Rotating Connector Mechanism for Electrosurgical Cutting Wire Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sphincterotomes face difficulties in orienting and rotating the cutting wire relative to the sphincter during endoscopic procedures, leading to challenges in accessing smaller ductal branches and ensuring proper cutting, due to interference with other device components.

Innovation Solution

An electrosurgical device with a rotation mechanism featuring a first and second connector that are rotatable relative to each other, allowing the handle to rotate the cutting wire anchored to the catheter without interference, enabling precise orientation and cutting of the sphincter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the cutting wire is rotated to orient it properly relative to the sphincter, then the cutting precision and access to ductal branches is improved, but the wire may cross over other device components (such as the return wire in bipolar devices) causing interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting precisionVSAvoidwire rotation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into functionally independent segments: the handle assembly with first connector, the catheter with second connector, and the cutting wire. The rotatable connection between first and second connectors allows the cutting wire to be rotated independently without interfering with other components, resolving the contradiction between cutting precision and rotation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rotatable connector assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the handle and catheter. This intermediary allows rotational motion to be transmitted to the cutting wire while preventing the wire from crossing over other device components, thus maintaining both cutting precision and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the cutting wire is made taut and anchored to the distal portion for stable cutting, then the cutting reliability is improved, but the wire becomes difficult to rotate and reorient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecutting reliabilityVSAvoidwire reorientation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static wire configuration to a dynamic one. The cutting wire is anchored at the distal portion for stable cutting (maintaining reliability), while the rotatable connector assembly enables dynamic reorientation of the wire as needed, resolving the contradiction between cutting reliability and reorientation ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the device structure is simplified without a rotatable connector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to access smaller ductal branches and orient the cutting wire properly is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structure complexityVSAvoidaccess to ductal branches

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable connector assembly serves multiple functions: it transmits rotational motion, maintains electrical connection, and prevents wire crossing with other components. This multi-functional design provides adaptability for accessing various ductal branches without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 device allows for easy and precise rotation of the cutting wire, improving access to the bile duct and other ductal structures by preventing the cutting wire from crossing with other device components, facilitating effective cannulation and cutting.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the rotation mechanism or a proximal portion of the wire forms a conductive connection that operably connects a power source to the distal portion of the first wire to energize the distal portion of the first wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the first connector is rotatable relative to the second connector. The electrosurgical device also includes a handle operably connected to the first connector; and a catheter operably connected to the second connector where the handle is rotatable relative to the catheter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical rotation:

Data Source

PatentUS9861432B2Rotation mechanism for bipolar and monopolar devices

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

An electrosurgical device and a method of orienting the electrosurgical device are provided. The device includes a rotation mechanism including a first and a second connector where the first connector is rotatable relative to the second connector. The device also includes a handle operably connected to the first connector; and a catheter operably connected to the second connector where the handle is rotatable relative to the catheter. The device further includes a first wire having a distal portion anchored to a distal portion of the catheter so that the distal portion of the wire is orientable by rotation of the handle relative to the catheter. At least one of the rotation mechanism or a proximal portion of the wire forms a conductive connection that operably connects a power source to the distal portion of the first wire to energize the distal portion of the first wire in the electrosurgical device.