Fallopian Tube Occlusion via RF Ablation and Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fallopian tube occlusion methods for sterilization, such as using flexible coil-like devices, raise concerns about long-term unknown effects due to tissue ingrowth and foreign body presence.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive catheter system that uses RF energy to ablate tissue in the fallopian tubes, followed by cutting to induce bleeding and adhesion, with a bio-absorbable detachable body to facilitate permanent closure, avoiding the need for foreign materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flexible coil-like devices made of polyester fibers and metal wires are placed into the fallopian tubes, then the fallopian tubes can be occluded through tissue in-growth, but there are potential unknown long-term effects due to foreign body presence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the foreign body component entirely from the occlusion process. Instead of implanting coils or devices, the method uses RF energy to ablate tissue and create adhesions that naturally close the fallopian tube, eliminating the need for synthetic materials that could cause long-term foreign body effects
Solution Approach 2:
The body's own tissue response is harnessed to achieve occlusion. The RF energy induces controlled tissue damage that triggers the body's natural healing process, forming adhesions between the fallopian tube walls that permanently close the lumen without requiring external foreign materials
2Productivity
If RF energy ablation is performed rapidly in 1 to 60 seconds, then the procedure efficiency is improved, but precise control of tissue ablation depth and extent becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The RF energy is applied continuously for a brief period (1-60 seconds) to achieve complete ablation of the fallopian tube tissue. The continuous energy delivery ensures thorough tissue destruction throughout the targeted segment, creating aċ ċ ablated zone that facilitates subsequent adhesion formation without requiring multiple staged interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the ablation process by adjusting RF energy parameters (power, duration, frequency) to achieve the desired tissue effect. By optimizing these parameters, the system can rapidly ablate tissue to an appropriate depth while minimizing damage to surrounding structures, balancing speed with precision
3Reliability
If tissue cutting is performed to induce bleeding and adhesion formation, then permanent occlusion is achieved, but the procedure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated catheter system. The same catheter delivers RF energy for ablation and then uses its cutting edge to create the necessary tissue disruption for adhesion formation. This integration reduces the number of separate devices and procedural steps while achieving reliable permanent occlusion
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 method provides rapid and permanent occlusion of fallopian tubes, minimizing long-term risks and foreign body presence, while ensuring effective contraception through controlled tissue response and adhesion formation.
Implementation Method 1
RF energy ablates a thin layer of tissue in a segment of a fallopian tube
Implementation Method 2
The wound healing response and adhesion of the walls in the segment can permanently close the fallopian tube
Data Source
AI summary
Medical devices and methods for treating and occluding a female patient's fallopian tubes to provide permanent birth control or sterilization.