Reconfigurable Electrode for Multi-Task Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical tools often require tool exchange during procedures to perform different tasks due to their fixed configurations, limiting their versatility in minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopy.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical device with a re-configurable electrode that can move axially and rotate between different positions, allowing for both surface ablation and cutting capabilities, integrated with a tubular shaft and a negative pressure source for tissue extraction, and optionally featuring a motor-driven wire-like electrode for oscillatory motion and fluid delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration electrosurgical tool is used, then the tool structure is simple, but the tool requires exchange during procedures to perform different tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to translate axially between a retracted position for surface ablation and an extended position for cutting and capturing tissue. This dynamic configuration enables a single tool to perform multiple tasks without requiring tool exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrosurgical device integrates multiple functions into a single tool: surface ablation capability when the electrode is retracted, and cutting/capturing capability when the electrode is extended. The negative pressure source further adds tissue extraction functionality, making the device universal for various arthroscopic tasks.
2Productivity
If multiple specialized tools are used for different tasks, then each tool is optimized for its specific function, but tool exchanges are required during procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines surface ablation, cutting, tissue capture, and extraction functions in one instrument. The electrode can be positioned in different configurations to perform different tasks, eliminating the need to exchange tools during the procedure and improving procedural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable electrode mechanism allows rapid transition between different operational modes (ablation vs. cutting) without tool exchange. The electrode can be extended or retracted as needed during the procedure, reducing time loss associated with changing instruments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode is made movable to enable multiple functions, then task versatility is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is coupled to the shaft via a mechanism that allows it to translate axially in response to shaft movement. This dynamic coupling enables the electrode to move between retracted and extended positions through the existing shaft actuation mechanism, providing functional reconfiguration without requiring a completely separate control system.
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
Enables the same tool to perform multiple tasks within a procedure, such as surface ablation and cutting, with adjustable oscillation rates and fluid management, enhancing procedural efficiency and reducing the need for tool exchanges.
Implementation Method 1
Various types of medical instruments utilizing radiofrequency (RF) energy, laser energy and the like have been developed for delivering thermal energy to tissue, for example to ablate tissue and to cut tissue.
Implementation Method 2
delivering thermal energy to tissue, for example to ablate tissue and to cut tissue
Implementation Method 3
The channel is configured to be coupled to a negative pressure source
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue resection device includes an elongate shaft having a ceramic working end with a window and a wire-like electrode. A motor oscillates the electrode back and forth in an arc between opposing sides of the window. The working end is engaged against a tissue surface while radiofrequency current is delivered to the wire-like electrode to cut tissue received within the window. A negative pressure source may be connected to the window through an interior passageway in the elongate shaft to extract cut tissue from the working end.