Electromagnetic Tissue Ablation Device with Coaxial Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetic tissue ablation devices face limitations in modulating treatment areas, achieving efficient cooling, steerability, and safety control, particularly in endoluminal access, and are often limited by disposable energy delivery devices and risks of tissue damage and cancerous cell dissemination.
Innovation Solution
A multipurpose delivery device with a coaxial EM field generator, gas-based cooling system, and steering unit, capable of combining electromagnetic and cryoablation, featuring movable electrodes and carbon nanotube conductive polymers for precise temperature control and reduced tissue damage, with a computer-based control system for procedural safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If disposable delivery devices are used for RF ablation, then the ablation procedure can be performed, but the device cannot be reused and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable RF ablation delivery device that is designed for single-use to ensure sterility and reliability. The device includes a needle electrode, cooling system, and RF generator connection that are all integrated into a disposable unit, eliminating the need for complex sterilization and reuse procedures while maintaining high procedural reliability.
2Productivity
If high energy is delivered for effective ablation, then treatment efficacy improves, but tissue damage and carbonization increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a periodic cooling system that alternates between cooling phases and ablation phases. The cooling system delivers coolant through the needle electrode in periodic cycles during the RF ablation process, creating a protective ice ball around the electrode that prevents excessive tissue heating and carbonization while maintaining effective ablation zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cooling medium (intermediary substance) that flows through the needle electrode to act as a thermal buffer between the RF energy source and the surrounding tissue. This intermediary cooling system absorbs excess heat and prevents direct thermal damage to tissues, allowing higher RF energy delivery without causing carbonization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the delivery device is cooled during ablation, then tissue damage is reduced, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the RF electrode and cooling system into a single integrated needle structure. The cooling channels are embedded within the needle electrode itself, allowing simultaneous delivery of RF energy and coolant through the same device. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling apparatus and simplifies the overall system while providing effective thermal protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle electrode serves multiple functions: it delivers RF energy for ablation, provides a pathway for coolant flow, and acts as a thermal sensor. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the device structure while maintaining effective cooling capabilities to prevent tissue damage.
4Ease of operation
If endoluminal access is used for ablation, then minimally invasive treatment is achieved, but steerability and precision are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a steerable catheter system with dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the operator to navigate the delivery device through endoluminal pathways and precisely position the needle electrode at the target site. The catheter includes flexible segments and steering mechanisms that enable real-time adjustment of the device orientation and position, achieving high targeting precision while maintaining minimally invasive access.
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
Enhances treatment efficacy by modulating the treatment area, reducing tissue damage, and preventing cancerous cell dissemination, while allowing for precise targeting and efficient cooling, thus improving the safety and effectiveness of tissue ablation procedures across various medical fields.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic tissue ablation device wherein ablation is generated by an electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
gas-based cooling system which, for instance, may be made of several tubes which are located within the external electrode
Implementation Method 3
use cryoablation in combination with electromagnetic ablation
Data Source
AI summary
Electromagnetic (EM) tissue ablation device comprising an EM field generator unit, at least two coaxial elongated elements (i.e. an external one and an internal one) and a mechanism for varying the EM field, wherein said internal element is a part of said generator and said mechanism being adapted to vary the EM field for a specific tissue area.