Directional Mesh Electrode for Expandable Electrosurgical Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energizable electrodes for electrosurgical therapies lack adjustable configurations, making it difficult for surgeons to tailor the electrode configuration during procedures without replacing the electrode, and existing electrodes do not efficiently expand to cover large areas or compactly for easy removal.
Innovation Solution
A directional mesh electrode with an axially asymmetric woven structure, comprising regions of higher and lower wire-density, that can buckle under compressive load, allowing for expansion and contraction, and a braiding machine to interweave wires with varying pitches for forming such a mesh capable of generating a plasma field for electrosurgical therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an energizable electrode is designed with a fixed configuration, then the electrode structure is simple and reliable, but the electrode cannot be adjusted during use to provide different therapeutic options
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode incorporates a shape memory alloy wire within a tubular structure that can dynamically change its configuration between compressed and expanded states. The shape memory alloy is actuated by electrical current to transform the electrode from a compact delivery profile to a treatment profile, enabling adjustable configuration without requiring multiple separate electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode utilizes changes in the physical state of the shape memory alloy through temperature and electrical current parameters. By controlling the electrical current applied to the shape memory alloy wire, the electrode can transition between different configurations (compressed vs. expanded), providing adaptability through parameter control rather than structural complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If an electrode is designed to expand to cover a large area at the treatment site, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the electrode profile becomes larger and harder to deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode design places the shape memory alloy wire inside a tubular structure, with the wire nested within the tube. In the compressed state, the electrode has a compact profile suitable for delivery through catheters. Upon actuation, the shape memory alloy expands outward to push the tubular structure into an expanded configuration, achieving large treatment coverage area while maintaining a small delivery profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode transitions dynamically between two distinct states: a compressed delivery profile for easy deployment through narrow catheters, and an expanded treatment profile for large area coverage. The shape memory alloy enables this dynamic transformation by changing its shape in response to electrical actuation, allowing the electrode to adapt its size according to the operational phase.
3Ease of operation
If an electrode is designed to contract to a compact profile for removal, then the ease of removal is improved, but the treatment coverage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode maintains the capability to dynamically change its configuration between expanded and compressed states. After treatment, the shape memory alloy is actuated to return the electrode to its compressed profile, making removal easy. The ability to switch between states allows the electrode to provide full treatment coverage during the procedure while presenting a compact profile for removal, effectively resolving the contradiction between treatment area and ease of removal.
4Reliability
If a bipolar electrode generates a plasma layer for tissue vaporization, then hemostasis control is improved, but heating of surrounding tissue may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode employs a bipolar configuration where the electrical current and resulting plasma generation are localized between two closely spaced electrodes at the treatment site. This localized plasma creation provides effective hemostasis control precisely where needed while minimizing the spread of thermal energy to surrounding tissues. The shape memory alloy structure further enhances this by allowing precise positioning of the treatment zone.
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 directional mesh electrode provides a compact, expandable, and adjustable configuration for electrosurgical therapies, enabling effective tissue treatment with minimal heat transfer and reduced morbidity, suitable for various urological procedures, including bipolar vaporization.
Implementation Method 1
the shape memory alloy is configured to transform the electrode from the compressed configuration to the expanded configuration in response to actuation by an electrical current
Implementation Method 2
a bipolar electrode generates a thin plasma layer surrounding an electrically conductive portion of the electrode when an electrical current passes through the conductive portion
Data Source
AI summary
Woven structures and associated systems for weaving such structures are disclosed. Some disclosed innovations pertain to braided structures, such as braided wire structures, with axially asymmetric woven structures (or “directional meshes”) being examples. Other innovations disclosed herein pertain to methods of manufacturing woven structures, with automated methods of braiding directional meshes being examples. Some directional mesh embodiments can be configured and used as energizable electrodes for electrosurgical therapies, for example, bipolar vaporization therapies.