J-Shaped Curved Electrode for Surgical Electrotomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical instruments for electrotomy face issues with tissue accumulation and blockages in the suction channel, making it difficult to aspirate tissue and sterilize the tool effectively.
Innovation Solution
A surgical instrument with a J-shaped or L-shaped electrode body, manufactured using 3D printing, featuring a curved design that eliminates corners and edges, allowing for easy tissue aspiration and sterilization, and a modular design with a flange-like terminating element for adjustable suction openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a straight electrode design is used, then the structure is simple to manufacture, but tissue accumulates in corners and edges of the suction channel making it difficult to remove
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed with a curved shape instead of a straight configuration. This curvature eliminates corners and edges where tissue could accumulate, allowing tissue to be smoothly directed into the suction channel without getting trapped in sharp angles or dead spaces.
2Ease of operation
If a complex electrode shape is used to prevent tissue accumulation, then tissue aspiration is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curved electrode design provides the necessary complexity to prevent tissue accumulation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The continuous curved shape is simpler than incorporating multiple separate components or complex internal structures, achieving the anti-tissue-accumulation effect through a single elegant geometric form.
3Ease of manufacture
If the suction channel has corners and edges, then the structure is easier to manufacture, but the tool cannot be sterilized properly and becomes unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The curved suction channel eliminates corners and edges where tissue and contaminants could accumulate and protect from sterilization. The smooth continuous surface allows complete penetration of sterilizing agents and prevents harboring of organic material that would compromise sterilization effectiveness.
4Ease of repair
If a modular electrode design is used, then the tool is easier to sterilize and maintain, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed as a separable modular component that can be detached from the handle and suction channel assembly. This segmentation allows the electrode to be easily removed for sterilization, cleaning, or replacement without disassembling the entire instrument, thereby simplifying maintenance while maintaining overall device functionality.
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 curved electrode design prevents tissue accumulation, facilitating easy suction and sterilization, while the modular structure ensures the tool is easy to use and manufacture, enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a high current density being generated at the point at which the current passes to the tissue by means of small-area electrodes. The electrical power required for this is selected in such a way that the tissue is heated to over 60° to over 100° Celsius
Implementation Method 2
Both the electrode and the base body have an internal channel that is used to suction off the tissue treated with the electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention makes available a surgical instrument for electrotomy and a tool for same. The tool has a tubular main body (5) which, at its distal end, has an opening (9) in which an active electrode (10) is arranged. According to the invention, the active electrode (10) has a J-shaped electrode body which has a short and curved first portion (11) protruding through the opening (9) into the main body (5), and an elongate and tubular second portion (12) extending coaxially in the main body (5). The first portion (11) and the second portion (12) are formed in one piece.