Trocar Cannula Signal Interface for Cordless Electrosurgery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Endoscopic medical procedures face challenges due to the cumbersome nature of electrical cables for powered surgical instruments, which interfere with procedures and increase manufacturing costs, as existing solutions rely on power supplies within the instruments, adding weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A modular signal interface system (MSIS) that uses a signal interface adapter mounted on a trocar cannula housing and an instrument connector, enabling electrical communication between surgical instruments and external devices without the need for cables attached to the instruments, utilizing magnetic engagement for alignment and conductive contacts for signal transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical cables are attached to powered surgical instruments for transmitting power and data, then reliable electrical communication is achieved, but the cables become cumbersome and interfere with the surgical procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical communicationVSAvoidprocedural interference

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cable from the instrument by providing electrical communication pathways through the trocar cannula itself. The cannula contains conductive elements that transmit power and data signals between the external power supply and the surgical instrument, eliminating the need for separate cables attached to the instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The trocar cannula serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates electrical communication. The cannula's conductive elements act as mediators to transfer power and data signals, replacing the direct cable-instrument connection with an indirect pathway through the cannula.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If power supplies are integrated within surgical instruments to enable cordless operation, then cable interference is eliminated, but the instrument weight and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecordless operationVSAvoidinstrument weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the power supply from the instrument and relocates it to an external position. The instrument becomes cordless not by carrying its own battery, but by receiving power through the trocar cannula from an external power supply, thereby eliminating the need for internal power sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of the conventional approach where the instrument carries its own power supply, the patent inverts the arrangement by providing power through the trocar cannula from an external source, making the instrument lightweight and cordless while maintaining continuous power supply.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple powered instruments are used during a surgical procedure, then comprehensive surgical capabilities are achieved, but the number of cables and their interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurgical capabilitiesVSAvoidcable management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trocar cannula is designed with universal electrical communication capabilities that can support multiple different surgical instruments. The same cannula structure with its conductive elements can accommodate various powered instruments, providing a unified power and data transmission pathway for all instruments used during the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the power supply, data transmission, and instrument support functions into a single integrated system through the trocar cannula. Multiple instruments share the same electrical communication infrastructure, consolidating what would otherwise be separate cable connections into a unified pathway.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 cordless operation of surgical instruments, reducing clutter and weight, while enabling efficient power delivery and communication, enhancing procedural safety and reducing manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for internal power supplies and cables.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing magnetic engagement for alignment and conductive contacts for signal transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic engagement: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

conductive contacts for signal transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12004799B2Electrosurgical systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.06.11 REACH SURGICAL INC

AI summary

An engagement detection system (“EDS”) adapted to be positioned between, and in electrical communication with, an electrosurgical generator and an electrosurgical instrument. The EDS adapted to electronically detect that the electrosurgical instrument is inserted into a trocar cannula, and thereafter deliver electrosurgical energy to the instrument. A method of operating an endoscopic electrosurgical instrument inserted into a trocar cannula, as well as a switch assembly are also provided.