Bendable Cannula with Elastic Electrode for Radiofrequency Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cannula and electrode assemblies for tissue ablation are limited in their ability to remove large volumes of tissue in a single actuation, requiring repositioning and increased procedural complexity due to the need to switch between single and dual tip configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cannula and electrode assembly with a bendable design allowing for configuration to source current from either a single tip or multiple tips, with an elastic electrode that can extend out of a side port for dual tip operation, enabling adjustable current flow through a larger tissue volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional electrode assembly with a single distal tip is used, then the structure is simple and easy to operate, but the volume of tissue that can be removed in a single actuation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed with an elastic portion that allows it to dynamically change its configuration between extended and retracted positions. This enables the electrode to adapt between single-tip and dual-tip operational modes, increasing tissue ablation versatility without requiring multiple separate assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a single-tip electrode when the elastic portion is retracted, and as a dual-tip electrode when the elastic portion is extended with the side tip protruding. This multi-functionality allows a single assembly to handle various tissue ablation volume requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode is designed to extend out of the cannula for dual tip operation, then larger tissue volume can be treated, but the electrode becomes more fragile and difficult to insert
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode incorporates an elastic portion that provides flexibility during insertion and allows the electrode to bend as needed. This dynamic flexibility makes the electrode easier to insert through the cannula while still enabling it to extend outward for dual-tip operation when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode uses an elastic portion that acts as a flexible element, allowing the electrode to bend and conform during insertion while maintaining structural integrity. This flexibility reduces insertion difficulty while preserving the capability to extend for extended treatment volume.
3Productivity
If multiple tips are used simultaneously, then larger tissue volume is treated, but the device complexity and procedural steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode can be dynamically configured by the operator to extend or retract the elastic portion, allowing selection between single-tip and dual-tip modes. This simple dynamic configuration mechanism increases tissue ablation efficiency without significantly increasing device complexity or procedural steps.
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 efficient and precise tissue ablation by allowing for either single or dual tip operation, reducing procedural time and complexity while maintaining accurate temperature monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
This current flow heats the tissue to a temperature that results in the ablation of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
heats the tissue to a temperature that results in the ablation of the tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A cannula (42) for an assembly (32) for radiofrequency ablation of tissue with an electrode (66) comprises a cannula hub (44), and a cannula body (50). The cannula body (50) comprises a proximal section defining a proximal end coupled to said cannula hub (44), a distal section (56) defining a distal end opposite said proximal end with said distal section (56) being electrically conductive, a bend (54) formed proximal to the distal section (56), a lumen (52) extending from said proximal end to said distal section (56), and through said bend (54), with said lumen (52) adapted to receive the electrode (66), a side opening (58) spaced proximally from the distal end, opening into said lumen (52) and formed so as to extend through a portion of the cannula body (50) that defines an outer portion of the bend (54), and an electrically insulating sleeve (64) disposed over said cannula body (50).