Expandable Ablation Mesh for Large Area Gastrointestinal Nerve Modulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for ablating tissues in the gastrointestinal system are inadequate for treating large areas, limiting their effectiveness in addressing metabolic and digestive disorders such as diabetes, obesity, Crohn's disease, and motility disorders.
Innovation Solution
A novel ablation device comprising a tubular member with a distal cap and proximal ring, capable of expanding to accommodate larger areas, positioned over an endoscope, with a conductive portion and catheters for adjustable configuration, allowing for precise nerve modulation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If current ablation devices (bipolar probes, needle knives, snares, balloons) are used, then the devices can perform tissue ablation, but they cannot treat large ablation areas
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation device is divided into multiple segments including a distal cap, proximal ring, and multiple catheters that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the device to expand and cover large areas while maintaining adaptability through independent adjustment of each segment's position and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a linear configuration during delivery to a three-dimensional expanded configuration at the treatment site. The tubular member expands radially outward from a collapsed state, adding spatial dimensions to the ablation coverage area, enabling treatment of large surfaces that would be inaccessible to linear probes
2Area of stationary object
If the ablation device is expanded to treat large areas, then ablation coverage increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested structure where the second catheter extends through the lumen of the over catheter, and the tubular member is positioned within the framework formed by the distal cap and proximal ring. This nesting allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact manner that simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the capability for large-area treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the expanded configuration, acts as a conduit for the second catheter, and functions as an ablation element itself. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying device complexity while maintaining large-area treatment capability
3Measurement precision
If the tubular member is made movable to allow adjustable configuration, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular member is designed to be movable relative to the distal cap and proximal ring, allowing dynamic adjustment of the device's configuration. This mobility enables precise positioning of the ablation elements against the tissue surface while the movable nature of the components allows for simple mechanical adjustment mechanisms rather than complex fixed-positioning systems
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 effective alteration of electrical nerve activity in the gastrointestinal tract, facilitating treatment of large areas and providing a solution for metabolic and digestive disorders by allowing for expanded ablation coverage and precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive portion
Implementation Method 2
Ablation mesh
Implementation Method 3
a conductive portion
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An ablation device and a method of ablating a tissue are provided. The ablation device includes a tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending at least partially therethrough and a conductive portion. The tubular member has a first configuration and a second configuration. The ablation device includes a distal cap operably connected to the distal portion having a diameter that is smaller than a diameter of a distal end portion of an endoscope and a proximal ring connected to the proximal portion having a diameter greater than a diameter of the distal end portion. The ablation device also includes a first catheter operably connected to the distal cap and a second catheter operably connected to the proximal ring, where the proximal ring is movable relative to the distal cap to move the tubular member between the first configuration and the second confirmation.