Extendable RF Electrode for Intervertebral Disc Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiofrequency ablation techniques face challenges in effectively targeting and controlling the treatment area, often resulting in inadequate coverage of affected tissues or unwanted necrosis of adjacent tissues, particularly in treating intervertebral disc abnormalities such as hernias and bulges.
Innovation Solution
The development of extendable and expandable electrodes, small diameter RF needles, and a retractable electrode system with an inflatable needle stopper allows for precise temperature, pressure, and position monitoring, enabling more controlled and extensive ablation of nerve and soft tissue with minimized damage to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional RF ablation electrodes are used, then the procedure is simple, but the coverage of target tissue is insufficient and adjacent tissue damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or zones along its length. Each segment can be activated separately to create a distributed array of ablation sites, enabling coverage of extended target tissue volumes while maintaining control over the spatial distribution of thermal energy to avoid adjacent tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system transitions from a single-point or single-line ablation approach to a three-dimensional array of ablation sites. By deploying multiple electrodes or segments in a geometric configuration, the treatment volume is expanded into three dimensions, achieving comprehensive coverage of the target tissue while maintaining safety margins from adjacent structures.
2Manufacturing precision
If RF ablation is applied to treat intervertebral disc abnormalities, then pain relief is achieved, but precise control of treatment area is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and electrode position with feedback control mechanisms. Sensors detect the actual state of the electrode and surrounding tissue, and the control system adjusts power delivery and electrode positioning to maintain precise treatment parameters, ensuring accurate ablation boundaries despite challenges in initial electrode placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system is designed to be dynamically adjustable during the procedure. Elements such as electrode extension length, segment activation patterns, and power delivery parameters can be modified in real-time based on treatment response, allowing precise control of the ablation zone to match the actual anatomy and treatment requirements.
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
This approach enables safer and more effective radiofrequency ablation treatments by allowing for wider coverage of target areas with reduced damage to adjacent tissues, improving clinical outcomes in spinal disc pathologies through minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
current passing through tissue from an active electrode leads to ion agitation, which is converted by means of friction into heat
Implementation Method 2
ion agitation, which is converted by means of friction into heat
Implementation Method 3
The needle stopper comprises an inflatable balloon. When the balloon is inflated, the balloon provides a physical barrier that prevents the cannula from penetrating beyond a desired target tissue site
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3E
Figure 4A~4D
AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for an extendable electrode configured to receive and conduct radiofrequency discharges for heating a target tissue site, a device for deploying the extendable electrode, and an apparatus for deploying the extendable electrode. Methods for use of the device and apparatus in radiofrequency ablation are described. In various embodiments, the extendable electrode is a coil electrode. Embodiments are described wherein the electrode, device, apparatus, and methods provide radiofrequency ablation treatment of intervertebral discs.