Trocar Signal Interface for Cable-Free Electrosurgical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Endoscopic medical procedures face challenges due to the need for multiple electrical cables for powered surgical instruments, which can be cumbersome and interfere with procedures, and cordless instruments often require heavy power supplies, increasing manufacturing costs and weight.
Innovation Solution
A modular signal interface system (MSIS) that allows electrical communication between surgical instruments and external devices through a signal interface adapter mounted on a trocar cannula, eliminating the need for cables attached to the instruments by providing external connectivity and enabling magnetic engagement for secure alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple electrical cables are attached to powered surgical instruments, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but procedural interference increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical cable connection from the surgical instrument itself and relocates it to the trocar cannula. The signal interface adapter mounted on the cannula provides all electrical connections, allowing the instrument to be cable-free during insertion and operation within the cannula.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal interface adapter acts as an intermediary between the external electrical devices and the surgical instrument. It receives electrical signals from external sources and transmits them to the instrument through the cannula, eliminating the need for direct cable attachment to the instrument.
2Ease of operation
If cordless surgical instruments are used to eliminate cables, then procedural interference is reduced, but weight increases due to internal power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply and electrical connection system from the surgical instrument and relocates it to the trocar cannula. This allows the instrument to remain lightweight without internal batteries or power supplies while still providing electrical connectivity through the external adapter system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/internal power supply system with an external electrical connection system. Instead of using batteries or internal power sources within the instrument, the system uses external electrical devices connected through the signal interface adapter on the cannula.
3Ease of operation
If internal power supplies are included in surgical instruments, then cordless operation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the surgical instrument and places it in external electrical devices. This eliminates the need for expensive internal batteries, power management circuits, and related components in each instrument, significantly reducing manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal interface adapter on the cannula serves multiple instruments simultaneously, providing electrical connectivity for any instrument inserted into the cannula. This universal approach eliminates the need for each instrument to have its own internal power supply, reducing per-instrument manufacturing costs.
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 reduces procedural interference, simplifies instrument operation, and decreases manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for internal power supplies, while ensuring safe and efficient electrical connectivity during endoscopic surgeries.
Implementation Method 1
A magnet is provided on the trocar and engages the signal interface adapter
Data Source
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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.