Segmented Electrosurgical Conduit Minimizes Energy Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical energy delivery conduits suffer from significant energy attenuation during RF and microwave ablation procedures, limiting the effectiveness of energy transmission and maneuverability of surgical devices.
Innovation Solution
A conduit assembly comprising two cable sub-assemblies with different flexibility and energy attenuation characteristics, where the first cable sub-assembly has a larger diameter and longer length with lower energy attenuation, and the second cable sub-assembly is more flexible with a smaller diameter and shorter length, connected via a connector assembly to minimize energy loss and maximize energy delivery to the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a single cable is used for energy transmission, then the cable structure is simple, but energy attenuation is significant and maneuverability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly is divided into two distinct cable sub-assemblies (first and second cables) with different flexibility and energy attenuation characteristics. Each cable is optimized for specific functions: the first cable prioritizes low energy attenuation while the second cable prioritizes flexibility and maneuverability. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both low energy loss and good maneuverability without requiring a single complex cable design.
2Loss of energy
If a cable with larger diameter is used, then energy attenuation is reduced, but flexibility and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses two separate cables instead of one cable trying to satisfy both requirements. The first cable with larger diameter is optimized for low energy attenuation, while the second cable with smaller diameter is optimized for flexibility and ease of operation. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each cable to be independently optimized for its primary function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cable assembly have different properties tailored to their specific functions. The first cable has larger diameter and lower energy attenuation characteristics suitable for main energy transmission, while the second cable has smaller diameter and higher flexibility suitable for connection and maneuverability. Each segment's quality is locally optimized for its specific role in the system.
3Ease of operation
If a cable with higher flexibility is used, then maneuverability is improved, but energy attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible second cable is dedicated to providing maneuverability and ease of operation, while the first cable with lower flexibility is dedicated to minimizing energy attenuation. This functional segmentation allows the flexible cable to be optimized for maneuverability without compromising the overall energy transmission efficiency, as the first cable handles the bulk of energy transmission.
4Length of moving object
If cable length is increased, then energy transmission distance is extended, but energy attenuation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total cable length is divided into two segments with different characteristics. The first cable can be longer and optimized for low energy attenuation to cover the main transmission distance, while the second cable is shorter and optimized for flexibility to complete the connection. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extended transmission distance without excessive energy attenuation.
Data Source
AI summary
A conduit assembly for transmitting energy between an electrosurgical energy generator and an energy delivering device comprises a first cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; a second cable sub-assembly including a cable having a flexibility and an energy attenuation; wherein the flexibility of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the flexibility of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly; and wherein the energy attenuation of the cable of the first cable sub-assembly is less than the energy attenuation of the cable of the second cable sub-assembly.