Electrode Array Impedance Selection for Uniform Tissue Destruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrothermal sclerosing methods for treating pathological tissue, such as tumors, face challenges in achieving uniform thermal destruction due to non-homogeneous tissue impedance and the inability to account for tissue properties beyond measurement locations, leading to under-treatment and potential relapse.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an electrode array and a selector device that measures tissue impedance to select active electrode sub-arrays for high-frequency current application, ensuring optimal current paths and adapting treatment based on impedance changes, allowing for targeted and controlled thermal destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional electrothermal sclerosing methods are used with fixed electrode arrangements, then the treatment process is simple, but uniform thermal destruction cannot be achieved due to non-homogeneous tissue impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is made dynamically selectable through a selector device that can choose different electrode combinations based on measured tissue impedance. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt to non-homogeneous tissue properties and achieve uniform thermal destruction across different tissue regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a measuring device that continuously monitors tissue impedance between electrodes and feeds this information back to the selector device. This feedback loop enables real-time adaptation of the electrode arrangement to match the actual tissue impedance distribution, ensuring uniform current distribution and thermal destruction.
2Measurement precision
If impedance measurement and selector device are added to the system, then treatment accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device serves multiple functions: it measures tissue impedance for selection purposes, monitors treatment progress, and provides feedback for real-time adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically uses the measured impedance values to drive the selector device without requiring manual intervention. The impedance measurements directly control the electrode selection process, making the system self-regulating and reducing the operational complexity burden on the user.
3Reliability
If fixed electrode arrangements are used, then the device is simpler to operate, but treatment reliability decreases due to inability to adapt to tissue variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic impedance measurement and electrode selection without requiring manual intervention. The selector device autonomously chooses the optimal electrode arrangement based on real-time impedance data, maintaining operational simplicity while significantly improving treatment reliability through adaptive response to tissue variations.
4Manufacturing precision
If impedance-based electrode selection is implemented, then thermal destruction uniformity improves, but treatment time increases due to measurement and selection processes
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance measurement and electrode selection processes are integrated into the treatment workflow continuously. The measuring device operates throughout the procedure, providing real-time impedance data that immediately triggers selector device adjustments, eliminating idle time and ensuring continuous productive action while maintaining thermal uniformity.
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 reliable and uniform thermal destruction of pathological tissue by accounting for varying tissue impedance, reducing the risk of under-treatment and preventing excessive tissue damage, thereby improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
The ohmic resistance of the tissue, which is a part of the complex tissue impedance, causes the alternating current applied by way of the electrodes to be converted into joulean heat.
Implementation Method 2
a measuring device for measuring the impedance of the body tissue between all or selected active electrodes
Implementation Method 3
At temperatures of between 50 and 100° C., massive denaturisation of the body-specific proteins (coagulation) occurs and consequently the tissue area in question is caused to die off.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode array is used for the thermal schlerosing of body tissue. The electrode array has at least three active electrodes that, during use, are placed in electrical-conducting connection with body tissue. A high frequency generator is electrically connected for selective application of current to the active electrodes for producing a high frequency voltage. A measuring device measures impedance of the tissue between the active electrodes. In addition, a selector device selects a sub-array including at least two active electrodes from the electrode array, the selecting being effected on the basis of the measured impedance. Further, a control device is configured such that a high frequency voltage is respectively applied between the active electrodes of the selected sub-array in such a way that a high frequency current flows between the selected active electrodes through the body tissue.