Superposed Curved Electrosurgery Electrodes for Plasma Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical equipment faces challenges in performing cutting, coagulation, and fulguration procedures due to the need for conductive fluids, which can obscure the surgical field, cause power dissipation, and result in collateral tissue damage, and existing devices are unsatisfactory in combining these functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for plasma-mediated electro-thermal cutting and coagulation using a low conductive fluid that is not naturally occurring, allowing for localized cooling and minimizing tissue charring, combined with a dual-function electrosurgery device featuring closely spaced but electrically isolated electrodes for cutting and coagulation, and a low duty-cycle electrical signal to manage heat accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conductive fluid is introduced onto or into the surgical field, then plasma-mediated cutting can be achieved, but the surgical field is obscured and collateral tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A layer of gas (such as oxygen or air) is introduced as an intermediary medium between the electrode and the tissue. This gas layer allows plasma formation and RF energy transmission without requiring direct contact between conductive fluid and tissue, thereby eliminating fluid-related collateral damage while maintaining plasma-mediated cutting effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The requirement for conductive fluid is extracted from the system by using gas as the plasma-forming medium. The gas can be delivered through the electrode structure itself or applied topically, removing the harmful element (conductive fluid) while preserving the desired plasma-mediated cutting function.
2Productivity
If conductive fluid is used for plasma-mediated cutting, then cutting function is achieved, but power dissipation increases and surgical field visibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Gas serves as an intermediary that transmits RF energy more efficiently to the tissue interface without the power loss associated with conductive fluid. The gas layer enables direct energy coupling at the tissue surface, improving cutting efficiency while reducing overall power dissipation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If all-purpose electrosurgical equipment provides cutting, coagulation, and fulguration functions, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity and performance satisfaction decrease
Solution Approach 1:
A single electrode structure with gas delivery capability can perform all three functions (cutting, coagulation, fulguration) by varying RF parameters alone, eliminating the need for multiple specialized electrodes. The gas-mediated plasma mechanism is universal across all three surgical functions, simplifying device design while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different surgical functions are achieved by changing RF parameters (frequency, power level, pulse duration) rather than changing electrode configurations. For example, higher power continuous RF with gas flow achieves cutting, while lower power intermittent RF achieves coagulation, all using the same electrode structure.
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 cutting and coagulation without the need for natural conductive fluids, reducing collateral damage and allowing for efficient energy deposition, while enabling the same device to perform both cutting and coagulation functions effectively.
Implementation Method 1
applying an electric signal... causes the formation of a plasma along the electrode between the electrode and the tissue
Implementation Method 2
plasma-mediated electro-thermal cutting
Implementation Method 3
provides local convective and conductive cooling
Implementation Method 4
provides local convective and conductive cooling
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Electrosurgery method and apparatus. In the method, tissue is cut or coagulated, with an electrically low conductive liquid providing cooling. In another method, skin is cut by electrosurgery in a dry field using a low duty cycle signal energizing the cutting electrode, minimizing tissue charring. A combination coagulation and cutting electrode performs both functions. The cutting is performed by a blade edge generating a local plasma adapted for cutting. Superimposed on the blade edge is an electrode of greater surface area electrically insulated from the cutting electrode, for coagulation. In another version, a single component cutting/coagulation blade (electrode) has a cutting and a flat partially insulated portion defining through holes in the insulation for coagulation. Also provided is an electrical circuit whereby each electrode is isolated by a filter from cross talk and feedback of the RF signal from the other electrode, minimizing arcing.