Insulated RF Electrodes for Subcutaneous Tissue Without Skin Burns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for subcutaneous tissue, such as lipomas, require surgical excision with significant anesthesia risks and morbidity, or external methods that are ineffective, causing thermal damage and poor healing due to energy application through the epidermis and dermis.
Innovation Solution
The use of bipolar RF energy applied directly to subcutaneous tissue through insulated electrodes, monitored by impedance and temperature sensors, to minimize thermal effects on the epidermis and dermis, allowing for localized treatment with minimal invasive procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external RF treatment is applied through the skin to subcutaneous tissue, then energy can reach the target area, but thermal damage occurs to the epidermis and dermis causing skin injury and poor healing
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment approach is segmented into two distinct methods: (1) transdermal RF with insulated electrodes that segment the energy delivery path to protect skin layers, and (2) direct subcutaneous electrode insertion that segments the treatment into a minimally invasive procedure avoiding skin thermal damage entirely. The insulation on electrodes creates a segmented barrier preventing energy from heating the epidermis and dermis.
Solution Approach 2:
Insulated electrodes act as an intermediary device that allows RF energy to reach subcutaneous tissue while the insulation layer protects the overlying skin from thermal damage. The insulating material serves as a mediator that permits energy transmission to the target while blocking harmful effects to non-target tissues.
2Reliability
If surgical excision is performed on subcutaneous tissue, then complete removal is achieved, but significant anesthesia risks and surgical morbidity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical surgical excision system is replaced with an energy-based RF treatment system. Instead of mechanically removing tissue through incision and suturing, RF energy is used to denature and destroy subcutaneous tissue in situ. This substitution eliminates the need for general anesthesia and reduces surgical morbidity while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment approach changes from mechanical removal requiring systemic anesthesia to thermal/energy-based treatment allowing topical anesthesia. By changing the fundamental parameter of treatment modality from mechanical to thermal/electromagnetic, the procedure can be performed with minimal anesthesia while achieving comparable or superior results.
3Area of stationary object
If RF energy is applied at the skin level to treat subcutaneous tissue, then treatment coverage is achieved, but epidermal and dermal necrosis occurs due to extreme local temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented with insulating material covering portions of the electrode surface. This segmentation allows energy to be delivered only at specific uninsulated zones while insulated portions protect adjacent skin areas from thermal damage, enabling broader treatment coverage without proportional increase in skin necrosis risk.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode have different properties: insulated portions provide protection while uninsulated portions deliver energy. This local differentiation of electrode quality allows simultaneous achievement of broad treatment coverage and skin protection, with each zone performing its specialized function.
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 method reduces patient discomfort and healing time by avoiding thermal injury to the skin, requiring only topical anesthesia and ensuring effective treatment of subcutaneous tissues with reduced risks and improved healing.
Implementation Method 1
applying radio frequency energy from the at least one electrode and into the subcutaneous tissue to provide treatment to the subcutaneous tissue
Implementation Method 2
monitored by impedance and temperature sensors, to minimize thermal effects on the epidermis and dermis
Implementation Method 3
monitored by impedance and temperature sensors, to minimize thermal effects on the epidermis and dermis
Data Source
AI summary
Radio frequency energy treatment is provided to subcutaneous tissue. Risk factors are reduced by employing one or more features. Electrodes that are inserted through the skin may be insulated except near the distal tips and/or the distance where the energy is provided may be at least at a minimum depth set by the treatment tool. The tissue may be treated with a power level that only denatures the tissue. The site may be analyzed with ultrasound to develop a treatment plan. A template may be provided to allow marking of the site where the skin should be pierced. A separate piercing tool may be used, thereby allowing the electrodes to have non-sharp shapes. A temperature sensor may be included to monitor temperature and/or impedance monitoring may be done where either or both may contribute to the control of RF energy and/or provide an alarm.