Bipolar Electrosurgical Device Recessed Return Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar sphincterotomes face challenges in effectively delivering electrical current for sphincterotomy procedures due to the placement and configuration of return electrodes, which can impair tissue contact and visualization during electrosurgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar electrosurgical device with a return electrode disposed in a recess at the distal portion of an elongate tubular member, allowing for improved tissue contact and visualization by positioning the return electrode circumferentially offset from the active cutting wire, and utilizing various conductive materials and configurations to enhance electrical conductivity and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the return electrode is placed on the outer surface of the tubular member, then electrical contact with tissue is achieved, but visualization during the procedure is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode is nested within a recess in the tubular member rather than being placed on the outer surface. This recessed configuration allows the electrode to contact tissue through the wall thickness while keeping it hidden from external view, thus maintaining both electrical contact reliability and procedural visualization.
2Reliability
If the return electrode is positioned close to the active cutting wire, then electrical circuit completion is facilitated, but tissue contact effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The recess is positioned at a specific location on the tubular member wall that optimizes the balance between electrical circuit completion and tissue contact effectiveness. This localized configuration allows the return electrode to be close enough to the active cutting wire for circuit completion while maintaining adequate separation for effective tissue contact during sphincterotomy.
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 enables efficient delivery of electrical current for sphincterotomy, ensuring effective tissue cutting while minimizing visual obstruction and ensuring adequate contact, thus improving the efficacy of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The active path may be configured for delivery of electrical current generated from a power source to the distal portion
Implementation Method 2
The return path may include a return electrode that is disposed in the recess and exposed to outside the tubular member so that the return electrode may contact tissue at the treatment site
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A bipolar electrosurgical device may include an active wire with an active exposed portion configured to contact tissue at a treatment site. The active wire may be movably disposed in an active wire lumen of an elongate tubular member, except at a distal portion where the active exposed portion may be disposed outside of the tubular member. At the distal portion, a recess may extend in a body of the tubular member, where a return electrode may be disposed. The return electrode may be an exposed portion of a return path configured to contact tissue at the treatment site.