Retractable Electrode Tips for Arc-Safe Robotic Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing robotic surgical systems face challenges in delivering high-voltage, ultra-short electrical pulses for treating biological tissues without causing arcing or harm, particularly when using needle-type electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The development of retractable treatment tips with insulating materials and adjustable electrodes that minimize arcing and ensure safe delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields, integrated with robotic systems for precise tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If needle-type electrodes are used for delivering high-voltage electrical pulses, then the ability to treat biological tissues is improved, but the risk of arcing and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insulating sheath as an intermediary component between the high-voltage electrode and the tissue. This sheath acts as a mediator that prevents direct contact and arcing while still allowing the electrical pulse to be delivered through controlled pathways, thus reducing harmful effects while maintaining treatment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a retractable electrode mechanism where the electrode can dynamically adjust its position. The electrode is retracted into the insulating sheath when not in use or when approaching tissue, and extended only when treatment is required. This dynamic positioning prevents arcing during insertion and handling while enabling effective treatment when needed
2Productivity
If high-voltage, ultra-short electrical pulses are applied to treat biological cells, then cell treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the electrical delivery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical delivery system into separate functional components: a reusable high-voltage pulse generator and a disposable treatment tip with integrated electrodes and insulating sheaths. This segmentation allows the complex high-voltage generation to be separated from the simple, safe, disposable application interface, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable treatment tips that contain the electrodes and insulating sheaths. These single-use tips eliminate the need for complex, reusable insulating components and reduce safety concerns associated with high-voltage connectors. The disposable nature simplifies the system by requiring only basic connector interfaces while maintaining effective treatment capability
3Reliability
If insulating materials are added to protect electrodes, then the safety and reduction of arcing is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the insulating protection and the electrode into a single integrated treatment tip assembly. The insulating sheath and electrodes are combined in one disposable unit that is simply inserted into the robotic instrument, eliminating the need for separate insulating components and simplifying operation. The user only needs to attach the pre-assembled tip, not configure separate protective elements
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 safe and effective application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields for treating diseases and abnormal tissue growth, reducing the risk of arcing and tissue damage while maintaining ease of use and safety for users.
Implementation Method 1
The treatment tip may include an insulating sheath that extends from a proximal end of the treatment tip to a distal end of the treatment tip. The insulating sheath may surround the electrode(s) and may be configured to prevent arcing between the electrode(s) and other components of the treatment instrument.
Implementation Method 2
A high-voltage connector may be provided on the robotic arm. The high-voltage connector may include an outlet having terminals, and the connector may include terminals configured to mate with the outlet terminals. The connector and outlet may be configured to provide high-voltage electrical connection between the high-voltage generator and the treatment electrode.
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein are methods and systems for using the treatment tip apparatuses and high-voltage connectors with robotic surgical systems. For example, retractable treatment tip apparatuses (e.g., devices, systems, etc.) including one or a plurality of electrodes that are protected by a housing (which may be retractable) until pressed against the tissue for deployment of the electrodes and delivery of a therapeutic treatment, are disclosed. In particular, these apparatuses may include a plurality of treatment electrodes and may be configured for the delivery of nanosecond pulsed electric fields. Also described herein are high-voltage connectors configured to provide high-voltage energy, such as nsPEF pulses, from a generator to the retractable treatment tip apparatuses.