Capacitive RF Catheter for Uniform Vein Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for hollow anatomical structures like varicose veins face challenges such as incomplete treatments due to neovascularization, excessive pain, long recovery times, coagulum build-up, and variable pullback rates, which lead to recurrence and the need for re-treatment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a capacitive treatment element or dielectric heating element that applies energy to the vein wall to occlude the vein by creating an electric field or using a heat emitter with a self-regulating temperature, allowing for uniform heat distribution and controlled energy delivery along the vein length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal treatments are applied to hollow anatomical structures, then vein occlusion is achieved, but incomplete treatment occurs due to localized boiling and neovascularization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy delivery from conventional thermal methods to capacitive RF energy. The capacitive treatment element creates an electric field that extends into the inner wall of the hollow anatomical structure, delivering energy uniformly across the treatment site rather than causing localized boiling. This parameter change eliminates neovascularization and ensures complete vein occlusion.
2Reliability
If higher energy is applied to ensure complete vein occlusion, then treatment effectiveness improves, but pain and recovery time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capacitive RF energy delivery which allows effective vein occlusion at lower energy levels compared to conventional thermal methods. The electric field created by the capacitive treatment element efficiently transfers energy to the vein wall, achieving complete occlusion with minimized pain and reduced tissue damage, thereby shortening recovery time.
3Productivity
If conventional thermal methods are used, then treatment can be performed, but variable pullback rates lead to recurrence and re-treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a controller that regulates energy delivery to the capacitive treatment element. This feedback control system ensures consistent energy application along the vein length regardless of pullback rate variations, eliminating recurrence caused by inconsistent treatment and reducing the need for re-treatment.
4Reliability
If slower pullback rate is used to improve energy distribution, then treatment uniformity improves, but treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy delivery mechanism to capacitive RF energy, which provides inherently uniform energy distribution along the treatment site regardless of pullback rate. This allows the operator to maintain a faster, more efficient pullback rate while still achieving consistent treatment results, thereby reducing overall treatment time without compromising energy distribution uniformity.
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 effectively occludes veins with reduced recurrence rates, minimized pain, shorter treatment times, and improved recovery by ensuring complete energy application without localized boiling, thus addressing the limitations of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive treatment element located near the distal end. The capacitive treatment element is configured to create an electric field that extends at least partially into the inner wall
Implementation Method 2
a dielectric heating element connected to the shaft
Implementation Method 3
The heat emitter generates heat in the resistive fluid by passing an electrical current through the fluid
Implementation Method 4
a heating medium that has a self-regulating maximum temperature associated with a phase change of the heating medium
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment comprises an apparatus for applying energy to a hollow anatomical structure having an inner wall. The apparatus comprises an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end opposite the distal end; and a capacitive treatment element located near the distal end. The capacitive treatment element is sized for insertion into the hollow anatomical structure and placement near the inner wall. The capacitive treatment element is configured to create an electric field that extends at least partially into the inner wall. Other devices and methods for treatment of hollow anatomical structures are disclosed as well.