Bipolar Resectoscope Electrode Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bipolar resectoscope electrode arrangements face challenges with space requirements and manufacturing costs due to the neutral electrode, which also compromises mechanical stability and visibility during procedures.

Innovation Solution

The electrode arrangement integrates the neutral electrode into the distal end section of the electrode carrier, forming a single, space-efficient electrode body that routes the active electrode's supply line through it, allowing for a larger effective area and improved mechanical stability, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate neutral electrode is used in bipolar resectoscope, then current flow can be limited to the area between active and neutral electrodes, but space requirement increases and mechanical stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flow controlVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the neutral electrode function with the electrode carrier by making the carrier itself electrically conductive and serving as the neutral electrode. This integration eliminates the need for a separate neutral electrode component while maintaining the bipolar current flow control function, thereby improving mechanical stability without sacrificing electrical isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate neutral electrode is used in bipolar resectoscope, then current flow can be limited to the area between active and neutral electrodes, but manufacturing and assembly costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flow controlVSAvoidmanufacturing and assembly costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the neutral electrode functionality into the electrode carrier structure, reducing the total component count. This integration simplifies manufacturing processes and assembly operations, lowering production costs while maintaining the essential bipolar current control capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode carrier is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides the active electrode, and simultaneously acts as the neutral electrode. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated neutral electrode components, reducing manufacturing complexity and assembly steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If neutral electrode is arranged adjacent to active electrode, then current flow is limited to operating area, but visual obstruction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent flow controlVSAvoidvisibility during procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the neutral electrode function into the electrode carrier, the patent eliminates the need for a separate neutral electrode component that would obstruct the surgical field. The carrier itself serves as the neutral electrode, maintaining current control while improving visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design enhances spatial utilization within the resectoscope, improves mechanical stability, and maintains clear visibility by eliminating the neutral electrode's visual obstruction, while ensuring safe and effective tissue cutting with reduced manufacturing and assembly costs.

Implementation Method 1

The active electrode is subjected to HF voltage and guided through a tissue area under endoscopic vision. As a result, tissue can be removed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3649974B1Electrode arrangement for a bipolar resectoscope and resectoscope
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG
  • EP3649974B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3649974B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3649974B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An electrode arrangement according to the invention for a bipolar resectoscope (50) comprises an elongated electrode carrier (2), an active electrode arranged at a distal end of the electrode carrier (2), and a neutral electrode, wherein a distal end section of the electrode carrier (2) is designed as an electrode body (4, 40) through which a lead (20) of the active electrode is guided, and wherein the neutral electrode is formed by the electrode body (4, 40) or a portion thereof. The invention also relates to a resectoscope (50).