Movable Fluid Delivery Sheath for Electrosurgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments require separate and complex fluid delivery systems, which add cost and complexity to procedures, and often result in a crowded surgical area due to multiple fluid delivery lines.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical instrument with a movable fluid delivery sheath that provides a variable fluid supply, allowing for controlled fluid delivery between two positions, minimizing fluid delivery initially and maximizing it adjacent to the electrode assembly, thereby simplifying the system and reducing the need for multiple delivery lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate fluid delivery systems are used, then fluid delivery function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid delivery system with the electrosurgical instrument shaft by integrating a fluid delivery lumen within the shaft structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external fluid delivery lines while maintaining reliable fluid delivery to the treatment site, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving fluid delivery function and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical instrument shaft is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, delivers electrical energy through electrodes, and simultaneously delivers fluid through an integrated lumen. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while ensuring reliable fluid delivery, addressing both the reliability and complexity concerns
2Reliability
If multiple fluid delivery lines are used, then fluid delivery is ensured, but surgical area becomes crowded
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple fluid delivery functions are merged into a single integrated shaft structure with internal lumens. This consolidation reduces the physical footprint in the surgical area while maintaining all necessary fluid delivery capabilities, directly addressing the space crowding issue
3Device complexity
If fixed fluid delivery is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but treatment versatility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a movable sheath that can be dynamically repositioned along the shaft to control fluid delivery timing and location. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to different treatment requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system is segmented into controllable sections with the movable sheath creating distinct delivery zones. This segmentation enables versatile control over when and where fluid is delivered without requiring a completely complex system architecture, balancing simplicity and adaptability
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 efficient and controlled fluid delivery during surgical procedures, enhancing the efficacy of electrosurgical treatments by maintaining a consistent plasma field while reducing procedural complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
It is preferred that the electrically conductive fluid has sufficient conductivity such that the fluid is ionized when subject to sufficient radio frequency (RF) electrical energy to thereby form the limited plasma
Implementation Method 2
applying the plasma to the tissue, preferably without passing the current through the tissue. The current path may be created by providing an electrically conductive fluid at the target
Implementation Method 3
The sheath assembly is axially slidable and movable relative to the fluid delivery element between first and second positions for treating the target site and controllable fluid delivery
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument with a movable fluid delivery sheath assembly for variable fluid supply during surgical procedures is disclosed. The instrument comprises at least one active electrode and at least one return electrode, positioned on the instrument distal end. The sheath assembly has an outer sheath that is external to the instrument shaft, to provide a lumen. The sheath assembly lumen is axially movable between first and second positions relative to a fluid delivery element, for varying target site treatment and fluid delivery. In the first position the shaft distal end is axially distal to a leading edge of the sheath assembly. In the second position the sheath assembly distal leading edge is positioned axially adjacent or distal to the end of the shaft. The fluid delivery element comprises an inner lumen extending through at least a portion of the shaft, and at least one port extending radially through the shaft. The port is in communication with the inner lumen. A fluid supply source provides fluid through the port, sheath lumen and inner lumen.