Electrosurgical Probe Bending Detection Circuitry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical microwave ablation probes face challenges with excessive bending, which can lead to sudden failure of the cooling jacket and inadequate cooling, resulting in adverse tissue effects and device malfunction, as existing designs lack effective mechanisms to detect and prevent excessive bending during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a probe that includes bending detection circuitry using piezo transducers or electrical contacts to alert the user of excessive bending, combined with a coolant supply system and feedback control system to maintain optimal fluid flow and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the probe shaft is made flexible to allow maneuverability during surgical procedures, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of excessive bending and sudden failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bending detection circuitry continuously monitors the probe shaft for excessive bending before failure occurs. By detecting bending at an early stage and alerting the user, the system enables preventive action to be taken before the cooling jacket fails, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The bending detection system provides real-time feedback to the user through visual or audible alerts when excessive bending is detected. This feedback mechanism allows the user to adjust probe positioning immediately, preventing failure while maintaining the flexibility needed for surgical maneuverability
2Manufacturing precision
If the cooling jacket is made thinner to reduce probe size and improve precision, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the structural strength decreases making it more susceptible to bending failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a thin-walled cooling jacket construction that achieves the desired small probe dimensions while incorporating bending detection circuitry to monitor structural integrity. The thin jacket provides sufficient cooling surface area while the detection system compensates for the reduced structural margin
Solution Approach 2:
The bending detection system provides early warning of excessive stress on the thin cooling jacket before failure occurs. This allows preventive repositioning of the probe, enabling the use of thinner, more precise jacket construction without compromising reliability
3Device complexity
If no bending detection mechanism is included to keep the device simple, then device complexity is reduced, but the risk of undetected excessive bending and subsequent failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical bending prevention mechanisms with an electrical sensing system. The bending detection circuitry uses electrical contacts or piezoelectric sensors that convert mechanical bending into electrical signals, providing reliable failure detection with minimal added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bending detection system is integrated into the existing probe structure, utilizing the probe's own components (such as electrical contacts within the cooling jacket) to detect bending. This self-monitoring capability provides reliable failure detection without requiring separate external monitoring equipment
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 effectively detects and alerts users to excessive bending, preventing probe failure and ensuring consistent cooling, thereby minimizing tissue damage and maintaining effective energy delivery during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
bending detection circuitry using piezo transducers or electrical contacts to alert the user of excessive bending
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrosurgical system includes an electrosurgical device configured to direct energy to tissue, one or more temperature sensors associated with the electrosurgical device, a fluid-flow path leading to the electrosurgical device, and a flow-control device disposed in fluid communication with the fluid-flow path. The electrosurgical device includes a probe configured to direct the energy to the tissue. The electrosurgical system includes circuitry for detecting bending, including excessive bending, of the probe. The circuitry alerts the user of excessive bending by activating an alarm, such as an audible alarm, lighting one or more LEDs or other light sources, tactile feedback, or any other means. The electrosurgical system further includes a processor unit communicatively-coupled to the one or more temperature sensors and communicatively-coupled to the flow-control device. The processor unit is configured to control the flow-control device based on determination of a desired fluid-flow rate using one or more electrical signals outputted from the one or more temperature sensors.