Bipolar Electrode Assembly with Nested Supply Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bipolar electrode assemblies for denervation procedures are challenging due to difficulties in creating small, precise designs that minimize tissue trauma and allow for the precise application of RF energy, while also facilitating the introduction of anesthesia or therapeutic agents to the surgical site.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar electrode assembly with a cannula and supply electrode that includes two electrically spaced active contacts, where the cannula and supply electrode are designed to establish conductive paths for RF energy delivery, and a memory device to ensure proper matching and safe operation, reducing tissue trauma and improving precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a monopolar electrode assembly is used with a large area external ground pad, then the RF energy can be applied to the nerve, but the energy flow is not directed and more energy is absorbed by nearby tissue that should not be ablated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into two separate components: a cannula with an active tip and a supply electrode. This segmentation allows the RF energy to be delivered through the cannula's active tip while the supply electrode serves as the return path, creating a more directed energy flow between the two tips rather than dispersing through a large external ground pad.
Solution Approach 2:
The cannula acts as an intermediary structure that guides and concentrates the RF energy delivery. By inserting the supply electrode through the cannula's bore, the system creates a focused energy path through the target tissue, preventing energy dispersion to surrounding tissues that would occur with a monopolar configuration.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a bipolar electrode assembly is designed with small diameter to minimize tissue trauma, then precision is improved, but it becomes difficult to provide both active tips and maintain structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The supply electrode is nested within the cannula structure, with the supply electrode's shaft passing through the cannula's bore. This nesting arrangement allows both the cannula's active tip and the supply electrode's tip to be positioned close together in a compact configuration, minimizing the overall diameter and reducing tissue trauma while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from a traditional side-by-side bipolar configuration to a nested arrangement where one electrode is positioned within the bore of the other. This dimensional reorganization allows the electrode assembly to achieve a smaller external diameter while still providing separate active and return tips for RF energy delivery.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supply electrode is withdrawn from the cannula during the procedure, then anesthesia can be introduced through the cannula, but the electrode assembly must be reassembled and proper matching must be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The cannula is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both the delivery vehicle for RF energy (with its active tip) and as a conduit for introducing anesthesia or other therapeutic agents through its bore. This universal design eliminates the need for separate instruments for these two functions, simplifying the overall procedural workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply electrode is pre-positioned within the cannula's bore during assembly, with alignment features that ensure proper matching when reassembled. This preliminary arrangement of components facilitates quick and accurate reassembly after anesthesia delivery, reducing the complexity of ensuring proper electrode-cannula matching.
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 solution enables more directed energy application to the target tissue, minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues and ensuring proper assembly and operation, thus enhancing the precision and safety of denervation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The RF signal is applied to the active tip(s). If the system includes a monopolar electrode, a second dispersive electrode, is placed in contact with the patient to serve as a return path for the RF signal. If the system includes a bipolar electrode, the active tips alternate as active and return poles during the RF cycle.
Implementation Method 2
The nerve absorbs this energy and, as a consequence, is heated to the level at which it ablates.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical system preferably used for denervation procedures of nerve tissue has a control unit and a pluggable electrode assembly. The electrode assembly has a disposable cannula and a preservable supply electrode assembly. The cannula has a tubular body that projects axially from a pointed distal end for piercing tissue to a proximal end engaged to a first coupling assembly of the cannula. The supply electrode assembly has a second coupling assembly and a supply electrode that projects axially and removably into a through-bore of the body when in an operating state. The first and second coupling assemblies are configured to releasably interlock to prevent clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of the supply electrode in the body.