Retractable Electrode Cannula for Post-Closure Tissue Stimulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode apparatuses require re-opening of the surgical site to remove the electrode after electrical stimulation therapy, increasing procedure duration and infection risk.

Innovation Solution

An electrode apparatus with a retractable cannula and extendable/retractable electrode wire, allowing for electrical stimulation during and after surgical site closure, and easy removal without re-opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the electrode apparatus is left inside the patient after surgical site closure to continue electrical stimulation therapy, then the therapy can be continued after surgery, but the surgical site must be re-opened to remove the electrode apparatus, increasing procedure duration and infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of electrical stimulation therapyVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode apparatus is segmented into separate components: a reusable handle assembly and a disposable cannula assembly. The cannula with electrode wire can be easily removed through the closed surgical site, while the handle remains outside. This segmentation allows continuous therapy without requiring surgical site re-opening for removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode wire is extracted from the cannula and can be independently removed through the closed surgical site. The cannula serves as a delivery mechanism that can be withdrawn after the electrode wire is in place and secured to tissue, allowing therapy continuation without maintaining the full apparatus inside the patient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the electrode apparatus is left inside the patient after surgical site closure to continue electrical stimulation therapy, then the therapy can be continued after surgery, but the surgical site must be re-opened to remove the electrode apparatus, increasing infection risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of electrical stimulation therapyVSAvoidinfection risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode apparatus is segmented into separate components: a reusable handle assembly and a disposable cannula assembly. The cannula with electrode wire can be easily removed through the closed surgical site, while the handle remains outside. This segmentation allows continuous therapy without requiring surgical site re-opening for removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cannula assembly is designed as a disposable component that can be easily inserted and removed. After use, the disposable cannula is discarded rather than re-inserted, eliminating the need to re-open the surgical site for removal and thereby reducing infection risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the electrode wire is made extendable and retractable relative to the cannula, then the electrode can be easily deployed and removed through the closed surgical site, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of electrode deployment and removalVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode wire is nested within the cannula in a compact configuration. The wire can be extended from the cannula for deployment and then retracted back into the cannula for removal. This nesting arrangement allows complex functionality (extendable/retractable wire) while maintaining a simple overall device structure that can be easily operated.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12569675B2Electrode apparatus for tissue stimulation and related method of use

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 AXOGEN CORP

AI summary

An electrode apparatus may include a handle, a cannula extending from a distal end of the handle and having at least one lumen, a ground wire extending through the cannula, and an electrode wire extending through the handle and the cannula, the electrode wire being extendable and retractable relative to a distal end of the cannula. The apparatus may also include a hook, provided in the cannula, and being extendable and retractable relative to the cannula.