Electrode Positioning Interface with Helical-Path Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Positioning and maintaining multiple electrodes within a body during electrosurgical treatments is challenging, particularly when independent movement and sequence of electrode placement are required.

Innovation Solution

A system with a user interface and lock features that utilize a rotating actuator guided by a helical path of varying pitch to control the movement of multiple electrodes, allowing independent and coordinated positioning of primary and secondary electrodes within a body.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple electrodes are positioned independently within a body, then the precision of electrode placement is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nested electrodes where secondary electrodes are positioned within lumens of primary electrodes. This allows multiple electrodes to be contained within a single delivery catheter, enabling independent positioning of multiple electrodes without requiring separate delivery systems, thus improving placement precision while managing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the electrode system into separate controllable segments - primary electrodes and secondary electrodes within lumens. Each electrode type can be independently advanced or retracted, allowing precise positioning of multiple electrodes through segmented control mechanisms rather than a monolithic system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If electrodes are moved and held in place independently, then the effectiveness of electrosurgical treatment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrosurgical treatment effectivenessVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control mechanisms where actuators can independently advance or retract primary and secondary electrodes based on procedural needs. The system transitions between different operational states (advancing, retracting, holding position) to maintain electrode effectiveness while simplifying operator control through automated positioning sequences

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces control mechanisms as intermediaries between the operator and the multiple electrodes. These actuators and control systems manage the complex coordinated movement of multiple electrodes, translating simple operator inputs into precise independent electrode positioning and holding actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a sequence of steps is followed for positioning electrodes, then the reliability of electrode placement is improved, but the loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode placement reliabilityVSAvoidtime for electrode positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary positioning where electrodes are pre-loaded within the catheter system with guidance features and positioning mechanisms already in place. This preliminary preparation allows for faster deployment through standardized sequences rather than requiring step-by-step assembly or positioning during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Facilitates precise and independent positioning of multiple electrodes, simplifying the process of deploying and securing electrodes at target regions within the body, enhancing the effectiveness of electrosurgical treatments.

Implementation Method 1

A guide is operably coupled with rotatable actuator, wherein the guide defines a generally helical path around the axis to direct movement of the rotatable actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHelical path mechanism: Helix

Implementation Method 2

a pitch of the helical path is varied to reduce a distance of travel of the actuator along the axis per unit of rotation of the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVariable pitch mechanism: Helix

Data Source

PatentUS20250275803A1User interface and lock features for positioning multiple components within a body

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 GYRUS ACMI INC

AI summary

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for positioning electrodes. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a primary electrode defining a lumen, an elongated secondary electrode slidably receivable within the lumen, and a sheath configured to slidably receive the electrodes and to convey the electrodes toward a target region. A housing is coupled with the sheath and movably mounted to motivate the sheath relative to the target region. A primary actuator is coupled with the primary electrode and slidably coupled with the housing to motivate the primary electrode relative to the sheath. A secondary actuator is coupled with the secondary electrode and movably coupled with the primary actuator to be slidable with the electrodes in concert. The secondary actuator is rotatable independently of the primary actuator to travel along a helical path to motivate the secondary electrode to move relative to the target region independently of the primary electrode.