Integrated Laser and Cauterization Distal End for Surgical Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser surgical tools are less efficient than conventional electrical heating devices for stopping bleeding during surgical procedures, often requiring the use of multiple tools which can complicate procedures and increase operating time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elongated body and a distal end that combines a port for discharging laser energy and a cauterization portion for discharging cauterization energy, with an insulative portion to limit energy transfer, allowing for both laser treatment and cauterization in a single tool.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser energy is used for surgical procedures, then precision and reduced infection are improved, but coagulation efficiency deteriorates compared to conventional electrical heating devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines laser delivery capability and electrical cauterization capability into a single integrated surgical device. The distal end of the device includes both an optical fiber port for laser energy delivery and a cauterization portion with electrical conductor for electrical heating, allowing both functions to be performed by one tool rather than requiring separate laser and cauterization devices
Solution Approach 2:
The surgical device is designed to perform multiple functions: laser tissue treatment, electrical cauterization for stopping bleeding, and potentially both functions in sequence or simultaneously. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for surgeons to switch between separate laser tools and cauterization tools during procedures
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical tools are used for laser treatment and cauterization, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges separate laser delivery components and cauterization components into a single integrated device with a common elongated body. The distal end contains both the optical fiber port and the cauterization portion, eliminating the need for multiple separate tools and simplifying the procedural workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The device provides universal functionality by incorporating both laser and electrical cauterization capabilities in one tool, allowing surgeons to perform multiple surgical tasks without switching between different devices, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining functional versatility
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple surgical tools are used, then functional capabilities are improved, but operating time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining laser and cauterization functions in one device, the patent eliminates the time required to switch between separate tools during surgery. The integrated design allows seamless transition between laser treatment and cauterization functions without removing or replacing the device
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional device enables surgeons to perform all necessary surgical tasks including tissue treatment and hemostasis using a single tool, eliminating downtime associated with tool changes and reducing overall operating time while maintaining full functional capabilities
4Power
If laser energy is discharged towards tissue, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but energy transfer to surrounding structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulative portion that acts as a thermal barrier between the cauterization portion and the elongated body. This intermediary insulative material prevents excessive heat transfer to surrounding structures while allowing the cauterization portion to reach effective temperatures for stopping bleeding
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates localized thermal management by placing insulative material specifically at the interface between the cauterization portion and the elongated body. This local insulation strategy concentrates thermal energy where needed for effective cauterization while protecting surrounding tissues from excessive heat exposure
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 device enables efficient coagulation and cauterization, reducing the need for multiple tools and simplifying procedures, thereby decreasing operating time and cost while improving surgical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a port that permits discharge of a laser energy towards a tissue from an optical fiber located in the distal end
Implementation Method 2
the cauterization energy may be an electrical energy, and the cauterization portion may include an electrical conductor extending proximally through, for example, the insulative portion and the elongated body for connection to a source of electrical energy
Implementation Method 3
an insulative portion that attaches the distal end to the elongated body and limits energy transfer therebetween
Implementation Method 4
the laser energy may be discharged towards the tissue at a first power level to perform a treatment, and towards the cauterization portion at a second power level to generate the thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of this disclosure pertain to a device with an elongated body having a distal end. The distal end may comprise a port that permits discharge of a laser energy towards a tissue from an optical fiber located in the distal end. An exterior surface of the distal end may include a cauterization portion that permits discharge of a cauterization energy towards the tissue. In some aspects, the device includes an insulative portion that attaches the distal end to the elongated body and limits energy transfer therebetween. Related systems and methods are also disclosed.