Combinable Electrode Needle Base for RF Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrode devices for radio frequency ablation (RFA) lack flexibility in accommodating varying lesion sizes and locations, requiring additional needles for larger or scattered lesions, which complicates treatment procedures.

Innovation Solution

A combinable electrode needle base structure that can be used in both combined and separated states, featuring dividable bases with coupling parts and a guide with varying heights, allowing for adjustable configuration of electrode needles according to lesion size and location, and stabilization using coupling tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single electrode needle or a fixed plurality of non-separable electrode needles are coupled to the grip base, then the structure is simple and stable, but the adaptability to different lesion sizes and locations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different lesion sizes and locationsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grip base is divided into multiple separable bases that can be independently removed and reconfigured. Each base can hold one or more electrode needles, and the bases themselves can be arranged in different configurations (single base, two bases side-by-side, or stacked) to match different lesion sizes and locations, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring a completely different device for each scenario

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode needle base structure transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The separable bases allow the operator to dynamically adjust the number and arrangement of electrode needles based on the specific clinical situation, enabling the same device to adapt to varying treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If additional electrode needles are used for larger or scattered lesions, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity and number of components increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to scattered lesionsVSAvoidnumber of electrode needles
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The separable base structure serves multiple functions: it can be used as a single base for small lesions, as two side-by-side bases for medium lesions, or as multiple stacked bases for large or scattered lesions. This multi-functionality allows the same set of components to replace what would traditionally require multiple different electrode needle assemblies, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the electrode needle base is made separable to allow reconfiguration, then the adaptability improves, but the stability and reliability of the coupling decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereconfigurability of baseVSAvoidcoupling stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure combines the separable base with a secure coupling mechanism that ensures stable connection when bases are joined. The coupling parts are designed to maintain reliable electrical and mechanical connections during the procedure, preventing accidental separation while still allowing intentional reconfiguration when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 the use of electrode needles either individually or in groups, adapting to different lesion sizes and distributions without the need for additional needles, ensuring stable and flexible treatment configurations.

Implementation Method 1

tumorous tissue can be selectively cauterized by using heat generated by RF waves (including high frequency and microwave)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRF wave heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2525868B1Combinable electrode needle base structure
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 SHIN CO LTD
  • EP2525868B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2525868B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP2525868B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Provided is a combinable electrode needle base structure in which a base to which electrode needles are coupled can be used in a combined or separated state to use the electrode needles according to the size and location of a lesion. In the combinable electrode needle structure, electrode needles are connected to the front side of an electrode needle base, and receive RF waves from RF (radio frequency) generator. The electrode needle base is divided into dividable bases to which the electrode needles are respectively coupled. When a lesion to be cauterized is large or cauterization should be concentrated, the dividable bases are combined and then used, and when a lesion is small or lesions are scattered, the dividable bases may be separated and then used.