Oblique Web Plasma Probe Head for Uniform Radial Efficacy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plasma instruments for influencing biological tissue often exhibit uneven plasma distribution and unpredictability in their effect on tissue, leading to jumpy plasma jets and difficulty in control during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A plasma probe with a head featuring obliquely oriented webs and openings, allowing for a smoother transition of the plasma jet between windows, ensuring consistent radial efficacy and improved predictability and control over the plasma's impact on tissue, with the option for multiple openings and electrodes for enhanced plasma creation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single lateral opening is provided in the plasma instrument head, then the device structure is simple, but the plasma distribution becomes uneven and the jet behavior becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The head is divided into multiple segments with several lateral openings (at least two) instead of a single opening. Each opening is separated by a web structure, creating multiple plasma exit paths that collectively provide more stable and uniform plasma distribution compared to a single opening configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The webs separating the openings are oriented obliquely rather than parallel to the longitudinal axis, creating local structural variations that influence plasma flow characteristics. This oblique orientation at specific locations helps stabilize the plasma jet and improve distribution uniformity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the web is oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction, then the manufacturing is easier, but the plasma jet transition between openings becomes jumpy and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The web structure is designed with asymmetric orientation relative to the longitudinal axis, specifically oriented obliquely rather than parallel. This asymmetric configuration creates smoother plasma flow transitions between openings, improving plasma jet predictability and control during operation.
3Reliability
If multiple openings are provided with obliquely oriented webs, then the plasma distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The head is segmented into multiple openings (at least two) with obliquely oriented webs between them, creating a structured arrangement that improves plasma distribution uniformity while maintaining a systematic design approach that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The obliquely oriented web structure serves multiple functions: it separates openings, guides plasma flow, and stabilizes jet transitions. This multi-functional design achieves improved plasma uniformity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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 solution provides a robust, endoscopically applicable plasma probe with uniform radial efficacy, minimizing plasma jet volatility and enhancing user control, allowing for more predictable and effective plasma treatment of biological tissue during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical conductor extends through the lumen, which is connected to an electrical source. In operation an electrode connected to an HF-voltage source ionizes the flowing gas, which then exits laterally as plasma stream.
Implementation Method 2
Through this ring gap a plasma stream can exit in any arbitrary radial direction. An electrical conductor extends through the lumen, which is connected to an electrical source. In operation an electrode connected to an HF-voltage source ionizes the flowing gas, which then exits laterally as plasma stream.
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument according to the invention for plasma treatment of biological tissue comprises plasma exit windows in form of openings, which widen or taper in longitudinal direction. In doing so, inclined positions of webs result, which are present between the individual openings and which seamlessly monolithically connect a proximal section of the instrument head with a distal section. Due to the inclined position of the webs, the shading effect is minimized or eliminated.