Switchable Electrode Segments for Adjustable Cauterization Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-frequency thermal therapy devices lack the ability to adjust the cauterization length of the electrode, leading to damage of normal tissue around smaller lesions and inefficient treatment of larger lesions, resulting in increased costs due to the need for multiple devices of varying lengths.
Innovation Solution
A high-frequency thermal therapy device with a switchable electric circuit that allows for the adjustment of cauterization length by connecting or disconnecting different electrode segments to a radio frequency generator, enabling the use of either the first or second electrode, or both, to match the size of the target lesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electrode with fixed length is used, then the device structure is simple, but the cauterization length cannot be adjusted leading to damage of normal tissue or inefficient treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments (first electrode segment, second electrode segment, third electrode segment) that can be independently connected or disconnected. This segmentation allows the cauterization length to be adjusted by selecting different combinations of segments, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration is made dynamic through switching means that can connect or disconnect different electrode segments during operation. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to different cauterization length requirements without changing the physical structure of the electrode itself, maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple high-frequency thermal therapy devices with different electrode lengths are provided, then the cauterization length can be matched to the target lesion size, but the procuring cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single high-frequency thermal therapy device is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating switching means that can configure different electrode segment combinations. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices of different lengths, reducing costs while maintaining the ability to match cauterization length to various target lesion sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrode segments are combined into a single electrode structure that can be selectively activated. By merging what would traditionally require separate devices into one unified system with configurable segments, the solution achieves adaptability without increasing the quantity of devices needed.
3Ease of operation
If the electrode length is longer than the target lesion, then the device can handle larger lesions, but normal tissue around smaller lesions is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of always using the full electrode length, the system applies partial action by selectively activating only the necessary electrode segments required for the specific target lesion size. This prevents excessive cauterization that would damage normal surrounding tissue while maintaining treatment efficiency for the actual lesion area.
Solution Approach 2:
The effective cauterization length parameter is dynamically changed by reconfiguring which electrode segments are connected and active. This parameter adjustment allows the system to precisely match the cauterization zone to the target lesion dimensions, preventing damage to normal tissue while maintaining ease of operation across different lesion sizes.
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 solution allows for precise adjustment of cauterization length, preventing normal tissue damage, facilitating treatment, and reducing equipment costs by allowing a single device to accommodate lesions of varying sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency generator for generating a radio frequency current; and a switch for opening and closing an electric circuit extending from the radio frequency generator to the electrode
Implementation Method 2
the electrode inserted into the body to radiate a radio frequency energy, thereby cauterizing and necrotizing the target lesion such as a cancer tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a high-frequency thermal therapy device, and includes an electrode for cauterizing a target lesion, a radio frequency generator for generating a radio frequency current, and a switch for opening and closing an electric circuit extending from the radio frequency generator to the electrode. A cauterization length of the electrode may be changed according to an operation of the switch. As a result, it is possible to prevent a normal area around the target lesion from being damaged, facilitate the treatment, and reduce cost for cauterization an equipment.