Bipolar HF Applicator for Nasal Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HF surgical instruments with thin wire electrodes for posterior nasal nerve ablation suffer from localized tissue dehydration, leading to reduced treatment efficiency and increased side effects, such as dry eyes, due to uneven impedance changes during the ablation process.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar HF applicator with a flat, insulating main body featuring two electrodes on opposite side faces, designed to distribute energy more evenly and reduce tissue dehydration, allowing for targeted and efficient heating of the posterior nasal nerve tissue with reduced tissue destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thin wire electrodes are used for HF ablation of the posterior nasal nerve, then the device can be inserted into the nasal cavity, but localized tissue dehydration occurs leading to reduced treatment efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments or zones along its length, with different sections having different properties or functions. This allows the electrode to maintain flexibility for insertion while distributing energy more effectively to prevent localized dehydration and improve treatment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design transitions from a simple linear wire to a three-dimensional structure with varying cross-sections, coatings, or internal configurations. This dimensional enhancement allows for better energy distribution across the tissue surface while maintaining the thin profile needed for nasal cavity insertion.
2Device complexity
If thin wire electrodes are used for HF ablation, then the device structure is simple, but impedance changes become uneven causing ablation to end early
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable impedance sections, variable conductivity materials, or adaptive coating thicknesses that allow the electrode to maintain optimal electrical contact and impedance characteristics throughout the ablation process, preventing premature termination.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design utilizes gradual changes in physical parameters along its length, such as varying diameter, material composition, or surface treatment, to maintain consistent impedance and energy transfer throughout the ablation procedure, ensuring complete treatment delivery.
3Ease of manufacture
If thin wire electrodes are used, then manufacturing is simple, but tissue dehydration is localized reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is pre-coated or pre-treated during manufacturing with hydrophilic materials, conductive polymers, or moisture-retaining substances. This preliminary action prevents tissue dehydration from occurring during the procedure, maintaining treatment effectiveness while keeping the manufacturing process relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode combines multiple materials with complementary properties, such as a conductive core with a hydrophilic or moisture-retaining outer layer. This composite structure prevents localized tissue dehydration while maintaining electrical conductivity and keeping the overall design manufacturable.
4Reliability
If conventional HF ablation is used, then posterior nasal nerve function can be restricted, but side effects such as dry eyes occur due to ablation of parasympathetic innervation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode design concentrates energy delivery to very specific localized zones corresponding to the posterior nasal nerve locations, while using shielding, directional energy emission, or selective activation patterns to protect adjacent structures like the lacrimal gland from unintended ablation, thereby preventing dry eyes side effects.
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 bipolar HF applicator provides a safer and more effective treatment by minimizing tissue dehydration and side effects, enabling precise and gentle cauterization of the posterior nasal nerve with improved impedance control and reduced risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
the electrodes are connected to supply lines for supplying HF energy... Supplied HF energy causes heating of the tissue against which the electrodes of the HF applicator lie
Implementation Method 2
The main body comprises a canal structure for a fluid cooling medium, which can be introduced into the main body from outside and discharged again
Data Source
AI summary
A bipolar high-frequency (HF) applicator for an HF surgical instrument, and an HF application system are disclosed. The bipolar HF applicator has a flat main body that is made of an insulating material and has a rounded shape with two side faces opposite each other and an edge delimiting the side faces. The main body includes, on at least one of the two side faces, two electrodes, the electrode surfaces of which are isolated from each other on the side face. The electrodes are connected to supply lines for supplying HF energy.