Retractable Electrosurgical Electrode for Spinal Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive spinal surgery poses challenges in inserting electrosurgical electrodes into the operative field due to the need for precise and efficient deployment, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical device featuring a tubular housing with retractable electrodes and an actuator system that allows for the extension and retraction of electrodes, along with a conductive sheath and insulating region to facilitate electrode placement and fluid management during spinal surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional open surgical procedures are used, then extensive operating time and post-operative recovery time are required, but minimally invasive techniques are preferred to reduce these times
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is nested within the tubular housing, allowing it to be concealed during insertion and then extended to the operative field. This nesting approach enables minimally invasive access while maintaining the functionality of the electrode when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode transitions from a static retracted state to a dynamic extended state through the actuator mechanism. This dynamic capability allows the electrode to be positioned precisely in the operative field while maintaining a compact profile during insertion, resolving the contradiction between minimally invasive access and operational ease.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrodes are extended into the operative field, then precise and efficient deployment is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: the tubular housing, the extendable electrode, and the actuator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, achieving precise electrode placement without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the electrode, providing controlled extension and retraction. This intermediary approach enables precise electrode deployment while keeping the overall device structure manageable and not overly complex.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of the present invention relates to an electrosurgical device for conducting surgery. The device includes a tubular housing and a plurality of electrodes disposed within said tubular housing. The device further includes an actuator connected to the plurality of electrodes to extend and retract at least one of the plurality electrodes to and from the tubular housing.