Ionized Gas Electrosurgical Device for Tissue Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical instruments face challenges in controlling tissue coagulation depth and safety due to space limitations in endoscopic procedures, particularly when dealing with sensitive tissues, and existing devices often struggle with eschar adherence and gas pressure control.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical apparatus comprising a first tube for delivering pressurized ionizable gas, which is selectively ionized by an electrode, and a second tube for evacuating ionized gas and tissue material, allowing for precise coagulation and desiccation with adjustable gas flow and bipolar mode operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional electrosurgical instruments are used for tissue coagulation, then bleeding can be arrested, but the depth of coagulation is difficult to control and thermal damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ionized gas as an intermediary medium between the electrode and tissue. The ionized gas is delivered through a tube to the treatment area, where it enables coagulation without direct thermal contact. This intermediary approach allows precise control of coagulation depth while minimizing thermal damage to surrounding tissues, as the ionized gas can be selectively applied and controlled through flow rate regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in gas flow parameters (pressure, flow rate) to control the coagulation process. By adjusting the ionized gas flow parameters, the depth and intensity of coagulation can be precisely controlled. The system can switch between different gas modes (ionized gas delivery, plasma mode, inert gas mode) to optimize coagulation depth control and minimize thermal damage based on specific tissue requirements.
2Reliability
If thermic coagulation instruments are used, then tissue can be coagulated, but eschar adherence occurs and manipulation is difficult due to space limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact and thermal probes with a gas-based coagulation system. Instead of using physical probes that require manual manipulation through narrow cannulas, the system delivers ionized gas through a tube, eliminating the need for direct instrument-tissue contact. This substitution improves ease of operation in confined spaces while maintaining coagulation effectiveness through controlled gas delivery and ionization.
3Reliability
If high frequency electric current is directed through tissue, then bleeding can be stopped, but constant emission of ionized gas/plasma causes unintended results at sensitive tissue sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by delivering ionized gas through a targeted tube system that can be positioned at specific treatment areas. The gas flow can be locally regulated through flow control mechanisms, allowing ionized gas to be applied only where needed. This localized approach enables effective hemostasis at the treatment site while preventing unintended effects at adjacent sensitive tissues, as the ionized gas emission is confined to the controlled delivery path.
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 controlled and effective coagulation of tissues with reduced thermal damage and eschar formation, allowing for precise treatment of sensitive areas through adjustable ionized gas flow and bipolar mode functionality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas prior to the pressurized ionizable gas exiting the distal end of the first tube
Implementation Method 2
The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area
Implementation Method 3
The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area
Data Source
AI summary
A gas-enhanced electrosurgical method and apparatus for coagulating tissue. The apparatus includes a first tube with a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the first tube is configured to receive pressurized ionizable gas. The distal end of the first tube is configured to deliver ionized gas towards a treatment area. The apparatus also includes at least one electrode positioned to selectively ionize the pressurized ionizable gas before the pressurized ionizable gas exits the distal end of the first tube. The electrode is adapted to operatively couple to an electrical energy source. The apparatus also includes a second tube with proximal and distal ends. The second tube is configured to selectively evacuate the ionized gas and dislodged tissue material from the treatment area.