Cooled RF Electrode with Removable Tip for Tumor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiofrequency (RF) electrode systems for tissue ablation, particularly for cancerous tumors, face challenges such as difficulty in accurately positioning the electrode due to tissue resistance, requirement for multiple electrodes of different lengths for varying tumor sizes, and bulky designs that complicate precise insertion and clustering of electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising cannulas and a guidance stylet for initial tissue penetration, followed by a high-frequency electrode insertion, allowing for adjustable tip exposure and reduced manual force during insertion, with a slender hub structure enabling closer clustering and efficient thermal ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharpened electrode tip is used for tissue penetration, then insertion capability is improved, but positioning accuracy deteriorates due to tissue resistance and displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into two functional segments: a sharpened insertion tip for initial tissue penetration and a larger, cooler hub structure for positioning and clustering. The insertion tip can be removed after guiding the electrode into the target tissue, allowing the cooler hub to be positioned precisely without causing displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharpened insertion tip performs the preliminary action of creating an initial tract through the tissue before the electrode reaches its final position. This preliminary penetration path guides the rest of the electrode into the target without requiring the entire electrode to be sharpened, thereby preventing tissue displacement during positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes of different lengths are used for varying tumor sizes, then treatment adaptability is improved, but device complexity and inventory requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system allows dynamic adjustment of the exposed tip length by removing the insertion tip after initial penetration. This enables a single electrode design to adapt to different tumor sizes and depths by controlling how much of the electrode remains exposed beyond the cannula, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-length electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
A single electrode design serves multiple functions: the sharpened tip enables insertion into various tissue depths, the removable nature allows adjustment for different tumor sizes, and the cooler hub provides consistent positioning. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized electrode lengths.
3Ease of operation
If a bulky electrode hub structure is used for manual manipulation, then ease of operation is improved, but clustering capability and insertion precision worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is segmented into a slender insertion portion and a separate cooler hub. The slender insertion portion minimizes tissue displacement and allows precise positioning, while the cooler hub can be designed with appropriate size for manipulation. The insertion tip can be removed after guiding, allowing the hub to be positioned precisely without bulk interfering with insertion precision.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the electrode tip is cooled during insertion, then tissue damage is reduced, but insertion force requirements worsen due to tissue resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The sharpened insertion tip performs preliminary penetration through the tissue before cooling is applied. By creating the initial tract with the sharp tip, the electrode encounters less resistance during subsequent insertion, reducing the force required while minimizing tissue damage from cooling contact.
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
This configuration facilitates precise and efficient thermal tissue ablation with reduced manual force and allows for the use of multiple electrodes in tight clusters, improving accuracy and reducing the need for multiple electrode sizes, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
RF current from the RF generator flows through the patient's body between the two electrodes. The generator can be activated and its signal output can be applied between the electrodes.
Implementation Method 2
The theory behind and practice of RF heat ablation has been known for decades
Implementation Method 3
cooling fluid flow through the electrode shaft and out through the distal end of the electrode shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for applying energy, particularly radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy, to a living body can be used in tissue ablation.