High-Frequency Surgical Device Electrode Segmentation for Plasma Ignition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing high-frequency surgical devices with large electrodes face issues of poor ignition behavior due to low current density, requiring sensitive handling and potentially leading to undesired tissue heating during frequent use.

Innovation Solution

The device employs multiple electrodes, initially using a small area for ignition with high current density, and then switching on additional electrodes for increased surface area, ensuring reliable plasma ignition, with automatic control ensuring consistent operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large electrode area is used, then high work output and high performance are achieved, but current density decreases leading to poor ignition behavior

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvework outputVSAvoidignition behavior
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode device is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrode elements (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged in a matrix pattern. This allows selective activation of individual elements or groups of elements, enabling the system to operate with a small effective electrode area for reliable ignition while maintaining the potential for larger working area when multiple elements are activated simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode device incorporates dynamic control capability where the effective electrode area can be changed during operation. The control device selectively activates different electrode elements based on operational requirements, transitioning from a small active area during ignition phase to a larger active area during sustained operation, thus dynamically optimizing both ignition reliability and work output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a small electrode area is used, then high current density and reliable ignition are achieved, but work output and performance decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveignition behaviorVSAvoidwork output
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode device is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrode elements (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged in a matrix pattern. This allows selective activation of individual elements or groups of elements, enabling the system to operate with a small effective electrode area for reliable ignition while maintaining the potential for larger working area when multiple elements are activated simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode device incorporates dynamic control capability where the effective electrode area can be changed during operation. The control device selectively activates different electrode elements based on operational requirements, transitioning from a small active area during ignition phase to a larger active area during sustained operation, thus dynamically optimizing both ignition reliability and work output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If electrodes are operated frequently, then surgical efficiency is improved, but tissue temperature rises undesirably

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurgical efficiencyVSAvoidtissue temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode device is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrode elements (first electrode, second electrode, third electrode) arranged in a matrix pattern. This allows selective activation of individual elements or groups of elements, enabling the system to operate with a small effective electrode area for reliable ignition while maintaining the potential for larger working area when multiple elements are activated simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode device enables periodic or intermittent operation by selectively activating different electrode elements in sequence or alternation. This allows the system to maintain surgical efficiency through repeated operations while preventing excessive tissue temperature accumulation by allowing cooling intervals between activations of the same electrode elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 approach combines the reliability of small electrode ignition with the performance of a larger electrode, providing improved handling and reduced tissue heating, enhancing operator comfort and surgical efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

generate an ionized liquid plasma in an electrically conductive liquid in the area of the electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

generate an ionized liquid plasma in an electrically conductive liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 3

an electric field is generated which electrically ignites a gas directed to the electrode in order to ignite the plasma

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical ignition: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 4

ignite the plasma in the area of the electrodes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlasma: Plasma

Implementation Method 5

the tissue surface is heated to a great extent. Depending on the application, this can be used for cauterization, i.e. to close bleeding surfaces, or for vaporization

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 6

vaporization, i.e. for evaporation and thus removal of tissue volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP2887901B1High-frequency surgical device
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 OLYMPUS WINTER & IBE GMBH
  • EP2887901B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2887901B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3

AI summary

A high-frequency surgical device (1) for treating a tissue surface, said device having an electrode device (2), in which a first electrode (4) is formed on a working surface (3) intended for contact with the tissue, and having a high-frequency generator (11), to the one pole (14) of which the first electrode (4) can be connected for operation. The surgical device is characterized in that a second electrode (5) is formed on the working surface (3) which electrode can be connected to the same pole (14), wherein a control device (18) is connected to this and is designed initially to connect the first electrode (4) and then to switch on the second electrode (5).