Adjustable Electrode Abation Device for Hollow Organs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hollow body cavity ablation, such as heating fluids or laser treatments, are limited in their ability to effectively and efficiently ablate the interior lining of organs like the uterus, particularly in terms of adaptability to varying organ sizes and shapes, and minimizing collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A hollow body ablation device with adjustable electrodes that can be collapsed to fit through small openings, featuring a controller system for precise energy delivery and fluid removal, allowing for bipolar or monopolar ablation modes to effectively treat the organ lining while minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing ablation methods (heated fluid circulation or laser treatment) are used, then ablation of organ lining can be achieved, but adaptability to varying organ sizes and shapes is limited and collateral tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation device incorporates adjustable electrodes that can be configured in different arrangements and positions to adapt to varying organ sizes and shapes. The electrodes can be dynamically adjusted during the procedure to optimize contact with the organ lining while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies ablation energy locally and selectively to the organ lining through controlled electrode placement. By concentrating the ablation effect at the electrode-tissue interface and using adjustable electrode configurations, the treatment can be tailored to the specific anatomical features of each organ while protecting adjacent healthy tissue from collateral damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable electrodes are used to fit various organ sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation device is divided into multiple independent electrode elements that can be individually adjusted or configured. This segmentation allows each electrode to be positioned independently to match the specific geometry of the organ being treated, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each organ size or shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with a universal electrode assembly that can be configured to treat multiple types of hollow organs of varying sizes and shapes. Through adjustable electrode positions and configurations, a single device structure can perform multiple ablation functions across different anatomical sites, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
3Ease of operation
If the device is collapsed to fit through small openings, then ease of insertion improves, but the structure must be more complex to enable collapsing and expanding
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is designed to collapse into a compact configuration that can be nested within the delivery catheter or insertion tube. The electrodes can be folded or retracted along the length of the catheter, allowing the entire device to be inserted through small openings or natural body orifices before being deployed at the treatment site.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic structural elements that allow transition between a collapsed low-profile configuration for insertion and an expanded functional configuration for treatment. Mechanical actuators or shape-memory materials enable the electrodes to be deployed outward or unfolded once the device is positioned, providing ease of insertion without permanent structural complexity.
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 device enables complete or partial ablation of the organ lining with reduced trauma and anesthesia requirements, accommodating various organ sizes and shapes, and achieving effective treatment with less discomfort and collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
Ablation of the interior lining of a body organ is a procedure that involves heating the organ lining to temperatures that destroys the cells of the lining
Implementation Method 2
heating the organ lining to temperatures that destroys the cells of the lining and coagulates blood flow for hemostasis
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation apparatus places electrodes at the perimeter of a cavity. In an embodiment, the alternating electric field is used to expose the cavity to enough energy to ablate the cavity. In an embodiment, two modes are used to expose different regions of the cavity to different amounts of power so that the thermal effect is more uniform. In an embodiment, the electrodes have a relatively large surface area so as to avoid charring the cavity, but are shaped so as to fit within a body orifice.