Notched Electrosurgical Tip for Precise Endoscopic Tissue Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in controlling positional accuracy and preventing accidental perforations during tissue cutting and coagulation, particularly in narrow endoscopic procedures, due to the risk of slipping and limited depth perception.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrosurgical instrument tip with a notch or recess at its edge, which engages tissue for improved traction and control, featuring various notch configurations to suit different surgical applications and clinician preferences, providing visual indicators for insertion depth and reducing the risk of accidental perforations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a sharp blade is used for tissue cutting, then cutting efficiency is improved, but the risk of accidental perforation and slipping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument tip is segmented into multiple functional zones: a cutting edge for efficient tissue division, a notched engagement zone for secure tissue grasping, and a rounded distal end for safe navigation. This segmentation allows the instrument to provide both cutting efficiency and safety without requiring a single compromised design
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying solely on the sharpness of the cutting edge for tissue interaction, the invention inverts the approach by adding a notched engagement zone that provides positive mechanical engagement with tissue before cutting. This reverses the traditional sequence where the cutting edge directly contacts tissue, thereby reducing slipping and accidental perforation while maintaining cutting efficiency
2Ease of operation
If the instrument tip is made smooth for easy insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but depth perception and positional control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument tip applies local quality by creating notches only in specific regions where tissue engagement is needed, while maintaining smooth surfaces in areas requiring easy insertion. The notches are strategically positioned to provide depth perception markers and mechanical engagement points without compromising the overall smoothness of the insertion path
Solution Approach 2:
The notches create visual contrasts and depth perception markers on the instrument tip surface. These geometric features provide optical cues that help the operator perceive insertion depth and tissue contact points, similar to how color or texture changes provide visual information without affecting the underlying smooth surface quality
3Ease of operation
If the instrument tip is made larger for better tissue engagement, then traction and control are improved, but the ability to access narrow endoscopic channels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument tip is segmented into a compact main body with strategically positioned notches, rather than enlarging the entire tip structure. This segmentation allows the notches to provide enhanced tissue engagement and control while keeping the overall footprint small enough to navigate narrow endoscopic channels
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of increasing the size of the instrument tip in all dimensions, the invention adds functional features (notches) in specific dimensions and orientations. The notches provide enhanced tissue engagement through vertical depth and lateral positioning without significantly increasing the overall volume or blocking the instrument's ability to pass through narrow channels
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 modified instrument tip enhances control and reduces the risk of slipping, while offering improved depth perception and ease of use, facilitating precise cutting and coagulation in endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the coaxial cable is arranged to deliver either microwave or RF energy to the planar transmission line
Implementation Method 2
Instruments are known that radiate microwave energy from the edges of a planar transmission line to cause localised tissue ablation or coagulation
Implementation Method 3
radiate microwave energy from the edges of a planar transmission line formed from a sheet of a first dielectric material
Implementation Method 4
as an electric current passes through a tissue matrix (aided by the ionic contents of the cells and the intercellular electrolytes), the impedance to the flow of electrons across the tissue generates heat
Implementation Method 5
it is known to use radiofrequency (RF) energy to cut biological tissue. The method of cutting using RF energy operates using the principle that as an electric current passes through a tissue matrix
Implementation Method 6
an edge of the instrument tip has a notch defining a recess for engaging tissue within the recess
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical instrument for applying radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and/or microwave frequency EM energy to biological tissue. The instrument comprises an instrument tip comprising a planar body made of a first dielectric material separating a first conductive element on a first surface from a second conductive element on a second surface thereof, the second surface facing in the opposite direction to the first surface. The instrument also comprises a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, an outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor and a dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable for conveying an RF signal and/or microwave signal. The inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element. An edge of the instrument tip has a notch defining a recess.