Electrode Channel Switching for Selective Pulsed Tissue Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for delivering pulsed electric fields for tissue therapeutics lack controlled and selective energy delivery, particularly in ablation therapy for cardiac arrhythmias, and there is a need for measured and controlled delivery of high voltage application to ensure safety and efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A system with a multi-channel voltage/signal generator and programmable controller applies voltage pulses to selected electrodes, using hierarchical waveforms and adaptive current control to ensure safe and effective irreversible electroporation, synchronized with cardiac pacing to avoid disrupting sinus rhythm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage pulses are applied to tissue for electroporation, then cell membrane disruption and tissue ablation are achieved, but control over energy delivery and selectivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage pulse delivery is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: trains of pulses grouped in sets, with each set containing multiple individual pulses. This segmentation allows controlled application of electroporation energy to tissue, enabling selective ablation while maintaining safety through manageable pulse sequences rather than single high-voltage applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts pulse delivery parameters including voltage amplitude, pulse duration, and timing intervals between pulses and pulse sets. This dynamic control enables adaptation to tissue characteristics and treatment requirements, achieving both safety and efficacy through real-time parameter optimization.
2Reliability
If high voltage pulses are delivered for tissue ablation, then effective lesions are created, but total energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous high-voltage application, the system uses periodic pulsed delivery with specific intervals between pulses and pulse sets. This periodic action allows tissue response time between pulses, achieving effective ablation through cumulative electroporation effects while reducing total energy consumption compared to continuous delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes voltage amplitude parameters dynamically during pulse delivery, adjusting the voltage level based on tissue response and treatment progress. This parameter optimization ensures effective lesions are created at the minimum necessary energy levels, reducing total energy consumption while maintaining ablation effectiveness.
3Reliability
If voltage pulses are applied to achieve irreversible electroporation, then tissue ablation occurs, but surrounding healthy tissue may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pulse delivery system applies different voltage amplitudes and timing characteristics to different electrode channels and tissue regions. This local quality control ensures that ablation energy is concentrated precisely at the target site while surrounding healthy tissue receives sub-ablative doses, minimizing collateral damage through spatially differentiated energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers preliminary lower-voltage test pulses before full ablation pulses to assess tissue characteristics and establish safe delivery parameters. This preliminary action allows optimization of subsequent pulse amplitudes and timing to achieve precise ablation boundaries, preventing damage to healthy tissue by establishing safe energy thresholds in advance.
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 system enhances safety and efficiency of energy delivery by reducing the electric field threshold for irreversible electroporation, creating effective ablative lesions with reduced total energy, while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
Application of brief, high DC voltages to tissue may generate locally high electric fields typically in the range of hundreds of volts per centimeter that disrupt cell membranes by generating pores in the cell membrane
Implementation Method 2
A first level of a hierarchy of the pulsed waveform includes a first set of pulses, each pulse having a pulse time duration, with a first time interval separating successive pulses. A second level of the hierarchy of the pulsed waveform includes a plurality of first sets of pulses as a second set of pulses, a second time interval separating successive first sets of pulses
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for current control of energy delivery to ablate tissue are disclosed. A generator may include a set of electrode channels coupled to a set of electrodes during use. Each electrode channel from the set of electrode channels may include a first switch from a first set of switches and a second switch from a second set of switches. A set of energy sources may be coupled to a third set of switches. The third set of switches may be configured to switch from an OFF state to an ON state to couple the set of energy sources to the set of electrodes. A set of resistors may be coupled to the second set of switches. The second set of switches may be configured to switch from an OFF state to an ON state to couple the set of resistors to the set of electrodes.