Sterile Barrier Sheath for Electrosurgical Interface Cable
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical devices face challenges in maintaining sterility and safety during procedures, particularly in endoscopic surgeries, where the interface cable between the electrosurgical instrument and generator requires sterilization, which can be complex and may lead to contamination or equipment damage.
Innovation Solution
A sterile barrier sheath is introduced to isolate the interface cable, allowing it to remain non-sterile and reducing the sterilization burden, while an electrically insulating tubular body secures the connector, providing safe electrical isolation and protection from fluid ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the interface cable is sterilized to maintain sterility in the sterile zone, then patient safety and sterility are improved, but the complexity of sterilization process increases and equipment damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interface cable is segmented into two distinct zones: a sterile zone (first portion) that enters the sterile field and a non-sterile zone (second portion) that remains outside. This segmentation allows differential sterilization requirements for different portions of the same component, simplifying the overall sterilization process while maintaining sterility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The non-sterile portion of the interface cable is extracted from the sterile zone by extending it outside the sterile field. This extraction allows the cable to function while minimizing its exposure to the sterile environment, reducing sterilization requirements and associated complexities.
2Reliability
If the interface cable is sterilized using conventional methods, then sterility is achieved, but equipment damage may occur due to harsh sterilization conditions
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the cable into sterile and non-sterile portions, only the essential sterile portion requires sterilization. This reduces the overall exposure to harsh sterilization conditions, minimizing the risk of equipment damage while maintaining necessary sterility.
3Device complexity
If the interface cable is extended outside the sterile zone to reduce sterilization burden, then sterilization complexity is reduced, but the risk of contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable is segmented into sterile and non-sterile zones with a clearly defined boundary. The sterile portion is confined to the sterile field while the non-sterile portion remains outside, creating a physical barrier that prevents contamination while minimizing sterilization requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection interface between the sterile and non-sterile portions acts as an intermediary boundary. This interface is designed to maintain the sterility barrier while allowing electrical connection, preventing contamination from the non-sterile zone.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3F
Figure 4A~4F
AI summary
An electrosurgical apparatus comprising an electrosurgical instrument for delivering RF energy and/or microwave frequency energy into biological tissue, an interface cable for conveying radiofrequency (RF) and/or microwave frequency energy between an electrosurgical generator and the electrosurgical instrument, wherein a sterile barrier sheath surrounds a connection interface between the instrument and interface cable. The sterile barrier sheath and instrument may be a sterilisable unit suitable for repeated use.