Fractional RF Applicator with Deployable Electrodes for Wet Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fractional RF treatment devices are ineffective in delivering RF energy at different depths within natural openings and wet environments due to significant RF leakage through liquids, limiting their application in medical tissue remodeling inside body openings such as the vagina, anus, nose, ears, and mouth.
Innovation Solution
A fractional RF energy delivery device with an applicator that includes a mechanism to insert an array of sharp electrodes into the tissue, designed to minimize surface energy loss and maximize tissue penetration, featuring a non-disposable and disposable design, adjustable electrode depth, and a microprocessor-controlled RF generator for optimized energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If non-insertable electrodes are used for RF treatment, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but RF energy delivery is ineffective in wet environments due to significant RF leakage through liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple individual conductive elements (needles) that can be independently controlled. Each needle can be inserted to a specific depth and angle, allowing precise RF energy delivery to targeted tissue depths while minimizing RF leakage through surrounding liquids. The segmented design enables selective activation of individual needles based on treatment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specialized applicator device as an intermediary between the RF generator and the tissue. This applicator contains the electrode array and provides a controlled interface for RF energy delivery in wet environments. The applicator structure itself helps manage the wet environment by containing the electrode array and providing a barrier that reduces RF leakage through surrounding liquids.
2Length of stationary object
If electrodes are inserted deeper into tissue, then treatment of deeper tissue structures is achieved, but the force required for insertion increases and risk of trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array consists of needles with varying properties optimized for different treatment depths. Each needle can be selected and inserted based on the specific treatment requirement, allowing local optimization of insertion depth without requiring all needles to penetrate deeply. The local quality principle also applies to the varying diameters of needles, which can be selected based on the required insertion depth and tissue type.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator device incorporates a mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of needle insertion depth. The needles can be advanced or retracted during the procedure, enabling the operator to optimize insertion depth in real-time based on tissue response and treatment requirements. This dynamic control reduces the force required for insertion by allowing gradual advancement rather than forced deep penetration.
3Productivity
If more conductive elements are included in the array, then treatment coverage and effectiveness increase, but the force required to push the array into tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple individual needles that can be independently controlled and activated. This segmentation allows the system to achieve broad treatment coverage through selective activation of needles at different positions and depths, rather than requiring all needles to be inserted deeply. The segmented design distributes the mechanical load, reducing the force required for insertion compared to a solid array.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic changes in treatment parameters including the number of active electrodes, their individual depths, and activation sequences. By optimizing these parameters, the system can achieve effective treatment coverage with a manageable number of inserted needles, reducing the total insertion force required while maintaining productivity through controlled activation of multiple electrodes at different depths and times.
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
Enables effective RF energy delivery at various depths within wet environments, reducing leakage and enhancing tissue coagulation or ablation while minimizing thermal zones for faster healing, suitable for treating epithelial tissues within natural openings.
Implementation Method 1
An RF generator is configured for delivering RF energy to the array of electrode
Implementation Method 2
RF energy delivery device with an applicator that includes a mechanism to insert an array of sharp electrodes into the tissue
Implementation Method 3
The RF generator generates alternating electrical voltage with frequency of 100 kHz to 40 MHz. The amount of RF energy should be high enough to coagulate and/or ablate the small amount of tissue around the conductive elements
Data Source
AI summary
A method of applying RF energy includes using an RF energy applicator assembly to apply RF energy to a tissue. The RF energy applicator assembly includes a housing, and RF electrodes coupled to an RF energy source and movably mounted in the housing. The RF electrodes have a retracted position, in which the RF electrodes are retracted inside the housing, and deployed positions in which the RF electrodes protrude out of the housing at different protrusion lengths. An actuator is coupled to the RF electrodes and configured to move the RF electrodes from the retracted position to any one of the deployed positions.