Arthroscopic RF Probe Segmented Shaft Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing arthroscopic surgical systems face challenges in maintaining mechanical and electrical connectivity while allowing vacuum aspiration of fluids and tissue debris without causing electrical shorting, particularly when using disposable probes with rotatable shafts and radiofrequency current delivery.

Innovation Solution

The system incorporates a bipolar RF device with a handpiece and probe design that includes a motor drive, active and return electrical contacts, and a flow channel for vacuum aspiration, where the return electrical contacts are positioned to act as a parallel ground path, isolating the active contacts from fluids and preventing shorting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vacuum aspiration is implemented through the probe shaft, then fluid and tissue debris removal is improved, but electrical shorting risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid and tissue debris removal efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical shorting prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe shaft is divided into functionally separate lumens: a first lumen for RF current delivery and a second lumen for vacuum aspiration. This segmentation allows fluid removal and electrical current delivery to occur simultaneously without electrical shorting, as the aspiration fluid flows through a separate path isolated from the RF electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the RF electrode and the aspiration lumen. This insulating layer prevents direct electrical contact between the conductive aspiration fluid and the RF electrode, eliminating the electrical shorting risk while maintaining effective vacuum aspiration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If disposable probes with rotatable shafts are used, then versatility is improved, but mechanical and electrical connection complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional flexibilityVSAvoidinterface connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The handpiece is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of disposable probes with different working ends. The handpiece contains all necessary components (motor drive, RF generator, vacuum source) that can work with any probe type, allowing one handpiece to provide dozens of specific functionalities through interchangeable probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe design uses nested concentric lumens where the first lumen for RF current is positioned within or alongside the second lumen for vacuum aspiration. This nested arrangement allows multiple functions to be integrated into a single compact probe structure that interfaces cleanly with the handpiece.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If RF current delivery is maintained during vacuum aspiration, then tissue treatment effectiveness is improved, but electrical interference from fluid flow increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue treatment effectivenessVSAvoidelectrical interference from conductive fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful electrical interference path is extracted and isolated from the useful RF current delivery path by separating them into different lumens. The aspiration fluid is removed from the RF current path entirely, eliminating capacitive coupling and electrical interference while maintaining effective tissue treatment through the isolated RF electrode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 enables efficient vacuum aspiration and RF current delivery without electrical shorting, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of arthroscopic tissue cutting and removal procedures.

Implementation Method 1

the first segmented portion and the second segmented portion are each configured to allow the inner tube, the wire tube, and the wire, to respectively flex proximate the bend upon rotation of the inner tube, the wire tube, and the wire about the axis of the outer tube

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSegmented flexibility:

Implementation Method 2

the return electrical contacts are positioned to act as a parallel ground path, isolating the active contacts from fluids and preventing shorting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

lumens within rotatable shafts for the vacuum aspiration of fluids and tissue debris from the working site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS20240293140A1Arthroscopic devices and methods

Publication Date: 2024.09.05 RELIGN CORP

AI summary

A radiofrequency (RF) device for treating tissue in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a wire tube, an electrode, and a wire. The outer tube forms a bend located proximate a distal end. Each of the inner tube and the wire tube extends from the proximal end of the outer tube to the distal end of the outer tube. Tire inner tube and the wire tube each define segmented portions located at the bend of the outer tube. The electrode is connected to the inner tube at a distal end of the inner tube. The segmented portions are each configured to allow the inner tube, the wire tube, and the wire, to respectively flex proximate the bend upon rotation of the inner tube, the warm tube, and the wire about the axis of the outer tube.