Rotatable Electrosurgical Tip for Precise Endoscopic Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical instruments face challenges in controlling the rotational orientation of the instrument tip when passed through a surgical scoping device, as the flexible shaft's rotation is restricted by friction within the instrument channel, leading to torque buildup and difficulty in achieving precise 1:1 rotation.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable connection between the coaxial feed cable and the instrument tip allows independent rotation of the tip relative to the cable, maintaining electrical connections for RF and microwave energy delivery, facilitated by an actuator that rotates the tip around a central axis while the coaxial feed cable remains stationary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the flexible shaft is rotated to control instrument tip orientation, then the instrument tip orientation can be adjusted, but friction within the instrument channel causes torque buildup and prevents precise 1:1 rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is divided into two independent rotational components: the flexible shaft for navigation and the instrument tip for precise orientation control. The rotatable connection allows the tip to rotate independently from the shaft, eliminating the friction and torque buildup that occur when rotating the entire shaft through the instrument channel.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotatable connection acts as an intermediary mechanism between the coaxial feed cable and the instrument tip. This connection includes a rotatable joint with electrical contacts that maintain electrical connectivity while allowing rotation, serving as a mediator that decouples the shaft rotation from the tip orientation control.
2Ease of operation
If the entire electrosurgical instrument is rotated around its central axis, then the instrument tip orientation can be changed, but it is difficult to control the orientation precisely due to shaft friction and torque buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation function is segmented into two independent operations: navigating the flexible shaft through the instrument channel and rotating the instrument tip at the distal end. This segmentation allows precise control of tip orientation without the friction and torque issues that affect shaft rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument incorporates a dynamic rotatable connection at the distal end that allows the instrument tip to rotate independently. This dynamic joint includes electrical contacts that maintain connectivity during rotation, enabling precise orientation control without the constraints of rotating the entire shaft.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable connection is introduced between the coaxial feed cable and instrument tip, then independent rotation of the tip is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable connection is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical rotation capability, maintains electrical connectivity through rotatable contacts, and supports the instrument tip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable connection serves as an intermediary mechanism that integrates rotation capability with electrical connectivity. By combining these functions in a single joint structure with rotatable electrical contacts, the design avoids the complexity of separate rotational and electrical connection systems.
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 solution enables precise and easy control of the instrument tip's orientation, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of electrosurgical procedures by reducing torque resistance and allowing for precise rotational control of the tip without twisting the entire instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible transmission line electrically connecting the inner conductor to the first conductive element and the outer conductor to the second conductive element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Electrosurgical instrument for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, comprising: a distal part comprising an instrument tip for applying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to tissue, the instrument tip comprising first and second conductive elements; a coaxial feed cable comprising an inner conductor, a tubular outer conductor coaxial with the inner conductor, and dielectric material separating the inner and outer conductors, the coaxial feed cable being for conveying radiofrequency and/or microwave frequency energy to the distal part; wherein: the inner conductor is electrically connected to the first conductive element and the outer conductor is electrically connected to the second conductive element through a rotatable connection between the distal part and the coaxial feed cable that allows rotation of the distal part relative to the coaxial feed cable; and the instrument comprises an actuator for rotating the distal part in a first rotational direction relative to the feed cable.