Fluid-Mediated Ablation for Smooth Muscle Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for impairing smooth muscle tissue function in body cavities, such as the pulmonary system, often result in damage to endothelium and collateral tissue, and are not effective in treating conditions like asthma due to limited precision and effectiveness in targeting smooth muscle tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongated sheath with a fluid supply apparatus and ablation device, including electrodes and an energy source, is used to deliver energy directly to smooth muscle tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, utilizing fluid as a virtual electrode and employing various energy sources like RF and DC to impair smooth muscle function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If current methods are used to impair smooth muscle tissue function, then smooth muscle tissue can be targeted, but endothelium and collateral tissue are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering energy through a fluid medium that selectively impairs smooth muscle tissue while preserving endothelium. The fluid acts as an intermediary that concentrates energy effects on the target smooth muscle layer while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues, achieving localized treatment with differential tissue protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid as an intermediary substance between the energy source and the tissue. This fluid medium allows for controlled energy delivery and acts as a buffer that protects the endothelium and collateral tissues from direct energy exposure, thereby reducing collateral damage while maintaining effective smooth muscle impairment.
2Reliability
If energy is delivered to impair smooth muscle function, then treatment effectiveness increases, but endothelial damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves local quality by using fluid delivery to concentrate energy effects specifically on smooth muscle tissue. The fluid acts as a selective medium that allows energy to impair smooth muscle function effectively while the fluid barrier protects the endothelium from direct thermal or mechanical damage, thus maintaining treatment reliability without compromising endothelial integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by introducing fluid into the treatment area before energy delivery. This fluid layer serves as a protective cushion that absorbs excess energy and prevents direct contact between the energy source and the endothelium, thereby preventing endothelial damage while allowing sufficient energy to reach and impair the smooth muscle tissue.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional ablation methods are used, then smooth muscle tissue can be affected, but precision and effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fluid as an intermediary that enhances both precision and effectiveness. The fluid medium allows for controlled distribution of energy across the target tissue area, improving precision by limiting energy spread to only where fluid is present. Simultaneously, the fluid facilitates more uniform and effective energy delivery to the smooth muscle tissue, enhancing treatment effectiveness compared to direct contact methods.
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 system effectively impairs smooth muscle tissue function with reduced endothelial damage and collateral effects, allowing for precise treatment of conditions like asthma by targeting smooth muscle tissue while preserving the endothelium.
Implementation Method 1
employing various energy sources like RF and DC to impair smooth muscle function
Implementation Method 2
employing various energy sources like RF and DC to impair smooth muscle function
Implementation Method 3
the fluid delivery element is permeable to a fluid delivered into the fluid delivery element through the fluid delivery lumen such that the fluid can exit the fluid volume through the permeable fluid delivery element
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for impairing smooth muscle tissue function using energy and/or pressure are described herein. The systems and/or methods may be used in some embodiments to target smooth muscle tissue in the bronchial passages.