Cold Plasma Generating System for Medical Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical plasma technologies face challenges in safely generating and delivering cold plasma for treatment of biological tissues due to high voltage configurations and electromagnetic radiation issues, leading to potential electrocution and inefficient plasma delivery within living organisms.
Innovation Solution
A novel plasma generating system utilizing high-frequency, low-voltage electric pulses and a coaxial electricity transmission channel to create cold plasma with controlled properties, reducing the risk of electrocution and electromagnetic radiation, and allowing for localized treatment within biological cavities using a plasma generating unit mounted on an elongated member.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage configurations are used to generate cold plasma, then plasma generation capability is improved, but risk of electrocution and electrical discharge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the electrical parameters from high voltage/low frequency to low voltage/high frequency regime. The power supply unit generates high-frequency electrical pulses (e.g., >100 kHz) at low voltage levels, fundamentally changing the operating parameters to eliminate electrocution risk while maintaining plasma generation capability through frequency-dependent ionization mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional high-voltage electrical discharge mechanism with a high-frequency pulsed electrical field mechanism. Instead of relying on voltage breakdown, the system uses high-frequency oscillating fields to sustain plasma, substituting the physical mechanism of plasma generation to avoid harmful electrical discharge
2Device complexity
If conventional electricity transmission channels are used, then power delivery is simplified, but electromagnetic radiation and electrical discharge risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coaxial transmission channel as an intermediary structure between the power supply and plasma generation site. This coaxial configuration with inner and outer conductors acts as a shielded transmission line that guides electromagnetic energy while containing radiation, serving as a mediator that delivers power efficiently without exposing surrounding tissues to harmful radiation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an electrically inert environment using the outer conductor of the coaxial channel as a shield. This grounded outer conductor forms a protective barrier that prevents electrical discharge into surrounding biological tissues, creating a safe electrical environment similar to how inert gases prevent chemical reactions
3Reliability
If plasma is generated for deep tissue treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but plasma delivery efficiency decreases due to attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the plasma generation process by placing multiple plasma generation units along the elongated member at different depths. Instead of attempting to deliver plasma from a single distal endpoint, the system divides the treatment zone into multiple segments, each with its own plasma generation capability, ensuring effective plasma delivery to both superficial and deep tissues without energy attenuation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point plasma delivery approach to a distributed array of plasma generation units along the longitudinal dimension of the elongated member. This spatial distribution along the length of the device enables simultaneous plasma generation at multiple depths, overcoming the limitations of single-point delivery and energy attenuation
4Manufacturing precision
If high frequency electrical pulses are used, then plasma control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the plasma generation system to self-regulate by utilizing the inherent properties of the high-frequency resonant circuit and the plasma load itself. The system automatically adjusts pulse parameters based on the plasma formation conditions, with the plasma acting as both the target and the control element, reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms
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
Enables safe and effective generation of cold plasma with controlled temperature and density for selective treatment of cancerous cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, with the system capable of operating within living organisms and reducing the risk of electrical discharge and radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
Plasma is a general term defining ionized gas, generally including free electrons, ions as well as neutral atoms and molecules and often free radicals. It may be produced by electric discharge through gas, causing gas atoms or molecules to be excited and ionize.
Implementation Method 2
It may be produced by electric discharge through gas, causing gas atoms or molecules to be excited and ionize.
Implementation Method 3
a coaxial electricity transmission channel to create cold plasma with controlled properties, reducing the risk of electrocution and electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A system for generating cold plasma is presented, suitable for use in in-vivo treatment of biological tissue. The system comprising: a control unit connectable to an elongated member at a first proximal end of the elongated member. The elongated member comprises a plasma generating unit at a second distal end thereof and gas and electricity transmission channels extending from said first proximal end towards said plasma generating unit. The control unit comprises a gas supply unit configured to provide predetermined flow rate of selected gas composition through said gas transmission channel and a power supply unit configured to generate selected sequence of high-frequency electrical pulses, typically in mega Hertz range, directed through said electricity transmission channel, thereby providing power and gas of said selected composition to the plasma generating unit for generating cold plasma.