Hysteroscopic Probe for Simultaneous Tissue Cutting and Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating uterine fibroids through hysteroscopic resection require exchanging cutting instruments with cauterization tools and different power supplies, increasing treatment time and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A tissue cutting system that uses a probe with a windowed outer sleeve and a reciprocating inner cutting sleeve, equipped with first and second RF applicator regions, allowing for simultaneous cutting and coagulation using a single RF power supply and mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cutting instrument is exchanged with cauterization tool, then coagulation can be performed, but treatment time increases and procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines cutting and coagulation functions into a single instrument by integrating a cutting blade and a coagulation electrode within the same hysteroscopic resection device. This allows both cutting and coagulation to be performed without exchanging tools, directly resolving the technical contradiction by eliminating the time loss associated with instrument exchange while maintaining both cutting capability and coagulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resection instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cutting tool and a coagulation device. The instrument includes a cutting blade for tissue resection and an integrated coagulation electrode for hemostasis, allowing a single universal tool to perform multiple surgical functions that traditionally required separate specialized instruments.
2Reliability
If different power supplies are used for cutting and coagulation, then both functions can be performed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hysteroscope system incorporates a universal power supply unit that can deliver both cutting current and coagulation current through the same instrument channel. This multi-functional power supply eliminates the need for separate power supplies for cutting and coagulation, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to perform both functions effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply requirements for cutting and coagulation into a single integrated power source. The power supply unit is designed to provide both cutting current and coagulation current through the same instrument, combining what were traditionally separate power requirements into one unified system.
3Reliability
If multiple tools are used for cutting and coagulation, then both functions are available, but ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges cutting and coagulation functions into a single integrated instrument that can be operated through one hysteroscope channel. This consolidation improves ease of operation by eliminating the need to exchange instruments during the procedure, allowing the surgeon to perform both cutting and coagulation with a single tool, thereby simplifying the overall surgical workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The resection instrument is designed as a universal tool that performs both cutting and coagulation functions. This multi-functional design enhances ease of operation by providing functional completeness in a single instrument, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tools and simplifying the surgical procedure.
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 efficient resection of uterine fibroids with reduced bleeding by allowing simultaneous cutting and coagulation, eliminating the need for tool and power supply changes, thus simplifying the procedure and reducing treatment time.
Implementation Method 1
The RF energy delivered to the first RF applicator region allows the distal end of the inner member to cut tissue as the inner member is advanced past the cutting window. The RF energy delivered to the second RF applicator region will contact tissue that has just been cut by the first applicator region, wherein the cut tissue is coagulated.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe for resecting and coagulating tissue comprises an outer sleeve having a tissue cutting window and an inner sleeve having a tissue cutting distal end. And RF cutting region is formed at the distal end of the inner member and an RF coagulation region is formed on an exterior surface of the inner member immediately proximal to the cutting surface. A single power supply providing a single RF energy mode can be connected to both RF applicator regions to simultaneously cut and coagulate tissue.