Laparoscopic Leakage Detection via Dual-Point Current Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Laparoscopic electrosurgery faces challenges with electrical leakage due to insulation failures and capacitive coupling, leading to potential injuries from stray current, which are difficult to detect and can mimic normal post-surgical symptoms, often resulting in severe or fatal infections.
Innovation Solution
An electrical leakage detection system for laparoscopic electrosurgical instruments that measures current at two key points along the electrosurgical current path, using sensors to determine a difference value indicative of leakage current, allowing for instantaneous shutdown of the electrosurgical generator and warning the operator of potential injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If insulation is used in electrosurgical instruments, then electrical current is contained and safe operation is enabled, but insulation failure occurs over time leading to electrical leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a detection system that monitors for insulation failure before it causes patient injury. Sensors continuously measure current leakage during the procedure, enabling early detection of insulation degradation and immediate shutdown of the electrosurgical generator to prevent harm.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical leakage detection is implemented, then patient safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary detection system consisting of sensors and a controller that mediates between the electrosurgical generator and the patient. The sensors detect leakage current and the controller processes this information to determine when to shut down the generator, creating a safety layer without requiring complex modifications to the core electrosurgical function.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If rapid shutdown capability is added, then injury prevention is enhanced, but response time requirements increase system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring current leakage during electrosurgical operation and using this real-time information to control the generator output. When leakage exceeds safe thresholds, the feedback loop immediately triggers shutdown, creating a closed-loop safety system that responds dynamically to actual operating conditions.
4Measurement precision
If sensors are placed at multiple locations, then leakage detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by placing sensors at multiple distinct locations along the electrosurgical instrument - specifically at the distal end near the active electrode and at the proximal end near the generator connection. This segmented sensing approach enables accurate localization and measurement of leakage current at different points in the current path, improving detection reliability.
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
Effectively detects electrical leakage and prevents unintended injuries by rapidly shutting down the electrosurgical generator, enhancing patient safety during laparoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor disposed at a distal end of the shaft and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end; a second sensor disposed at a proximal end of the shaft and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for use with an endoscopic applicator. The apparatus including a support member configured to be removably coupled to a shaft of the applicator; a first sensor disposed on the distal end of the support member and for outputting a first signal indicative of current measured at the distal end of an active electrode supported in the shaft; and a second sensor disposed on the proximal end of the support member and for outputting a second signal indicative of current measured at the proximal end of the active electrode, wherein a difference value of the first and second signal is indicative of leakage of current within the shaft. In one embodiment, the first and second sensors are magnetic sensors for contactlessly sensing parameters of the active electrode.