Annular Cold Plasma Array for Deep Tissue Infection Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for deep tissue infections, such as those in orthopedic hardware, often require multiple surgeries and rely heavily on antibiotics, which may not effectively reach and eradicate infections, leading to recurring issues and potential amputation in severe cases.
Innovation Solution
An annular cold plasma device with multiple ports converging at a treatment area, powered by high voltage RF and gas supply, to enhance penetration and intensity of cold plasma for deep tissue treatment without surgical intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple surgeries and systemic antibiotics are used to treat deep tissue infections, then the infection may be controlled, but the treatment requires repeated surgical procedures and antibiotics may not effectively reach the infection site
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment is divided into two stages: first removing hardware and debriding tissue, then applying antibiotic-impregnated materials locally at the infection site. This segmentation allows targeted delivery of antibiotics directly where needed, improving effectiveness while reducing the need for repeated systemic treatments and surgeries.
Solution Approach 2:
Antibiotic-impregnated materials serve as an intermediary between the external antibiotic source and the deep tissue infection site. These materials are placed directly at the infection site after debridement, allowing sustained local release of antibiotics that can effectively reach and eradicate the infection without requiring repeated surgical interventions.
2Reliability
If hardware is removed and antibiotic materials are left in place for 6 weeks, then infection resolution is achieved, but the joint remains non-functional during this period
Solution Approach 1:
The antibiotic-impregnated materials are prepared and positioned in advance during the first surgery, creating a controlled local antibiotic reservoir. This preliminary action ensures that effective antibiotic concentrations are maintained at the infection site from the beginning, potentially reducing the treatment duration and allowing earlier joint functionality restoration while still achieving complete infection resolution.
3Ease of operation
If cold plasma is applied to deep tissue infections, then non-invasive treatment is achieved, but plasma penetration depth to reach deep tissues is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from surface-level plasma application to deep tissue treatment by introducing a gas delivery system that transports cold plasma through body cavities and conduits. This dimensional change allows the plasma to reach deep infection sites internally while maintaining the non-invasive nature of the treatment, effectively overcoming the penetration depth limitation.
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 approach allows for effective treatment of deep tissue infections and disorders by increasing plasma penetration and intensity, reducing the need for surgeries, minimizing complications, and providing a non-invasive solution for musculoskeletal pain and inflammation.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, from a cold plasma power supply, electrical energy at two or more cold plasma devices via one or more high voltage RF ports... receiving, from a gas source, gas at the two or more cold plasma devices via one or more gas supply ports... outputting cold plasma from the two or more cold plasma devices
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are described that use an array of two or more cold plasma jet ports oriented to converge at a treatment area. The use of an array permits greater tissue penetration by cold plasma treatments. This approach enables treatment of deeper infections of soft and hard tissues without surgical intervention. For example, this approach can treat sub-integumental infections, such as those common to joint replacements, without surgically opening the issues overlying the deeper infection.