Resectoscope With Distal Electrode Guide for Precise Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resectoscopes face issues with electrode instruments that are flexible and prone to bending, leading to inaccurate tissue cutting due to the large distance between guide elements and the distal electrode, which can cause damage to the electrode and resectoscope shaft.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an insulating insert with guide elements at the distal end of the resectoscope shaft that holds support arms of the electrode instrument, minimizing the distance between the electrode tip and guide elements, ensuring stable longitudinal movement and precise alignment with the cutting edge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If guide elements are positioned at a large distance from the distal electrode to ensure they remain within the resectoscope shaft, then the electrode instrument can be advanced to maximum extent, but the electrode becomes flexible and prone to bending, causing positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode instrument is divided into segments: a proximal shaft section with guide elements for stability, and a distal section with the electrode that can be independently positioned. The support arms are segmented to allow independent movement of the electrode relative to the guide elements, enabling both stability and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arms are designed to be longitudinally displaceable within the guide elements, allowing dynamic adjustment of the electrode position. This enables the electrode to be advanced beyond the guide elements while maintaining guidance and preventing lateral deviation, resolving the contradiction between stroke length and positioning accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If the electrode instrument is made flexible to allow advancement, then the stroke is increased, but the electrode can shift or bend relative to the resectoscope shaft, compromising cutting precision
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements act as an intermediary structure between the support arms and the external environment. They provide a stable reference framework that guides the support arms during advancement, ensuring that the electrode moves in a controlled manner without lateral bending, thus maintaining cutting accuracy while enabling full stroke advancement.
3Manufacturing precision
If guide elements are positioned close to the distal electrode, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the guide elements may interfere with the cutting edge function of the shaft tip
Solution Approach 1:
The guide elements are positioned in a transverse plane rather than extending distally, allowing them to provide guidance without interfering with the longitudinal cutting action. The support arms move longitudinally within the guide elements, separating the guidance function (transverse constraint) from the cutting function (longitudinal movement).
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a resectoscope for endoscopic surgery with a tubular shaft and a handle, wherein the shaft comprises a longitudinally displaceable electrode instrument and an electrically insulating insert at its distal end, wherein the electrode instrument has an elongated shaft section with one or two support arms and an electrode capable of being acted upon with high-frequency current in its distal end region, characterized in that the insulating insert has one or more guide elements for holding a support arm, wherein the support arm is longitudinally displaceable in the guide element.