Resectoscope Electrode Positioning for Laminar Irrigation Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional resectoscopes experience turbulence in irrigation fluid due to the electrode being directly in the inflow channel, obstructing the surgical site view and having low return flow velocities due to friction in the annular gap between the inner and outer shafts.
Innovation Solution
The electrode instrument and rod-shaped lens are positioned outside the inner irrigation tube, allowing the irrigation fluid to form a laminar flow and increasing the space for return flow, with a nozzle or diffuser at the distal end of the irrigation tube to direct and accelerate the fluid, reducing turbulence and enhancing visibility during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the electrode instrument is positioned inside the inner irrigation tube, then the structure is compact, but turbulence occurs in the irrigation fluid flow and the view of the surgical site is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode instrument is extracted from the inner irrigation tube and repositioned to run alongside it within the outer sheath tube. This separation removes the source of turbulence from the irrigation flow path while maintaining a compact overall structure through optimized spatial arrangement of the instruments.
2Device complexity
If the electrode instrument is positioned inside the inner irrigation tube, then the arrangement is space-efficient, but the return flow velocity is reduced due to friction in the annular gap
Solution Approach 1:
The return flow path is reconfigured by utilizing the annular space between the inner irrigation tube and outer sheath tube more effectively. By positioning the electrode instrument alongside the irrigation tube rather than inside it, the system creates a dedicated return flow channel that reduces frictional losses and increases return flow velocity while maintaining space-efficient design.
3Device complexity
If the electrode instrument is positioned inside the inner irrigation tube, then the configuration is simple, but the irrigation fluid flow becomes turbulent immediately before emerging from the shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode instrument is removed from the irrigation flow path by repositioning it to run parallel to the inner tube within the outer sheath tube. This extraction eliminates the obstruction that caused turbulence at the shaft outlet, allowing the irrigation fluid to emerge smoothly while maintaining configuration simplicity through the streamlined arrangement of components.
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 reduces turbulence, improves visual clarity during surgeries by ensuring a laminar irrigation flow, and increases return flow velocity, providing better operational conditions for endoscopic procedures like prostate resection and bladder resections.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the irrigation fluid to form a laminar flow
Implementation Method 2
reduces turbulence
Data Source
AI summary
A resectoscope for endoscopic surgery, having a tubular shaft which includes an elongated sheath tube, and an irrigation tube arranged in the sheath tube for supplying irrigation fluid, as well as a rod-shaped lens and an electrode instrument, characterized in that the lens and the electrode instrument are arranged between the outer wall of the irrigation tube and the inner wall of the sheath tube. In addition, an electrosurgical system including the resectoscope and an irrigation fluid supply device.