Axially-Adjustable Electrode Treatment for Endoluminal Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation techniques face challenges in controlling ablation depth and precision during endoluminal procedures, particularly in treating the duodenal mucosa, where achieving desired tissue regeneration is hindered by inadequate control over electrode placement and energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrode treatment system featuring axially-adjustable electrodes, which allows for precise control of target spacing between electrodes during and after energy delivery. This system includes expandable support members and flexible members that can be independently adjusted to maintain optimal electrode spacing for effective tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation techniques are used for endoluminal procedures, then tissue ablation can be performed, but control over ablation depth and precision is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode treatment system employs axially-adjustable electrodes that can be dynamically repositioned along the longitudinal axis independently of each other. This dynamic adjustment capability allows precise control of electrode spacing and placement, enabling accurate ablation depth control while maintaining ease of operation during endoluminal procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the electrode assembly into multiple independently adjustable electrode segments. Each electrode can be positioned separately along its flexible member, allowing precise control over the spacing between electrodes. This segmentation enables tailored electrode placement configurations to achieve desired ablation depths while maintaining operational simplicity
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed electrode spacing is used, then device structure is simplified, but ability to adjust electrode spacing for optimal treatment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates axially-adjustable electrodes that can be repositioned dynamically during the procedure. Each electrode can be moved independently along its flexible member to achieve optimal spacing for different treatment scenarios, providing high adaptability while the flexible member design keeps the overall structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable electrode mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables optimal electrode spacing for different tissue types, allows adaptation to various anatomical configurations, and provides flexibility for different treatment protocols. This multi-functionality achieves high adaptability without proportionally increasing device complexity
3Reliability
If minimally invasive ablation procedures are used, then patient risk and recovery time are reduced, but control over energy delivery precision is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The axially-adjustable electrodes enable dynamic optimization of energy delivery by allowing precise positioning of electrodes relative to the target tissue. This ensures that energy is delivered with high precision to the intended treatment zone, enhancing treatment safety and effectiveness while maintaining minimally invasive benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality control by allowing independent adjustment of each electrode's position. This enables tailored energy delivery configurations for specific treatment zones, ensuring precise energy concentration where needed while protecting surrounding healthy tissues, thereby improving reliability without compromising precision
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 system enables precise and controlled tissue ablation, allowing for targeted cell destruction while preserving the extracellular matrix, thereby promoting tissue regeneration and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
Another minimally invasive treatment technique involves electroporation of targeted tissues by localized application of an electrical field to increase permeability of cell membranes
Implementation Method 2
Electroporation may also be used in combination with electrolysis as a method of tissue ablation, by a process also known as electrolytic electroporation, electroporation-electrolysis, or E2
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for providing controlled delivery of energy treatment to a tissue site. The systems, apparatuses, and methods may include designs with features for efficiently deploying and adjusting electrodes at a tissue site for treatment and for facilitating retraction of the electrodes back into a housing after completion of treatment for removal. The systems, apparatuses, and methods may further include an expansion member for radially expanding the flexible substrate to aid in positioning the electrodes adjacent the tissue to facilitate treatment.