Mated Electrode Suction Lumen for Debris Evacuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in effectively removing tissue debris, smoke, fluid, and gas bubbles from the surgical site during procedures, which can obscure the surgeon's view and interfere with the treatment process.
Innovation Solution
The design of a tissue treatment electrode formed from two parts that mate to create a suction lumen, allowing for efficient evacuation of debris through a suction tube, with apertures for precise tissue treatment and suction application, either at the distal end or side face, facilitating the removal of unwanted matter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a solid one-piece electrode is used, then the structure is simple and strong, but it is difficult to form suction lumens and channels for effective debris evacuation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple separate parts (first part and second part) that are brought together to form the complete electrode. Each part has channels or grooves formed in it, which combine to create the suction lumen when the parts are mated together. This segmentation makes it much easier to form the suction lumens compared to trying to create them in a solid one-piece electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple separate parts are combined through mating surfaces to form a complete electrode assembly. The channels in each part are positioned so that when the parts are joined together, they form a continuous suction lumen extending through the entire electrode from the tissue treatment surface to the output port.
2Measurement precision
If the electrode is made small or convoluted for precise tissue treatment, then treatment precision is improved, but forming integral suction lumens becomes even more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the electrode into separate parts, the invention makes it possible to create small and convoluted electrode shapes while still being able to form suction lumens. Each part can be individually shaped and has channels formed in it, and when assembled, the channels continue through the convoluted structure to provide effective suction despite the complex geometry.
3Reliability
If mating surfaces are made gas-tight to prevent gas leakage, then sealing is improved, but the complexity of assembly and potential for misalignment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channels and grooves in the mating surfaces are designed to self-align when the parts are brought together. The geometry of the channels and grooves provides inherent guidance that ensures proper alignment during assembly, reducing the risk of misalignment while maintaining gas-tight sealing.
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
This solution enables effective evacuation of tissue debris and other unwanted materials from the surgical site, improving visibility and precision during procedures, particularly with complex or small electrode shapes where integral suction lumens are difficult to form.
Implementation Method 1
suction applied to the suction tube causes material adjacent the one or more apertures to be transferred into the suction lumen and then the suction tube for removal
Implementation Method 2
mating surfaces adapted to form a close-fitting barrier when the first and second parts are mated one with another, such as to inhibit the passage of gas across the barrier
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument includes an instrument shaft, a suction tube extending along the shaft, and a tissue treatment electrode at the distal end of the shaft. The tissue treatment electrode includes at least a first part and a second part, the first and second parts each having an outer section including mating surfaces adapted to form a close-fitting barrier when the first and second parts are mated one with another, such as to inhibit the passage of gas across the barrier. At least one of the parts also includes an inner section with a longitudinal recess so as to form a suction lumen when the first and second parts are mated one with another. The suction lumen is in fluid communication with the suction tube, the tissue treatment electrode also including one or more apertures in communication with the suction lumen.