Microwave Irradiation Tip Structure for Stronger Tip-End Coagulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave surgical instruments face issues with heat distribution, where the base end generates excessive heat while the tip end generates insufficient heat, leading to inadequate coagulation and hemostasis, especially when enlarged, limiting design flexibility.

Innovation Solution

The microwave device features a central conductor exposed at the tip end and bent along the external conductor with a concave slit, allowing increased heat generation at the tip end and controlled microwave directivity through the slit's insulator coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the central conductor is exposed in the longitudinal direction to radiate microwaves, then microwave radiation function is achieved, but heat generation is excessive at the base end and insufficient at the tip end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat generation at tip endVSAvoidcoagulation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional exposure pattern by exposing the central conductor primarily at the tip end rather than along the entire longitudinal direction. This reversal of the exposure orientation concentrates microwave radiation at the tip end where it is most needed for coagulation, while reducing excessive heat generation at the base end.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by creating different exposure characteristics at different locations of the central conductor. The tip end portion is exposed to radiate microwaves for effective coagulation, while the base end portion is covered by the insulator to prevent excessive heat generation, ensuring each region has the appropriate thermal properties for its function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Volume of moving object

If the microwave surgical instrument shape is enlarged, then treatment capability is improved, but heat generation at the tip end becomes even smaller due to increased attenuation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument sizeVSAvoidheat generation at tip end

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the exposure pattern to concentrate it at the tip end, the patent overcomes the attenuation problem in enlarged instruments. The exposed tip end portion radiates microwaves directly at the treatment site, ensuring sufficient heat generation even when the overall instrument size is increased for broader treatment capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the central conductor is exposed along the longitudinal direction, then microwave radiation is achieved, but design flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidcoagulation success rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the insulator removable or adjustable, allowing the central conductor exposure pattern to be modified based on treatment requirements. This enables different exposure configurations for different surgical applications while maintaining reliable coagulation performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration enhances heat generation at the tip end, enabling effective coagulation and hemostasis with controlled microwave application, reducing the risk of unsuccessful treatments and design limitations.

Implementation Method 1

a central conductor (21) that transmits microwaves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

capable of radiating microwaves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 3

Microwaves are known to be capable of coagulating (immobilizing) biological tissues such as digestive organs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, prostate, uterus, ovaries, bones, blood vessels, and intestines at low temperatures

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 4

an externally exposed part (21a) of the central conductor (21) exposed is bent toward a base end side (base end 20b of the microwave irradiation part 20) of the microwave device (1) so as to be along the external conductor (23)... Only on the external conductor (23) a concave slit (23a) is formed along the axial direction of the external conductor (23) and on the concave slit (23a) the externally exposed part (21a) of the central conductor (21) that is bent is arranged

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWave directivity control: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS12614651B2Microwave device

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 NIKKISO CO LTD

AI summary

A microwave device capable of increasing an amount of heat generated at the tip end thereof. The microwave device having a central conductor that transmits microwaves, an insulator covering the central conductor, and an external conductor covering the insulator. The central conductor is exposed to the outside from a tip end of a microwave irradiation part for the first time, and an externally exposed part of the exposed central conductor is bent toward the base end side of the microwave emitting unit so as to be along the external conductor.