Selectively Deformable Ablation Device Shaft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation electrodes lack the ability to be effectively positioned within the body due to their rigid design, making it difficult to accurately place the electrode near the target tissue for therapeutic lesion creation.
Innovation Solution
A selectively deformable ablation apparatus with a shaft that can transition between straight and bent positions, utilizing various deformation systems such as goose-neck type links, line pull systems, magnetic materials, and smart materials to facilitate precise placement of the electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the ablation electrode uses a rigid shaft design, then the structural stability is maintained, but the ability to position the electrode accurately within the body is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is divided into multiple articulating segments or links that can be independently positioned. Each segment can be bent or rotated relative to adjacent segments, allowing the distal end to reach complex positions while proximal segments remain relatively stable for control
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated structure that can change its configuration. The articulation joints allow the shaft to adapt its shape dynamically during insertion and positioning, enabling accurate placement while maintaining overall structural integrity through controlled flexibility
2Ease of operation
If the shaft is made flexible to enable bending, then the ease of positioning is improved, but the ability to retain the bent shape for consistent treatment is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The shaft is pre-configured with articulation joints and locking mechanisms that enable easy bending into the desired configuration during insertion. Once positioned, the locking mechanism is activated to pre-secure the shaft in that configuration, ensuring shape retention for consistent treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The deformation system includes feedback mechanisms such as shape memory materials or active actuators that sense the shaft's configuration and actively maintain or return it to the desired bent shape. This feedback ensures that once positioned, the shaft retains its configuration reliably throughout the treatment procedure
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
Enables precise positioning of the electrode at the target site, allowing for effective tissue ablation while maintaining the ability to retain the bent shape for consistent treatment.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one deformation system comprises at least one of a material selected from the group consisting of a magnet and a ferromagnetic material, the material allowing the shaft to be moved by a magnetic field in the direction of the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, an ablation apparatus includes a proximal body portion, a shaft extending distally from the proximal body portion, the shaft being selectively deformable utilizing at least one deformation system between a first position wherein the shaft is straight an a second position wherein the shaft is bent, the at least one deformation system configured to retain the shaft in each of the first and second positions, and at least one electrode disposed at least partially within the shaft, the electrode movable with the shaft upon movement of the shaft between the first and second positions.