Cryogenic Probe Adapter for Shape-Stable Intercostal Nerve Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices for treating cardiac arrhythmia and nerve blocks face challenges due to probe flexibility issues, which complicate procedure duration and efficiency, as they often require multiple freezes and are difficult to manage within intercostal spaces.

Innovation Solution

A cryogenic device with a flexible cryogenic probe and an adapter that maintains shape, allowing for both cardiac arrhythmia treatment and nerve block procedures using a single device by stabilizing the probe during bending.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible cryogenic probe is used for cardiac arrhythmia treatment, then the probe can bend to cover the surface of the heart, but the probe cannot maintain its shape within intercostal spaces making it difficult to manage for nerve blocks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe flexibilityVSAvoidprobe shape maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional modes: a flexible probe mode for cardiac arrhythmia treatment and a rigid adapter mode for nerve blocks. The adapter can be attached to or removed from the probe, allowing the system to segment its functionality based on the procedural needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe's rigidity is dynamically adjusted by the attachment state of the adapter. When the adapter is attached, the probe becomes rigid for precise positioning in intercostal spaces; when removed, the probe remains flexible for cardiac surface conformability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single cryogenic device is used for both cardiac arrhythmia treatment and nerve blocks, then device complexity is reduced, but the probe cannot simultaneously maintain flexibility for cardiac treatment and rigidity for nerve block positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidprobe rigidity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The cryogenic device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both cardiac arrhythmia treatment and nerve blocks. The adapter component enables the same probe to serve dual purposes by providing rigidity when needed for nerve blocks while maintaining flexibility for cardiac procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the flexible probe and the requirements for rigid positioning in intercostal spaces. It temporarily imparts rigidity to the probe during nerve block procedures without permanently altering the probe's flexible nature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If nerve blocks require multiple freezes to cover intercostal spaces exceeding 10 mm, then the treatment can be completed, but the total procedure duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage areaVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter features a rounded head portion that allows the probe to maintain a curved shape within the intercostal space, enabling effective coverage of larger areas through rotational movement and curved positioning rather than requiring multiple linear freezes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device enables efficient and streamlined performance of cardiac arrhythmia treatment and nerve block procedures by providing a handle comprising a proximal end and adapter comprising a base portion, a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, a cryogenic probe extending from the elongate shaft, and an adapter removably located at a distal end of the elongate shaft, the adapter comprising a base portion, a head portion, and an opening therethrough, wherein the base portion comprises one or more prongs configured to key onto the elongate shaft, wherein the head portion is rounded and comprises a groove embedded within.

Implementation Method 1

A cryogenic device can be provided and can comprise a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, the elongate shaft comprising a lumen, a cryogenic probe extending from the elongate shaft

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic freezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentUS20250359915A1Adapting component for enabling cryogenic cardiac device use in nerve block

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 ATRICURE INC

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for performing a cardiac arrhythmia and a subsequent nerve block. A cryogenic device can be provided and can comprise a handle comprising a proximal end and a distal end, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, the elongate shaft comprising a lumen, a cryogenic probe extending from the elongate shaft, wherein the cryogenic probe is flexible, and an adapter removably located at a distal end of the elongate shaft, the adapter comprising a base portion, a head portion, and an opening therethrough, wherein the base portion comprises one or more prongs configured to key onto the elongate shaft, wherein the head portion is rounded and comprises a groove embedded within. The adapter can be configured to receive the cryogenic probe via the opening and within the groove such that the cryogenic probe maintains a shape when coupled to the groove.