Expandable Mesh Ablation Device for Gastrointestinal Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar radiofrequency ablation devices for gastrointestinal disorders have a fixed ablation zone size, increasing the risk of tissue perforation due to high pressure distribution over a small surface area, limiting their ability to treat larger tissue areas effectively.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible and expandable ablation device with a mesh member that can change diameter, featuring a conductive portion made of plastic material with conductive ink, allowing for adjustable energy distribution across a larger surface area, reducing the risk of perforation and enabling treatment of larger tissue areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a small diameter bipolar probe (7-10 Fr) is used for radiofrequency ablation, then the device can be delivered endoscopically and coagulate tissue effectively, but the ablation zone size is fixed and small, creating high pressure on tissue and increasing perforation risk
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter structure transitions from a fixed small diameter to an expandable larger diameter configuration. The collapsible mesh support structure allows the catheter to be compressed for delivery through the endoscope and then expanded at the treatment site, dynamically changing the ablation surface area and pressure distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a radial dimension to the catheter structure by incorporating an expandable mesh support that allows transition from a collapsed cylindrical form to an expanded cylindrical form. This dimensional change enables the ablation electrode to contact a larger tissue surface area while maintaining deliverability through standard endoscopic access.
2Device complexity
If a fixed size ablation electrode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ablation zone size cannot be altered and larger tissue areas cannot be treated effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation electrode is designed with dynamic adjustability through the expandable mesh support structure. The electrode can transition between collapsed and expanded states, allowing the treatment area to be adjusted based on the size and location of the tissue lesion, thereby treating both small and large tissue areas with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable mesh support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the catheter, enables size adjustment of the ablation electrode, and facilitates delivery through the endoscope. This multi-functional design allows a single device to treat various tissue areas without requiring multiple specialized catheters.
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
The device allows for safe and effective treatment of larger tissue areas by distributing energy across a larger surface, reducing the risk of tissue perforation and providing a simple, user-friendly method for ablating tissues in gastrointestinal procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is one method that can be used to deliver energy for treating or marking the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The mesh member includes a conductive portion configured to contact a surface for ablation
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation device and a method of ablating a tissue are provided. The ablation device includes a first elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending at least partially therethrough and a second elongate shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a lumen extending at least partially therethrough. The first elongate shaft is coaxially positioned and longitudinally movable relative to the second elongate shaft. The ablation device further includes a mesh member including a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the mesh member is operably connected to the distal portion of the second elongate shaft and the distal potion the mesh member is operably connected to an inner surface of the distal portion of the first elongate shaft. The mesh member includes a conductive portion configured to contact a surface for ablation.