Deflectable Electrode Introducer for Deep Tissue Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation devices are limited in accessing deep-seated tissues within the body, such as those in the brain, due to the need for large access areas and potential trauma to intervening tissues, making it difficult to deliver therapeutic molecules efficiently while minimizing tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
An electroporation device with a slender introducer shaft and deflectable electrodes that can be extended to form a spatial pattern around the target tissue, allowing for minimal tissue displacement and efficient electric field generation, enabling the delivery of therapeutic molecules with reduced tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional array of needle-type electrodes arranged via external plate-shaped element is used, then electroporation can be performed, but large access area is required and excessive trauma is caused to intervening tissue when treating deep regions
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the electrode array into multiple independently controllable electrode groups, each capable of being inserted through separate small access points. This segmentation allows treatment of deep regions without requiring a single large access area, thereby reducing tissue trauma while maintaining electroporation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional external plate arrangement to a three-dimensional distributed electrode configuration. Electrodes are inserted through multiple access points and positioned at different depths and orientations, creating a volumetric electric field that reduces the need for large access areas and minimizes tissue trauma.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If electrodes are inserted through small access points to reduce tissue trauma, then tissue damage is minimized, but efficient electric field generation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the electrode system into multiple groups inserted through separate small access points, the device maintains efficient electric field generation through distributed activation. Each electrode group can be independently controlled to create localized electric fields that collectively provide comprehensive coverage without requiring large access areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables dynamic control of electric field distribution by allowing selective activation of different electrode groups. The controller can adjust the timing and intensity of electric pulses to each electrode group independently, optimizing field generation efficiency while maintaining minimal access points for tissue preservation.
3Device complexity
If fixed distance and relative position of individual needles is provided by external plate, then device structure is simplified, but adaptability to different target region geometries is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the electrode array into independent modules that can be inserted through separate access points. This modular approach maintains relative simplicity in each individual electrode unit while enabling complex spatial arrangements when multiple electrodes are activated, thereby improving adaptability to different target region geometries without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic positioning capability where electrodes can be inserted at different angles and depths according to the specific target region geometry. The controller enables dynamic adjustment of electric field distribution patterns, allowing the same simple electrode units to adapt to various anatomical configurations and treatment requirements.
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 allows for the efficient and controlled delivery of therapeutic molecules to deep-seated tissues with minimal tissue damage, enhancing the transfer of drugs, isotopes, or genetic materials through cell membranes while reducing unintended tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
Electroporation is a known method used to deliver drugs and genetic material to various biologic tissues, where the uptake of these substances into tissue cells is enhanced through the application of electric pulses of specific amplitude.
Implementation Method 2
the delivery of genes as Electro Gene Transfer (EGT). In ECT and EGT applications, electroporation is used to create a transient permeabilization of the cell membranes in a target tissue area with the purpose of enhancing the uptake of the chemotherapeutic agents as well as the uptake and expression of genetic materials.
Implementation Method 3
capable of delivering an improved, flexible and more efficient electric field in order to enhance the transfer of e.g. a drug, isotopes, genetic materials or other therapeutical molecules through cell membranes of a target tissue/region
Data Source
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AI summary
An electroporation device 1 comprising a handle section 100; an elongate introducer shaft 10 connected to said handle section 100, said introducer shaft 10 having a distal tip 13; and a set of electrodes 60 having respective distal ends 61, each electrode 60 being slidably arranged within said introducer shaft 10 from a retracted position, where said distal ends 61 are enclosed within said introducer shaft 10, to an exposed position, where said distal ends 61 extend from said distal tip 13; wherein said electrode distal ends 61 are deflectable away from a longitudinal axis L of said shaft 10 when deployed/extended to their extended position, such that at least one planar projection taken in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis L of a distance D1 between a pair of distal ends 61 of said electrodes 60 is larger than a maximal extent D2 of a cross-section of said introducer shaft 10, said cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to said longitudinal axis L at a distal end 11 of said introducer shaft 10.