ENT Electrode Loop for Precise Nasal Nerve RF Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional treatments for intractable rhinitis, such as vidian neurectomy, can cause collateral damage to the lacrimal gland, leading to long-term health complications like chronic dry eye, and there is a lack of instruments for precise ablation of nasal nerves without such complications.
Innovation Solution
Development of an ENT ablation instrument with a combination of surface and tissue-penetrating electrodes, allowing for selective RF ablation modalities including shallow, deep, and volumetric ablation, using a single instrument to target nasal nerves like the posterior nasal nerve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vidian neurectomy is performed to treat intractable rhinitis, then rhinitis symptoms are reduced, but collateral damage to the lacrimal gland occurs causing chronic dry eye
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument segments the ablation function into two distinct electrode types: surface electrodes for shallow ablation and needle electrodes for deep ablation. This segmentation allows selective targeting of the posterior nasal nerve while avoiding the lacrimal gland, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while preventing collateral damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument applies local quality by using different electrode configurations for different ablation depths. Surface electrodes provide localized shallow ablation for nerve exposure, while needle electrodes provide localized deep ablation for precise nerve targeting, ensuring that only the intended neural structures are affected without damaging adjacent glands.
2Ease of operation
If conventional ablation instruments are used, then surgical treatment can be performed, but precise ablation of nasal nerves without collateral damage cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument incorporates dynamic functionality by allowing the operator to switch between different electrode configurations (surface and needle electrodes) and adjust the ablation depth as needed during the procedure. This dynamic adaptability enables precise control over the ablation process, achieving accurate nerve targeting while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument combines multiple functions in a single device: it can perform both shallow surface ablation and deep needle ablation, and can target different neural structures. This multi-functionality provides precise ablation capability while maintaining ease of operation through a unified instrument platform.
3Ease of operation
If shallow ablation is used to treat nasal nerves, then surface access is achieved, but deep nerve ablation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation function is segmented into two depth modes: surface electrodes for shallow ablation providing easy surface access, and needle electrodes for deep ablation reaching the nasal nerves. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the operator to select the appropriate electrode type based on the required ablation depth while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument provides dynamic depth control by allowing transition between surface and needle electrode configurations during the procedure. This enables the operator to start with shallow surface access and progress to deeper ablation if needed, or vice versa, adapting to the specific anatomical requirements while maintaining operational ease.
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 precise ablation of nasal nerves with reduced risk of collateral damage, providing effective treatment for intractable rhinitis while minimizing complications.
Implementation Method 1
Radiofrequency (RF) energy can be applied to tissue using electrodes
Implementation Method 2
RF energy can be applied in a monopolar or bipolar configuration, or via other modalities known in the art
Implementation Method 3
The instrument can be used to apply RF energy to tissue to ablate the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft assembly and an electrode assembly at a distal end of the shaft assembly. The electrode assembly includes a first conductive segment extending along a first angular range at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The first conductive segment is operable to apply RF energy to tissue at a first polarity. The electrode assembly further includes a second conductive segment angularly spaced apart from the first conductive segment. The second conductive segment extends along a second angular range at the distal end of the shaft assembly. The second conductive segment is operable to apply RF energy to tissue at a second polarity such that the first and second conductive segments are operable to apply bipolar RF energy to tissue.