RF Vasectomy Device with Grasping Arms for Tissue Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vasectomy procedures face complications due to the elasticity of scrotal tissue, which leads to excessive bleeding, discomfort, and prolonged healing times, as well as challenges in identifying and stabilizing the vas deferens during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A device with a hand piece, probes, and grasping arms that supply RF energy to cauterize the vas deferens, allowing for secure grasping and controlled ablation without incising the scrotum, featuring a detachable tip portion for single-use and reduced contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional surgical vasectomy is performed with incision and manipulation, then sterilization is achieved, but excessive bleeding and prolonged healing occur due to scrotal tissue elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical instruments (scissors, clamps, sutures) with an RF energy-based system. The RF probes deliver electromagnetic energy to cauterize and seal the vas deferens, eliminating the need for mechanical cutting and stitching that cause bleeding in elastic scrotal tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of tissue through controlled RF energy application. By adjusting RF power, frequency, and exposure time, the system achieves precise thermal effects (coagulation, sealing, ablation) that minimize bleeding while ensuring complete sterilization.
2Ease of operation
If the vas deferens is manipulated and held during surgery, then the procedure can be completed, but the elastic tissue moves and requires repeated fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical manipulation and fixation of the vas deferens by using RF energy to locate and treat the structure. The system uses RF energy to identify the vas through tissue impedance detection and then delivers targeted energy without requiring physical grasping or suturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RF energy as an intermediary that allows non-contact interaction with the vas deferens. The energy field serves as a mediator to locate, identify, and treat the vas without requiring direct mechanical contact or fixation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If local anesthetic is injected for pain control, then patient comfort is improved, but palpation of the vas deferens becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical palpation with RF energy-based detection. The system uses RF probes to detect tissue impedance and thermal properties to identify the vas deferens location, eliminating the need for manual palpation that becomes difficult after anesthetic injection.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If extensive dissection is performed to locate the vas, then the vas can be found, but bleeding and swelling increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces extensive mechanical dissection with RF energy-based localization and treatment. The RF probes can detect the vas deferens through tissue properties and deliver targeted energy directly to the structure without requiring extensive cutting or separation of surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies RF energy locally and selectively to the vas deferens based on detected tissue properties. The energy is concentrated precisely at the target site through impedance detection and focused probe placement, minimizing thermal spread and damage to surrounding tissues.
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 method significantly reduces bleeding and healing time, providing a more comfortable and efficient sterilization process with minimal tissue disruption and quick recovery.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency energy generator configured to supply radio frequency energy to the one or more probes
Implementation Method 2
providing energy to the one or more probes to cauterize the tubular vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for cauterizing a tubular vessel are disclosed. A device for cauterizing a tubular vessel can include a hand piece, a tip portion provided at an operative end of the hand piece, one or more probes extending from the tip portion, one or more grasping arms extending beyond the tip portion and movable to grasp a target tissue positioned at or near the tip portion, and a power supply configured to supply energy to the one or more probes.