Closed Irrigated Bipolar RF Ablation Probe Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiofrequency ablation systems face challenges in effectively cooling the electrode during procedures, leading to tissue charring and suboptimal lesion formation, especially in sensitive areas like the lung where saline distribution is undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A closed loop irrigated ablation system with a bipolar radiofrequency ablation probe featuring a shaft electrode and an expandable electrode array, incorporating a closed irrigation channel to circulate cooling fluid and maintain efficient cooling without delivering fluid into the patient tissue, utilizing a tubing with a corrugated outer surface to direct coolant flow and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiofrequency ablation is performed without effective cooling, then ablation can be performed, but tissue charring occurs and lesion formation is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
A closed irrigation channel is introduced as an intermediary cooling system between the electrode and surrounding tissue. The channel circulates cooling fluid through the electrode structure, providing effective heat removal without delivering fluid into the patient tissue, thus preventing tissue charring while maintaining ablation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic principles by implementing a closed irrigation channel that circulates cooling fluid through the electrode. The fluid flow through the channel provides continuous cooling to the electrode surface, preventing overheating and tissue charring during RF ablation procedures
2Temperature
If cooling fluid is delivered into patient tissue, then electrode cooling is effective, but saline distribution is undesirable in sensitive areas like lung
Solution Approach 1:
The closed irrigation channel acts as an intermediary structure that confines cooling fluid circulation to the electrode itself. The channel is positioned such that cooling fluid flows through the electrode material, providing effective cooling without penetrating into or distributing through the surrounding patient tissue, especially important in sensitive areas like the lung
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is localized to the electrode structure through the closed irrigation channel. The channel provides cooling fluid flow specifically where needed (through the electrode) while preventing fluid dispersion into surrounding tissues. The channel's positioning and configuration ensure cooling is applied locally at the electrode-tissue interface without causing widespread saline distribution
3Temperature
If conventional irrigation path is used, then cooling can be provided, but fluid flow path is complex and requires multiple segments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cooling fluid flow path with the electrode structure by integrating the irrigation channel directly into the electrode. This integration creates a unified structure where the cooling channel and electrode are combined, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining effective cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The closed irrigation channel serves multiple functions: it provides cooling fluid circulation, structural support for the electrode, and defines the fluid flow path. By making the channel multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall irrigation system while maintaining effective cooling
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 enhances lesion formation by maintaining electrode temperature control, reducing tissue charring, and improving ablation performance compared to existing systems, particularly in soft tissue and lung tumor treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a closed irrigation path... configured to deliver a cooling fluid to the closed irrigation path and receive circulated cooling fluid from the closed irrigation path
Implementation Method 2
circulate cooling fluid through the closed irrigation path... first segment... second segment
Implementation Method 3
bipolar radiofrequency ablation... electrode array assembly... outer electrode... radiofrequency current flow between the electrode array and the outer electrode
Implementation Method 4
Radiofrequency ablation heats and dehydrates tissue, causing necrosis and tissue charring
Implementation Method 5
The tubing has a corrugated outer surface comprising corrugations. The tubing outer surface directs the coolant to flow in a non-linear path, such as helically around the outer surface of the tubing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to systems and methods for irrigated bipolar radiofrequency ablation. The system includes an ablation probe that includes an elongate inner electrode assembly and an elongate outer electrode assembly. An irrigation path for irrigation fluid flow is defined between the outer surface of the inner electrode assembly and the outer surface of the outer electrode assembly. The irrigation path enables cooling fluid to be circulated within the probe body, cooling the outer electrode during ablation.