Cryogenic Probe Blunt Dissection for Precise Nerve Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for chronic pain and cosmetic defects, such as wrinkles and cellulite, often involve invasive procedures, systemic side effects, and temporary results, while cryogenic treatments face challenges in temperature control and target tissue accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a cryogenic probe with a distal tip for blunt dissection and cooling treatment zones along tissue layers, allowing precise treatment of nerves and tissues beneath the skin with minimal invasiveness and controlled temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cryogenic probe is used for blunt dissection and cooling treatment, then treatment accuracy and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into distinct functional segments: a blunt dissection tip for tissue separation, a cooling element for cryogenic treatment, and a control mechanism for temperature regulation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall system manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cryogenic probe is designed to perform multiple functions: blunt dissection of tissue layers, precise positioning via flexible curvature control, and delivery of cooling treatment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated tool, improving efficiency while the modular design keeps complexity manageable.
2Reliability
If cryogenic cooling is applied to treat nerves and tissues, then pain relief and cosmetic improvements are achieved, but harmful effects on surrounding tissue may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling element is designed to deliver cryogenic treatment locally and selectively to the target nerve or tissue. The controlled temperature distribution ensures that only the intended target receives sufficient cooling for therapeutic effect, while surrounding tissues remain unaffected. This localized approach maximizes treatment reliability while minimizing collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensing capability is integrated into the probe to provide real-time feedback on the cooling effect. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust cooling intensity dynamically, stopping treatment when the target reaches the desired temperature threshold. This prevents excessive cooling that could cause harmful effects on the target or surrounding tissues.
3Ease of operation
If a blunt tip probe is used for tissue traversal, then invasiveness is minimized, but reaching deep target tissues becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates flexible curvature control mechanisms that allow it to dynamically adapt its shape while penetrating tissue layers. This dynamic flexibility enables the blunt tip to navigate through soft tissue and reach deep target nerves or structures without requiring excessive force or causing tissue damage, thus maintaining minimal invasiveness while achieving sufficient penetration depth.
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
Achieves temporary or permanent immobilization of muscles and nerves with minimal collateral damage, providing long-lasting cosmetic improvements and pain relief with improved accuracy and control.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a cryogenic probe with a distal tip for blunt dissection and cooling treatment zones along tissue layers
Data Source
AI summary
A point of incision is created within tissue, the tissue having a temporoparietal fascia-deep temporoparietal fascia layer (TPF-sDTF) beneath skin and a temporal branch of a target nerve extending along a portion of the TPF-sDTF, the point of incision being laterally displaced from the target nerve. A cryogenic probe having a distal tip extending from an elongated body is inserted into the point of incision. The TPF-sDTF is bluntly dissected using the cryogenic probe such that a treating portion of the cryogenic probe is directly adjacent to a first treatment portion of the target nerve. The cryogenic probe is activated to create a first treatment zone at the first treatment portion of the target nerve to cause a therapeutic effect.