Vaporization Electrode Non-Smooth Geometry for Tissue Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vaporization electrodes with smooth, semispherical shapes limit the efficiency of tissue removal during treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia, as they do not allow for effective concentration of current and efficient energy use while maintaining smooth electrode current connection.
Innovation Solution
The development of vaporization electrodes with non-smooth, three-dimensional functional surfaces featuring multiple intersecting surfaces and edges, which concentrate current over a semispherical area, enhancing tissue removal and energy efficiency without sacrificing plasma ignition or electrode usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a smooth, semispherical functional surface is used on the vaporization electrode, then smooth current connection and plasma ignition are maintained, but tissue removal efficiency is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The functional surface is segmented into multiple planar facets instead of being smooth and continuous. These facets are arranged to form a polyhedral shape that approximates a semisphere, creating multiple edges where current concentrates to enhance tissue removal while maintaining overall spherical current distribution
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the functional surface have different properties - the facets provide localized current concentration at their edges for enhanced tissue removal, while the overall semispherical arrangement maintains smooth current connection and plasma ignition. Each facet edge acts as a localized high-energy zone
2Use of energy by moving object
If a non-smooth functional surface with multiple edges is introduced to improve tissue removal, then energy efficiency is enhanced, but electrode current connection smoothness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The overall shape of the functional surface maintains semispherical curvature to ensure smooth current connection and plasma ignition, while the surface is composed of multiple planar facets. This hierarchical approach preserves the beneficial curved geometry at the macro level while introducing edge effects at the micro level for enhanced energy efficiency
3Productivity
If current concentration is increased to improve tissue removal efficiency, then less energy is required, but collateral damage to surrounding tissue may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode design creates localized high-current-density zones at the facet edges where tissue removal is needed, while the overall semispherical shape distributes current smoothly in the radial direction. This spatial differentiation of current density allows concentrated tissue removal at specific points with minimal spread to surrounding healthy tissue
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
The non-smooth geometry of the electrodes allows for more defined and concentrated tissue removal with less required energy, promoting smooth current flow and instant plasma ignition, leading to improved surgical outcomes with reduced collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
Vaporization treatments, such as transurethral vaporization of the prostate (TUVP), use plasma energy at relatively lower temperatures to remove tissue without directly contacting the tissue
Implementation Method 2
Current from the electrode's functional surface passes through the conductive solution to an associated return electrode (pole), which may be positioned in close proximity to the vaporization electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Vaporization electrodes having functional surfaces with non-smooth semispherical shapes, and electrosurgical devices equipped therewith. The electrodes include a base oppositely disposed from its functional surface. The non-smooth semispherical shape of a functional surface is defined by a plurality of individual planar and/or cylindrical surfaces that intersect each other to define edges therebetween.