Robotic Electrosurgical Tip with Retractable Plasma Electrode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical systems for cold plasma applications are mechanically complex, expensive, and difficult to operate effectively, especially in endoscopic procedures where precise redirection of the cold plasma beam is necessary to avoid major blood vessels and non-target organs.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical apparatus with a retractable electrode and a robotic tip that can be pivoted and rotated, equipped with actuators to extend or retract the electrode and manipulate the plasma beam for precise surgical applications, allowing for both mechanical and electrosurgical cutting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elaborate mechanisms are developed to change the direction of the plasma beam, then the ability to redirect the plasma beam is improved, but the device complexity increases and it becomes more expensive and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic tip is made dynamically controllable through actuators that enable real-time pivoting and rotation during surgical procedures. This allows the plasma beam direction to be changed on-demand without requiring complex pre-configured mechanical mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces elaborate mechanical redirection mechanisms with a robotically controlled tip that uses actuators for precise positioning. This substitution simplifies the overall system while maintaining or enhancing plasma beam redirection capability through electronic control rather than complex mechanical linkages.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable electrode is added to enable both mechanical and electrosurgical cutting modes, then the versatility of the apparatus is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic tip is designed with a retractable electrode that enables the same component to perform multiple functions: mechanical cutting when the electrode is retracted and electrosurgical cutting when extended. This multi-functionality approach increases versatility while minimizing the addition of separate components, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode's retractable design allows dynamic configuration during procedures. The electrode can be extended or retracted based on the required cutting mode, enabling versatility without requiring permanently fixed components for both functions. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between versatility and structural complexity.
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
Enables precise control over the plasma beam for enhanced surgical precision, reduced collateral damage, and faster cutting with minimal eschar formation, facilitating safer and more efficient surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Gas plasma is an ionized gas capable of conducting electrical energy. Plasmas are used in surgical devices to conduct electrosurgical energy to a patient. The plasma conducts the energy by providing a pathway of relatively low electrical resistance.
Implementation Method 2
The plasma conducts the energy by providing a pathway of relatively low electrical resistance. The electrosurgical energy will follow through the plasma to cut, coagulate, desiccate, or fulgurate blood or tissue of the patient.
Implementation Method 3
An electrosurgical apparatus with a retractable electrode and a robotic tip that can be pivoted and rotated, equipped with actuators to extend or retract the electrode and manipulate the plasma beam for precise surgical applications, allowing for both mechanical and electrosurgical cutting modes.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
An electrosurgical apparatus including a robotic tip is provided. The electrosurgical apparatus includes a plurality of actuators and hinging members. The robotic tip includes a retractable electrode. The actuators are coupled to the hinging members via a plurality of pulling mechanisms, such that, one or more of the actuators is rotated to selectively pull one or more of the plurality of pulling mechanisms to pivot and rotate the robotic tip and/or extend and retract the electrode. The electrode is coupled to a gas source and an energy source, such that, the electrode can produce plasma for use in surgical applications.