Cold Plasma Scalpel Probe for Selective Tumor Eradication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for using cold plasma in biomedical applications, particularly for cancer therapy, are limited by a lack of understanding of plasma-cell interactions and have primarily focused on in-vitro studies with limited research on in-vivo antitumor effects, and existing electrosurgical devices do not effectively integrate cold plasma for selective tumor cell eradication and signaling pathway deregulation.
Innovation Solution
A cold plasma scalpel attachment for an electrosurgical hand piece that includes a probe assembly with a nickel-plated brass alloy conductive connector and a tungsten wire electrode, capable of generating a cold plasma jet for precise tissue interaction, where an inert gas is ionized and used to treat cancer cells with controlled electrical discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cold plasma is applied to treat cancer cells, then selective tumor cell eradication is achieved, but thermal damage to surrounding tissue may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies high-frequency electrical energy to the electrode, which changes the physical state of the inert gas from molecular to plasma state through ionization. This parameter change enables the gas to conduct electricity and generate cold plasma at the tissue interface, achieving selective tumor cell eradication through non-thermal plasma mechanisms rather than thermal heating
Solution Approach 2:
The inert gas undergoes a phase transition from gaseous state to plasma state through continuous ionization by high-frequency energy. This phase transition creates a conductive medium that allows electrical discharge to occur through the gas to the tissue, enabling cold plasma therapy without thermal damage to surrounding tissues
2Measurement precision
If high-frequency energy is applied to generate plasma, then cold plasma jet is produced for precise tissue interaction, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous high-frequency energy application to the electrode, which continuously ionizes the flowing inert gas to sustain a stable cold plasma state. This continuous action ensures consistent plasma generation at the tissue interface, providing precise and controlled tissue interaction throughout the treatment process
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses flowing inert gas delivered through a channel to the electrode tip. The gas flow serves as both the plasma generation medium and a delivery mechanism, allowing the cold plasma to be directed precisely at the target tissue. The pneumatic delivery system enables controlled plasma application with minimal energy waste
3Ease of operation
If inert gas flows through the channel and is ionized, then electrical discharge through plasma to tissue is initiated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as the electrical energy delivery component, the plasma generation surface, and the discharge path to tissue. The channel structure simultaneously guides the inert gas flow and positions it for optimal ionization at the electrode tip. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The inert gas acts as an intermediary medium between the electrode and the tissue. It is ionized by the high-frequency energy at the electrode surface and then conducts the electrical discharge to the tissue. This intermediary approach allows controlled plasma generation and electrical discharge initiation without requiring direct contact between the electrode and tissue, simplifying the operational complexity
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 selective tumor cell eradication and modulation of signaling pathways through controlled cold plasma application, enhancing the therapeutic potential of electrosurgical systems in cancer treatment with improved precision and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
applying high-frequency energy to the electrode while the inert gas flows through the channel, wherein the high-frequency energy applied to the electrode continuously plasmatizes inert gas exiting the port
Implementation Method 2
initiating an electrical discharge from the electrode through the continuously plasmatized inert gas to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A cold plasma accessory having a hand piece having within in it flexible tubing, wiring, a PCB board connected to the wiring, and a conductive connector tube electrically connected to the PCB board, the conductive connector tube having an inner channel, a rigid tube extending from the distal end of the hand piece, and an electrode within the rigid tube. The electrode comprises a conductive connector having a contact surface contacting the conductive connector tube, a distal end surface facing away from the conductive connector tube, and a channel extending through a center of the conductive connector, the channel being fluidly connected to the flexible tubing, the distal end surface of the conductive connector being outside of the channel in the conductive connector, and a conductive wire connected to the distal end surface of the conductive connector.