Electrode Array for Shallow Depth Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for shallow depth ablation of tissue, particularly for denervation of sympathetic ovarian nerves, face challenges in effectively and minimally invasively treating tissues with high concentrations of ovarian nerves, such as those associated with PCOS and PMDD.
Innovation Solution
A surgical device featuring an end effector assembly with movable jaw members and an electrode array that includes alternating first and second electrode portions, configured to be energized at different potentials, allowing for the conductance of electrosurgical energy through captured tissue to achieve shallow depth ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ablation methods are used to disrupt neural function, then neural activity is effectively reduced, but thermal damage to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode portions that can be energized in a sequential or alternating pattern. This segmentation allows the ablation energy to be applied in controlled increments rather than all at once, reducing peak thermal exposure to surrounding tissue while maintaining effective neural disruption through cumulative effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode portions are energized in an alternating or sequential periodic manner rather than simultaneously. This periodic activation creates pulsed energy delivery that allows thermal dissipation between pulses, preventing excessive heat accumulation in surrounding tissue while maintaining effective neural function disruption through repeated sub-threshold energy applications.
2Reliability
If electrosurgical energy is conducted through tissue to achieve ablation, then neural activity is disrupted, but control over ablation depth becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Different electrode portions are positioned at different depths or orientations within the tissue, with each electrode portion designed to affect a specific depth range. By selectively energizing specific electrode portions based on the desired ablation depth, precise control over the depth of neural denervation is achieved without affecting surrounding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows independent control of energy parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) for different electrode portions. By adjusting these parameters selectively for each electrode portion, the ablation depth and extent can be precisely controlled to match the specific anatomical target while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
3Productivity
If multiple electrode portions are energized simultaneously, then ablation efficiency increases, but energy consumption and thermal load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of energizing all electrode portions simultaneously, the system employs periodic or alternating energization of different electrode portions. This approach maintains ablation efficiency through cumulative effect on neural tissue while distributing energy consumption over time and reducing peak thermal load on any single location, thereby optimizing the balance between productivity and energy use.
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 enables precise and controlled shallow depth ablation of tissue, minimizing thermal damage while effectively disrupting neural function to reduce sympathetic activity, thereby addressing conditions like PCOS and PMDD.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first and second electrode portions are configured to be energized with electrosurgical energy at different potentials to thereby conduct electrosurgical energy between adjacent electrode portions of different potential and through captured tissue to affect shallow depth ablation
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector assembly of a surgical device for shallow depth ablation includes first and second jaw members movable between open and closed positions and including hemicylindrical surfaces that cooperate to define a cylindrical cavity in the closed position for capturing tissue therebetween. At least one electrode array includes a plurality of first and second electrode portions disposed on or within at least one of the hemicylindrical surfaces and extending annularly at least partially thereabout. The plurality of first and second electrode portions are configured to be energized with electrosurgical energy at different potentials to thereby conduct electrosurgical energy between adjacent first and second electrode portions and through captured tissue to affect shallow depth ablation of captured tissue in the closed position of the first and second jaw members.