Plasma Tissue Incision with Shaping Electrode

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for tissue incision, such as laser ablation and mechanical cutting, face limitations including complexity, longer treatment times, rough tissue surfaces, and increased risk of tissue damage and postoperative complications.

Innovation Solution

A system for incising tissue using a plasma-generated elongate electrode, which is configured to flex and generate plasma for precise incisions. The system includes a tissue contact element with channels or protrusions to shape the tissue, creating complementary features that enhance mechanical stability between incised tissue regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If laser ablation is used for tissue incision, then precision and smooth tissue surfaces are improved, but treatment time increases and device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue incision precisionVSAvoidtreatment time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical blade cutting with plasma-generated incisions. The plasma, created by electrical discharge through the tissue, vaporizes and separates tissue along the incision path, eliminating the need for mechanical contact while achieving clean cuts with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the cutting interface by using plasma (ionized gas) instead of solid mechanical contact. The plasma temperature, density, and reactivity are controlled through electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) to optimize cutting speed and precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If mechanical cutting with blades is used for tissue incision, then treatment time is reduced, but manufacturing precision and tissue surface quality worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting speedVSAvoidtissue incision precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical blade cutting with plasma-generated incisions. The plasma, created by electrical discharge through the tissue, vaporizes and separates tissue along the incision path, eliminating the need for mechanical contact while achieving clean cuts with minimal trauma to surrounding tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If traditional electrodes are used for tissue treatment, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and tissue damage control worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidincision accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces plasma as an intermediary between the electrode and the tissue. Instead of direct electrical contact or mechanical blade contact, the plasma field acts as a mediator that transfers energy to vaporize and separate tissue, reducing direct trauma and improving incision precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If laser treatment is used for tissue ablation, then manufacturing precision is improved, but harmful factors such as plume and tissue debris increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation precisionVSAvoidtissue plume and debris

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the cutting interface by using plasma (ionized gas) instead of solid mechanical contact. The plasma temperature, density, and reactivity are controlled through electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) to optimize cutting speed and precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system achieves more accurate and efficient tissue incisions with improved stability and reduced complexity, leading to better surgical outcomes and decreased risk of complications.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate electrode configured to flex and generate plasma to incise tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma generation: Plasma

Implementation Method 2

The tissue contact element comprises one or more of a channel or a protrusion to form one or more of a corresponding protrusion or indentation in a tissue surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentUS20250152422A1Systems and methods for incising tissue

Publication Date: 2025.05.15 INSIGHTFUL INSTRUMENTS INC

AI summary

A system for incising tissue with a plasma comprises an elongate electrode configured to incise the tissue along a tissue incision profile and a tissue contact element configured to shape the tissue, which comprises one or more of a channel or a protrusion to form one or more of a corresponding protrusion or indentation in a tissue surface while the tissue is incised with the electrode along the incision profile. The tissue contact element shapes the tissue sufficiently to allow the tissue to form one or more complimentary features along the incision profile when the tissue relaxes to a free-standing configuration with removal of the tissue contact element. The complementary features may be incised into the tissue to provide increased mechanical stability between the separated tissue regions, such as with nominally interlocking protrusion(s) and indentation(s).