, adapting the energy delivery to match the specific tissue being dissected.
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 rapid, precise, and safe tissue dissection with reduced bleeding, avoiding tissue charring and toxic smoke, improving surgical efficiency and reducing postoperative duration.
Implementation Method 1
hydro-dissection involves using a jet of liquid emitted at a pressure that induces the separation of the incident tissues with lower resistance
Implementation Method 2
electro-dissection typically refers to a monopolar dissection technique that uses electrical energy to separate tissues through the sublimation process
Implementation Method 3
allows the dissection and the cauterization of the tissues while ensuring haemostasis
Implementation Method 4
The current flows through the body creating thermal damages in the tissues near the blade of the scalpel with consequent clotting of the tissues. The produced heat develops due to the Joule effect.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Surgical device (1) for dissecting an anatomical tissue comprising a main body (2) extending along a longitudinal direction (L) and having a first end (3) and a second end (4) comprising a contact portion (7) adapted to come into contact with the anatomical tissue, in particular having a spatula shape, wherein the contact portion (7) comprises a first sub- portion (8) and a second sub-portion (9) extending over the first sub-portion (8), at least a first dissecting means (5) positioned on the first sub-portion (8), and at least a second dissecting means (6) positioned on the second sub-portion (9), wherein the first dissecting means (5) is disposed on an end region (10) of the second end (4) and the second dissecting means (6) is retracted and spaced from the first dissecting means (5) along the longitudinal direction (L) of the main body (2) at a distance d.