Laparoscopic Ionization Safety Circuit for Electrical Hazard Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic surgical procedures using high voltage DC waveforms for ionization face risks of electrical discharge and hazardous charge buildup due to the potential for short-circuiting and uncontrolled capacitance, which can lead to instrument failure and patient safety risks such as atrial fibrillation.
Innovation Solution
A DC driven ionization apparatus with a safety circuit that includes a detector for hazardous conditions, a re-set mechanism to interrupt the DC supply, and a network of resistors to limit current and prevent discharge, ensuring safe operation by cyclically reconnecting and disconnecting the power supply until the hazard is rectified.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high voltage DC waveform is used for ionization, then smoke/vapour removal effectiveness is improved, but risk of electrical discharge and charge buildup increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by cyclically interrupting the DC supply for 2-3 seconds when hazard conditions are detected, then reconnecting after approximately 200ms. This periodic interruption allows charge buildup to be reset while maintaining overall ionization effectiveness for smoke/vapour removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback through detector means that continuously monitor patient current level and trigger re-set means when hazard conditions are detected. This closed-loop feedback system automatically responds to charge buildup and short circuit conditions, preventing electrical discharge while maintaining ionization functionality.
2Productivity
If continuous DC supply is maintained, then ionization effectiveness is improved, but safety risks from charge buildup increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic interruption of the DC supply for 2-3 seconds to prevent hazardous charge buildup while maintaining ionization effectiveness during normal operation. The cyclic reconnect after 200ms ensures continuous functionality when safe.
Solution Approach 2:
Detector means continuously monitor current levels and trigger automatic interruption when hazard conditions are detected, creating a feedback loop that prioritizes patient safety while maintaining ionization effectiveness during safe operating conditions.
3Productivity
If high voltage DC is applied, then smoke extraction capability is improved, but instrument failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detector means monitor patient current level and automatically trigger interruption when short circuit conditions are detected, preventing instrument failure while maintaining smoke extraction capability during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cyclic interruption pattern allows the system to recover from transient short circuit conditions and resume smoke extraction functionality after hazard conditions are resolved.
4Reliability
If safety interruption is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but operational continuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The brief 2-3 second interruption followed by rapid reconnect after 200ms minimizes impact on operational continuity while ensuring patient safety through periodic safety checks and charge reset.
Solution Approach 2:
The feedback system provides automatic, brief interruptions only when necessary to prevent hazards, allowing continuous operation during safe conditions and rapid recovery when conditions normalize.
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 solution effectively prevents accidental damage to surgical instruments and minimizes the risk of electrical shock by immediately interrupting the high voltage DC supply during hazardous conditions, ensuring safe and controlled ionization during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an ionising electrode disposed at the end of an insulated rod or 'wand', into the operation site, which electrode is maintained at an electrical potential with respect to the patient's body so that the smoke/vapour particles/droplets in the air become ionised and are attracted to the patient's body
Implementation Method 2
the safety circuit comprising detector means for detecting a hazard condition when a patient current level between the output electrode and return electrode falls outside a window of acceptable limits
Implementation Method 3
a network of resistors to limit current and prevent discharge
Data Source
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AI summary
A DC driven ionisation apparatus is provided for ionising a local atmosphere in which a corporeal surgical or cosmetic procedure is to be performed, the ionisation apparatus including a safety circuit comprising detector means for detecting when a hazard condition exists, such as a short circuit or high charge level condition, a circuit controller for actuating switch means to turn the DC supply off and thereafter to cyclically reconnect and disconnect the DC supply until the hazard condition has been rectified, and re-set means for thereafter re-setting a continuous DC supply to the circuit until the next occurrence of a hazard condition or until the procedure is complete.