Expandable Dielectric Balloon for Uniform Endometrial Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrosurgical devices for endometrial ablation face challenges such as slow treatment times, incomplete treatments, non-uniform ablation depths, and risk of injury to adjacent organs.

Innovation Solution

The system employs a hand-held electrosurgical device with an expandable thin-wall dielectric structure that capacitively couples radiofrequency current through an ionized gas, allowing for controlled ablation depth and reduced risk of injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If solid electrodes or balloon electrodes are used for endometrial ablation, then treatment can be performed, but treatment time is slow and ablation depth is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment speedVSAvoidablation depth uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ionized gas (plasma) as an intermediary medium between the electrode and the endometrial tissue. The plasma is generated within a balloon chamber and allows radiofrequency energy to be transferred uniformly to the tissue through capacitive coupling, eliminating the need for direct electrode-tissue contact. This intermediary plasma layer enables rapid and uniform ablation by distributing energy evenly across the tissue surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the gas within the balloon from non-ionized to ionized (plasma) state by applying radiofrequency energy. This parameter change allows the gas to become conductive and transfer energy efficiently to the tissue, achieving both rapid treatment and uniform ablation depth through controlled plasma generation and maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high energy is applied for rapid ablation, then treatment time is reduced, but risk of injury to adjacent organs increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment speedVSAvoidrisk of injury to adjacent organs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies energy locally and controllably through the plasma medium confined within the balloon chamber. The balloon acts as a physical barrier that limits the spread of high-energy plasma to only the intended treatment area (endometrial tissue), preventing damage to adjacent organs while maintaining high energy application for rapid ablation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates monitoring of plasma generation and balloon inflation to provide feedback control. By monitoring the plasma state and balloon pressure, the system can adjust energy delivery in real-time, ensuring that high energy is applied only when and where needed, thereby reducing the risk of injury to adjacent organs while maintaining treatment efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If transcervical probes are introduced into the uterine cavity, then ablation treatment can be performed, but risk of uterine wall perforation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to uterine cavityVSAvoiduterine wall integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a preliminary action by introducing a balloon through the cervix into the uterine cavity before applying high-energy radiofrequency plasma. The balloon serves as a protective precursor that can be inflated to create a barrier between the electrode system and the uterine wall, allowing safe access and energy delivery while minimizing perforation risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The balloon acts as a cushioning barrier introduced beforehand to protect the uterine wall from direct contact with high-energy plasma and electrode components. This beforehand cushioning provides a safety buffer that absorbs or redirects energy away from the uterine wall, preventing perforation while enabling effective ablation treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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

This approach enables rapid and uniform endometrial ablation, minimizing the risk of injury to adjacent organs and ensuring effective treatment.

Implementation Method 1

capacitively coupling the current through an expandable, thin-wall dielectric member enclosing an ionized gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

applying radiofrequency current to endometrial tissue by means of capacitively coupling the current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency current: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

enclosing an ionized gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonized gas (plasma): Plasma

Implementation Method 4

endometrial ablation using radiofrequency current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal ablation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12274557B2Methods and systems for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 AXORA MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Methods, systems and devices for evaluating the integrity of a uterine cavity. A method comprises introducing transcervically a probe into a patient's uterine cavity, providing a flow of a fluid (e.g., CO2) through the probe into the uterine cavity and monitoring the rate of the flow to characterize the uterine cavity as perforated or non-perforated based on a change in the flow rate.