Integrated Microwave Amplifier Unit in Handheld Medical Device Handle
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld medical devices for tissue ablation require remote electrosurgical power supplies and controllers, which limit surgeon mobility and increase costs due to the need for cable assemblies that can cause interference with medical equipment and require complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A handheld medical device with a microwave amplifier unit integrated into the handle assembly, eliminating the need for remote power supplies and controllers by incorporating a self-contained power source and control circuitry, and allowing modular exchange of components for different surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote electrosurgical generator with cable assembly is used, then energy can be delivered to tissue, but surgeon mobility is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrosurgical generator, microwave amplifier unit, and probe into a single integrated handheld device. The handle assembly houses both the generator and amplifier components, eliminating the need for separate remote generator and cable assembly. This merging enables complete portability while maintaining all necessary energy delivery functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into functional modules: a handle assembly containing the generator and amplifier, and a separable probe component. This modular segmentation allows the handle to be used independently or with different probes, providing flexibility while reducing overall system complexity by eliminating cable connections.
2Power
If cable assembly is used to connect handheld instrument to remote generator, then energy transmission is achieved, but harmful electromagnetic interference is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cable assembly from the system by integrating all power and control components directly into the handheld device. The microwave amplifier unit is positioned within the handle assembly, creating a self-contained system that transmits energy wirelessly through the probe without generating harmful electromagnetic interference through cable connections.
3Reliability
If remote generator with cable assembly is used, then tissue ablation can be performed, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the generator, amplifier, and probe into a single integrated unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-tested. This integration simplifies the supply chain and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining reliable tissue ablation capability.
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 provides enhanced mobility for surgeons, reduces costs by eliminating the need for cable assemblies, and improves surgical efficiency by integrating all necessary power and control components within the handle assembly, while maintaining effective energy delivery for tissue ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A microwave amplifier unit (589) is disposed within the handle assembly (570). The microwave amplifier unit (589) is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal to be transmitted to the probe (110).
Implementation Method 2
The microwave amplifier unit (589) is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal to be transmitted to the probe (110).
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a handle assembly including a distal end, a probe extending distally from the distal end of the handle assembly, and a microwave amplifier unit disposed within the handle assembly. The microwave amplifier unit is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal to be transmitted to the probe.