Electroporation Device for Selective GI Tract Layer Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal-based ablation therapies cannot effectively target and treat the different layers of the gastrointestinal tract, including the mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, and enteric nervous system, due to their inability to deliver pulsed electrical field or electroporation therapy endoscopically.
Innovation Solution
Development of electroporation devices with expandable balloons or frames and selectively deployable electrodes that can extend laterally or distally to penetrate tissue, allowing for the delivery of pulsed electrical field energy directly to the gastrointestinal tract, enabling both superficial and deep treatments under endoscopic guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal-based ablation therapies (radiofrequency or microwave) are used, then tissue destruction capability is achieved, but selective targeting of different gastrointestinal tract layers is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation system is segmented into multiple independent electrode arrays, each capable of being selectively activated to target specific gastrointestinal tract layers. The electrodes are arranged in distinct groups that can be independently controlled, allowing selective ablation of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis propria, or serosa based on the clinical requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the ablation device are designed with different electrode configurations and electrical properties tailored for specific tissue depths. Each electrode group has optimized parameters (voltage, pulse duration, frequency) matched to the specific layer it targets, enabling precise local control of energy delivery to achieve layer-specific ablation.
2Reliability
If invasive surgical procedures are used for gastrointestinal tract treatment, then comprehensive tissue treatment is achieved, but patient recovery time and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical surgical cutting and tissue removal with electrical field-based ablation. High-voltage pulsed electric fields are used to induce controlled cell membrane rupture and tissue coagulation, achieving effective tissue destruction and modification without the need for physical incisions, sutures, or mechanical manipulation that characterize traditional surgery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes controlled changes in electrical parameters (voltage amplitude, pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle) to achieve different therapeutic outcomes. By adjusting these parameters, the same device can perform superficial ablation, deep tissue ablation, or non-thermal electroporation, providing versatile treatment options through parameter optimization rather than mechanical variation.
3Length of stationary object
If thermal-based ablation is applied to deep gastrointestinal tract layers, then deep tissue treatment is achieved, but collateral thermal damage to surrounding tissues occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation system employs periodic pulsed electric fields rather than continuous thermal energy delivery. Short high-voltage pulses are delivered in controlled sequences with intervals between them, allowing heat dissipation and preventing cumulative thermal damage to surrounding tissues. The pulsed nature of the energy delivery enables deep penetration while limiting collateral thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention substitutes thermal-based energy delivery with electrical field-based ablation. High-voltage pulsed electric fields can penetrate deep into tissues without the progressive heat diffusion that characterizes thermal ablation. The electrical energy directly disrupts cell membranes and denatures proteins at the target site without significantly heating surrounding tissues, thereby achieving deep ablation with minimal collateral damage.
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
These devices provide a minimally invasive therapy that reduces recovery time, patient discomfort, and treatment costs, enabling selective or comprehensive ablation of gastrointestinal tract layers with minimal collateral thermal damage, effectively treating various gastrointestinal disorders.
Implementation Method 1
delivering pulsed electrical field or electroporation endoscopically
Data Source
AI summary
Endolumenal devices and methods can be used for the treatment of health conditions involving the different layers of the gastrointestinal tract. For example, this document describes devices and methods for treating diseases involving the gastrointestinal tract by endoscopically delivering pulsed electrical field or electroporation energy.