Bipolar RF Hemostasis Device with Vacuum Suction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for controlling bleeding in trauma victims, especially from organs like the liver, are ineffective as they often lead to re-bleeding when pressure is removed, and require immediate medical facility transfer, which may not be feasible.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring bipolar electrodes connected to a radio frequency energy source and a vacuum line to ablate tissue and achieve hemostasis, allowing for quick and controlled bleeding cessation without the need for continuous pressure application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure is applied to control bleeding, then bleeding is temporarily stopped, but bleeding resumes when pressure is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure application with radio frequency energy delivery through bipolar electrodes. The RF energy causes tissue ablation and coagulation, creating a permanent hemostatic effect that does not require continuous mechanical pressure to maintain.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water in tissue (from liquid to vapor through RF heating) to achieve hemostasis. The RF energy heats tissue water to evaporation, creating a desiccated layer that prevents re-bleeding without requiring sustained external pressure.
2Reliability
If gauze with hemostatic agent is applied, then blood clotting is promoted, but wound reopening occurs when gauze is removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces gauze application with a powered RF ablation system. The bipolar electrodes deliver RF energy directly to the bleeding tissue, creating a permanent coagulated layer that remains in place without requiring gauze coverage or risking wound reopening upon removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF ablation process creates a self-sustaining hemostatic barrier through tissue coagulation and desiccation. The treated tissue itself forms the hemostatic seal, eliminating the need for external hemostatic agents or gauze that would need to be removed.
3Productivity
If immediate pressure is applied to stop bleeding, then bleeding control is achieved, but continuous pressure is required to prevent re-bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces continuous mechanical pressure with a time-limited RF energy application. The bipolar electrodes deliver RF energy for a controlled duration to achieve rapid tissue ablation and coagulation, after which the hemostatic effect is maintained without further intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF energy is delivered in a controlled, periodic manner through the bipolar electrodes, allowing rapid initial hemostasis followed by a maintenance phase where the coagulated tissue barrier prevents re-bleeding without requiring continuous external pressure.
4Reliability
If tissue ablation is performed to achieve hemostasis, then bleeding is stopped, but moisture generated during ablation can interfere with the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a vacuum system that actively removes moisture and fluid from the treatment area during RF ablation. The vacuum suction prevents liquid accumulation around the electrodes, ensuring effective tissue drying and coagulation while eliminating moisture-related interference with the hemostatic process.
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 device effectively stops bleeding by creating a desiccated layer in the tissue, preventing re-bleeding and allowing for safe removal without restarting the bleeding process, suitable for use in both emergency and surgical settings.
Implementation Method 1
one or more bipolar electrodes that are configured to connect to a source of radio frequency energy
Implementation Method 2
tissue in contact with the electrode carrier can be ablated to a desired depth of destruction to achieve substantial hemostasis
Implementation Method 3
The vacuum line is configured to connect to a vacuum source and to draw moisture away from the one or more bipolar electrodes during tissue ablation
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for achieving hemostasis (the stoppage of bleeding) is described. RF (radio frequency) energy is used to ablate the surface of tissue to stop bleeding. The depth of destruction of the tissue can be controlled so as to desiccate and coagulate the tissue. In one implementation, an electrode carrier including bipolar electrodes is applied to the tissue, and RF energy transmitted through the bipolar electrodes to ablate the tissue. A layer of desiccated tissue can be created as well as coagulation of the tissue to achieve hemostasis.