Integrated RF Electrode and Laser Fiber for Tissue Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser fiber cautery may be less effective than RF electrocautery in certain patient anatomies, requiring the removal and re-routing of devices during procedures, increasing time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an integrated RF electrode tip and laser fiber system that allows for seamless transition between RF energy and laser energy delivery configurations, reducing the need for device removal and re-routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser fiber cautery is used, then the device can be used for procedures where laser energy is sufficient, but it may be less effective than RF electrocautery in certain patient anatomies
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is designed to accommodate both laser fiber devices and RF electrode devices through a single integrated system. The device includes both a laser fiber lumen and an RF electrode receptacle within the same insertion device, allowing it to perform both laser cautery and RF electrocautery functions. This multi-functionality ensures reliable tissue coagulation across different patient anatomies without requiring separate specialized devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic switching between laser fiber and RF electrode configurations during procedures. The insertion device can be reconfigured in real-time to accommodate different energy delivery methods based on the specific anatomical requirements, ensuring optimal cautery effectiveness for each patient's unique needs.
2Reliability
If a medical professional removes the laser fiber device and inserts an RF electrode when laser fiber cautery is insufficient, then effective tissue coagulation can be achieved, but significant time and cost are added to the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both laser fiber delivery capability and RF electrode delivery capability into a single integrated insertion device. The device structure includes both a laser fiber lumen and an RF electrode receptacle that can be accessed through the same insertion device, eliminating the need to remove and replace entire devices during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is pre-configured with both laser fiber and RF electrode capabilities before the procedure begins. This preliminary integration means that when switching between energy types is necessary, the provider only needs to perform minor reconfiguration actions rather than complete device removal and re-insertion, significantly reducing procedure time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If device removal and re-routing is performed to switch between laser and RF energy, then the appropriate energy type can be applied, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is designed as a universal platform that integrates both laser fiber delivery and RF electrode delivery capabilities. This unified design simplifies the overall system architecture compared to using separate devices, reducing the procedural steps required to switch between energy types while maintaining full adaptability to different tissue coagulation needs.
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
Facilitates quick and cost-effective procedures by enabling dynamic adjustment between RF and laser energy delivery, minimizing procedure time and maintaining dual functionality without device exchange.
Implementation Method 1
RF electrocautery which coagulates proteins in the tissue
Implementation Method 2
delivering RF energy to tissue within the body of a patient via the RF electrode tip
Implementation Method 3
laser energy to a treatment site
Implementation Method 4
laser fiber cautery to promote healing
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device may include a handle having a handle lumen extending therethrough. The medical device further may include a first body shaft including a first body shaft lumen in direct communication with the handle lumen and an RF electrode tip may be positioned at a distal end of the first body shaft. The RF electrode tip may include a lumen extending therethrough and in direct communication with the lumen of the first body shaft. Additionally, an energy delivery wire may be electrically coupled with the RF electrode tip.