Electroporation Apparatus for Arbitrary Volume Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electroporation electrode designs are limited to ablating tumors of fixed volumes, such as cylindrical, spherical, or elliptical shapes, failing to effectively treat tumors of arbitrary three-dimensional volumes with sharp margins while preserving surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
An electroporation apparatus featuring a pulse generator and an array of conductive electrodes attached to a base plate, allowing for individual electrical actuation and movement to create an ablation profile matching the desired volume, with sharpened tips for tissue penetration and optional infusion of agents, enabling reversible or irreversible electroporation for precise tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-profile electrodes (cylindrical, spherical, or elliptical) are used for tumor ablation, then the ablation margin is sharp and healthy tissue is preserved, but the ablation volume is limited to fixed geometric shapes and cannot treat tumors of arbitrary three-dimensional volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is divided into multiple independently controllable electrodes arranged in an array, allowing selective activation of individual electrodes or groups of electrodes to create customized ablation patterns that match arbitrary tumor geometries while maintaining sharp margins through controlled electrical field distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array can be dynamically repositioned within the tissue using a delivery catheter system, enabling the electrodes to be moved to different locations and orientations to accommodate tumors of varying shapes and sizes, transforming a static electrode design into a dynamic, adaptable system
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple electrodes are used to ablate arbitrary volume, then ablation precision is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array serves multiple functions: individual electrodes can be selectively activated for precise ablation, groups of electrodes can be activated for larger volume ablation, and the entire array can be repositioned to treat tumors at different locations, making the system universally applicable to various tumor geometries and sizes
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
Enables the controlled ablation of arbitrary three-dimensional tissue volumes with sharp margins, minimizing tissue damage and reducing the amount of chemotherapeutic agents required, while preserving surrounding healthy tissue and avoiding the use of ionizing radiation.
Implementation Method 1
Electroporation of cells occurs when the cells are exposed to an electric field of sufficient strength, even very briefly. Electroporation can be reversible in a particular range of electric field strength, or irreversible at higher electrical field strengths.
Implementation Method 2
Irreversible electroporation is a tissue ablation modality that utilizes high-strength electric fields to cause apoptosis and necrosis of tissues and cells.
Data Source
AI summary
An electroporation apparatus and the method of using same are provided. The apparatus allows for the ablation of an area of tissue of arbitrary volume. The apparatus includes a plurality of conductive electrodes attached to a base plate and electrically connected to a pulse generator to allow individual electrical actuation of the electrodes. In use, the electrodes are inserted into an area of tissue to be ablated, such that the electrodes are in a first position. Predetermined ones of the electrodes are then activated to ablate tissue surrounding the activated electrodes, while leaving other ones of the electrodes un-activated. The electrodes are then moved to a second position which is different than the first position, and predetermined ones of the electrodes are then activated to ablate tissue surrounding the activated electrodes, while leaving other ones of the electrodes un-activated.