Universal Surgical Connecting Device for Monopolar-Bipolar Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surgical instruments designed for monopolar and bipolar operations require separate connecting devices due to different voltage requirements, leading to confusion and potential malfunctions when incompatible handles are used, necessitating complex and time-consuming instrument changes during surgeries.
Innovation Solution
A connecting device with a housing and electrical terminal that allows for interchangeable monopolar and bipolar operation by using two isolated contacts, enabling seamless switching between modes without requiring separate devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate connecting devices are used for monopolar and bipolar operations, then device reliability is improved by preventing incompatible connections, but device complexity increases and surgical time is lost due to instrument changes
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate both monopolar and bipolar operations. The electrical terminal includes two isolated contacts that can be selectively connected to different cable configurations, allowing a single handle to perform both monopolar cutting/coagulation and bipolar sealing functions without requiring separate instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical terminal is segmented into two isolated contacts, allowing independent connection and disconnection for monopolar and bipolar modes. This segmentation enables flexible configuration where the same physical terminal can be electrically configured for different operating modes through selective connection of the isolated contacts to appropriate cable conductors.
2Reliability
If shape-coded plugs and sockets are used to prevent incompatible connections, then connection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to confusion and potential malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device uses a universal mechanical interface without shape-coding, allowing the same handle to accept both monopolar and bipolar cables. Combined with an internal switchable electrical configuration, this eliminates the need for different-shaped plugs and sockets while maintaining reliable connections through proper electrical isolation and switching mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single connecting device supports both monopolar and bipolar operations, then adaptability is improved, but reliability may worsen due to potential short circuits and flashovers
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical terminal is divided into two isolated contacts that are physically separated and electrically insulated from each other. This segmentation allows independent control and connection of monopolar and bipolar circuits, preventing cross-contamination and short circuits between the two operational modes while maintaining adaptability to both configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrical isolation mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two contacts, preventing direct electrical contact and potential short circuits. This intermediary isolation ensures that when switching between monopolar and bipolar modes, there is no risk of flashovers or unintended current paths between the isolated contacts.
4Reliability
If greater isolation gaps are provided in monopolar connecting devices, then reliability is improved by preventing short circuits, but device complexity increases compared to bipolar devices
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation requirement is met through segmentation into two separate contacts rather than requiring a single large isolation gap. This segmentation allows each contact to be independently positioned and isolated, achieving the necessary electrical clearance and creepage distances through compact arrangement rather than large-scale isolation structures.
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
Facilitates rapid and safe switching between monopolar and bipolar operations, reducing surgical intervention time and simplifying post-surgery cleaning, while preventing short circuits and flashovers up to 5.5 kV.
Implementation Method 1
The first contact and the second contact are isolated in such a way that an accessory coupled by the accessory coupling is operable either in a monopolar or bipolar manner via the two contacts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a connecting device and to a monopolar cable for surgical instruments operable in a monopolar and bipolar manner, especially for high-frequency surgery, and a corresponding surgical instrument and surgical system. An electrical terminal of the connecting device is designed to be connectable either to a monopolar cable for monopolar operation or to a bipolar cable for bipolar operation. A first contact and a second contact of the electrical terminal are electrically connected to an accessory coupling of the connecting device and are designed with insulation such that an accessory coupled by the accessory coupling is operable either in a monopolar or bipolar manner via the two contacts. The present invention further relates to a monopolar cable for such a connecting device, to a surgical instrument comprising such a connecting device and to a surgical system comprising such a surgical instrument and such a monopolar cable.