Monopolar Electrode With Integrated Suction Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for electrosurgical instruments with elongated electrodes and evacuation assemblies that can effectively deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue while simultaneously evacuating fluid and smoke from the surgical site, particularly during procedures like coronary artery bypass grafting where traditional devices may not reach the necessary depth within the chest cavity.

Innovation Solution

The design includes an elongated electrode with a tubular member and a treatment portion that delivers electrosurgical energy and has a channel for fluid communication, coupled with an evacuation attachment that provides suction through a port, allowing for the application of electrosurgical energy and evacuation of liquids and gases from the surgical site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If traditional electrosurgical instruments are used, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the instruments cannot reach the necessary depth within the chest cavity during CABG procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode lengthVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrosurgical instrument is divided into separate functional components: an elongated electrode assembly for reaching deep tissue, a suction port integrated into the electrode structure, and a separate suction source. This segmentation allows the electrode to be extended to necessary lengths while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The suction port is integrated within the electrode structure, with the suction channel nested inside or alongside the electrode shaft. This nesting allows the suction functionality to be incorporated without significantly increasing the external dimensions or complexity of the electrode assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If electrosurgical energy is applied to tissue, then tissue treatment is achieved, but fluid and smoke accumulate at the surgical site reducing visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue treatment effectivenessVSAvoidsurgical site visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrosurgical electrode and suction port are merged into a single integrated instrument. The suction port is positioned in proximity to the electrode tip, allowing simultaneous tissue treatment and evacuation of generated fluid and smoke. This combination ensures that visibility is maintained at the surgical site while tissue treatment proceeds effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The suction source operates continuously during electrosurgical treatment to maintain clear visibility at the surgical site. The continuous evacuation of fluid and smoke ensures that the surgical field remains visible throughout the procedure, allowing uninterrupted tissue treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If suction is applied through a separate device, then fluid evacuation is effective, but the instrument requires additional components increasing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid evacuation efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrosurgical instrument is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an electrode for tissue treatment and as a suction device for fluid evacuation. The single instrument performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective fluid evacuation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables effective electrosurgical procedures by ensuring that electrosurgical energy is applied to tissue while simultaneously evacuating fluids and gases, improving visibility and procedural efficiency during surgeries like coronary artery bypass grafting.

Implementation Method 1

The arm is in electrical communication with the proximal conductor and the treatment portion is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrosurgical energy delivery: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

The base defines a port in fluid communication with the channel of the tubular member... allowing for the application of electrosurgical energy and evacuation of liquids and gases from the surgical site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS10080600B2Monopolar electrode with suction ability for CABG surgery

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

An elongated electrode includes a proximal conductor, a tubular member, and a treatment portion. The tubular member defines a channel therethrough and has proximal and distal end portions. The proximal end portion receives the proximal conductor within a portion of the channel and defines a hole through an inner and outer surface of the tubular member in fluid communication with the channel. The treatment portion is coupled to the distal end portion of the tubular member and includes a base and an arm extending distally from the base. The base defines a port in fluid communication with the channel of the tubular member. The arm is in electrical communication with the proximal conductor and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue.