Curved Ablation Device with Insulating Layer for Basivertebral Nerve Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical methods lack effective solutions for alleviating vertebrogenic and discogenic low back pain, as the basivertebral nerve, which transmits pain signals, is difficult to target for ablation.
Innovation Solution
A surgical ablation device with a handle, an elongated body, and an end effector assembly featuring electrode tines or a tongue, capable of deploying RF energy to ablate the basivertebral nerve, including a resiliently biased shaft or tongue for curved configuration and a cooling lumen for efficient energy conduction and tissue penetration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF energy is conducted through cancellous bone to ablate the basivertebral nerve, then pain relief is achieved, but surrounding tissue may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a curved configuration of the shaft/tongue and electrode array specifically oriented to direct RF energy posteriorly toward the basivertebral nerve while protecting anterior structures. The insulating layer is selectively applied to the anterior surface to prevent anterior energy conduction, while the posterior surface remains conductive to allow nerve ablation. This localized differentiation of electrical conductivity properties enables selective targeting of the nerve while protecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an insulating layer as an intermediary element between the electrode and the anterior surrounding tissue. This insulating layer acts as a mediator that blocks RF energy conduction in the anterior direction while allowing energy to conduct posteriorly toward the basivertebral nerve. The cooling mechanism also serves as an intermediary by creating a thermal barrier that protects anterior tissue from excessive heating while permitting controlled energy delivery to the target nerve.
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is made resiliently flexible to enable curved configuration, then ease of insertion and deployment is improved, but structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the shaft/tongue with resilient flexibility that allows it to dynamically change configuration. The shaft can be inserted in a linear configuration, then transition to a curved configuration upon deployment to engage the basivertebral nerve. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to navigate through tissue and assume the optimal geometric configuration for energy delivery while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to deliver RF energy effectively.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrode tines are extended from the inside portion of the curved shaft, then RF energy conduction through tissue is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by configuring the shaft and electrode array in an arcuate or curved geometry rather than a linear arrangement. This curved configuration naturally orients the electrodes to face posteriorly, improving the efficiency of RF energy conduction toward the basivertebral nerve. The curvature also helps conform to the anatomical geometry of the vertebral body and basivertebral foramen, enhancing energy delivery while the electrodes remain integrated into the shaft structure rather than being separate components.
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 effectively ablates the basivertebral nerve, providing relief from vertebrogenic and discogenic low back pain by conducting RF energy through the cancellous bone, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue with an insulating layer and cooling mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Each electrode tine of the plurality of electrode tines is adapted to connect to the source RF energy. At least one electrode tine of the plurality of electrode tines and the shaft are configured to conduct RF energy therebetween and through tissue to treat tissue.
Implementation Method 2
At least one electrode of the plurality of electrodes and the tongue are configured to conduct RF energy therebetween and through tissue to treat tissue.
Implementation Method 3
At least one cooling lumen extends through the shaft. The at least one cooling lumen is configured to receive cooling fluid to cool at least a portion of the shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation device includes a handle, an elongated body extending distally from the handle, and an end effector assembly selectively deployable relative to the elongated body. The end effector assembly includes a shaft having a curved configuration defining an inside portion and an outside portion. A plurality of electrode tines extends from the inside portion. At least one electrode tine and the shaft are configured to conduct RF energy therebetween and through tissue to treat tissue. Another end effector assembly includes a tongue having a concave side corresponding to an inside portion and a convex side corresponding to an outside portion. A plurality of electrodes is disposed on the concave side of the tongue and an insulating layer is disposed on the convex side of the tongue. At least one electrode and the tongue are configured to conduct RF energy therebetween and through tissue to treat tissue.