Expandable Tissue Resurfacing Scaffold for Controlled Mucosal Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices lack effective alternatives for ablation and removal of diseased duodenal mucosal tissue to address duodenal metaplasia, which can lead to insulin resistance and type II diabetes, while minimizing damage to underlying submucosal layers.

Innovation Solution

A tissue resurfacing device with an expandable scaffold and electrodes for radiofrequency ablation or irreversible electroporation, combined with debridement elements to ablate and remove the diseased tissue, allowing healthy tissue to regrow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If radiofrequency ablation is used to ablate diseased duodenal mucosal tissue, then tissue ablation effectiveness is improved, but damage to underlying submucosal layers increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue ablation effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to underlying submucosal layers

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the ablation function into multiple electrodes distributed around the scaffold circumference, allowing localized and controlled ablation zones that can be independently adjusted to treat metaplastic tissue while preserving healthy underlying layers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device applies local quality by positioning electrodes and debridement elements specifically on the scaffold outer surface to target only the metaplastic mucosal layer, while the inner surface maintains a smooth profile to protect the submucosal layer from thermal and mechanical damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If debridement elements are added to remove ablated tissue, then removal efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the ablation function (electrodes) and debridement function (debridement elements) into a single integrated scaffold structure, where both functions coexist on the outer surface and work together to achieve complete tissue resurfacing in one procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The scaffold structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the platform for electrodes to perform radiofrequency ablation, incorporates debridement elements to remove necrotic tissue, and maintains a smooth inner surface for submucosal protection, making it a multi-functional device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If expandable scaffold is used to reach treatment target site, then accessibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to treatment target siteVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a nested configuration where the scaffold is delivered through a catheter shaft in a compressed or collapsed state, allowing it to be easily inserted through the gastrointestinal tract, and then expands at the treatment site to engage the tissue for ablation and debridement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 provides controlled tissue ablation and efficient removal of metaplastic tissue, promoting healthy tissue regrowth with minimal damage to underlying layers, applicable in various bodily vessels and organs.

Implementation Method 1

at least one electrode disposed on the expandable scaffold... configured for electroporation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency ablation: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

at least one electrode disposed on the expandable scaffold... configured for electroporation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIrreversible electroporation: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of debridement elements disposed on an outer surface of the expandable scaffold... rotating and withdrawing the scaffold from the target site to remove the ablated tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical debridement: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS12582465B2Tissue resurfacing devices and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2026.03.24 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

A resurfacing device for removing a thin layer of diseased tissue while minimizing damage to the underlying tissue layers may include an expandable scaffold attached to a catheter shaft, at least one electrode disposed on the expandable scaffold, and a plurality of debridement elements disposed on an outer surface of the expandable scaffold. The expandable scaffold is positioned in apposition to the target tissue, the scaffold is expanded and the electrodes are activated to ablate diseased tissue. The scaffold is rotated to remove the ablated tissue.