Integrated Bipolar Electrode Probe for Adjustable, Uniform Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar electrode probes face issues such as mechanical weakness at junctions, potential water leakage, inability to adjust ablation length, and complex structure with electrically isolated conductive wires, making them prone to breakage and difficult to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A bipolar electrode probe design featuring a conductive needle, insulation layer, and conductive sleeve with adjustable insulation sleeve, allowing for uniform electric fields and adjustable ablation range, and an infusion member for substance delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bipolar electrode probe is formed by coupling the active electrode, the insulation layer, and the passive electrode, then the probe can provide bipolar ablation capability, but the mechanical strength may be weak at the junction and the probe may easily break during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the active electrode, insulation layer, and passive electrode into a single unified structure where the insulation layer is formed directly on the active electrode and the passive electrode is coupled to the opposite side, eliminating separate junction connections and strengthening the overall mechanical integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the active electrode is positioned within a bore of the passive electrode, and the insulation layer is formed within the active electrode structure, creating a compact integrated assembly that enhances mechanical strength while maintaining bipolar functionality
2Ease of manufacture
If the bipolar electrode probe uses fixed-length conductive region design, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the length of the ablation region cannot be adjusted and cannot treat targets of 0.9cm or shorter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an adjustable insulation sleeve that can move along the active electrode to expose different lengths of the conductive region, enabling dynamic adjustment of the ablation zone length to match various target sizes while maintaining a simple fixed-length electrode structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode structure into separable components - the fixed active electrode with conductive region, the movable insulation sleeve, and the passive electrode - allowing the insulation sleeve to be adjusted independently to control the exposed conductive length without redesigning the entire electrode
3Reliability
If the bipolar electrode probe requires electrically isolated conductive wires and solder joints inside, then the electrical isolation is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to manufacture and be made compact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical isolation function from complex internal wire and solder joint arrangements and implements it through a simple geometric configuration where the insulation layer and passive electrode structure naturally provide electrical separation between the active and passive electrodes, eliminating the need for additional isolation components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a self-isolating structure where the insulation layer formed on the active electrode and the passive electrode's bore structure automatically provide electrical isolation between the two electrodes, with no additional isolation components or complex wiring required - the structure itself performs the isolation 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
Ensures safe and uniform ablation with adjustable range, preventing tissue burning and simplifying assembly, while maintaining mechanical integrity and enabling infusion for enhanced treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
When the bipolar electrode probe is turned on, a longitudinal electric field is formed from a front end of the conductive needle to the conductive sleeve along the longitudinal direction; and a transverse electric field is formed from the conductive needle to the conductive sleeve via the first opening and the second opening along the transverse direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
Provided is a bipolar electrode probe (100), which includes a conductive needle (110), an insulation layer (120), a conductive sleeve (130), and an insulation sleeve (140). The conductive needle (110) has a longitudinal direction (x) and a transverse direction (y) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The insulation layer (120) covers the conductive needle (110) and has a first opening (122). The conductive sleeve (130) covers the insulation layer (120) and has a second opening (132). The insulation sleeve (140) covers the conductive sleeve (130). When the bipolar electrode probe (100) is turned on, a longitudinal electric field (E1) is formed from a front end of the conductive needle (110) to the conductive sleeve (130) along the longitudinal direction. A transverse electric field (E2) is formed from the conductive needle (110) to the conductive sleeve (130) via the first opening (122) and the second opening (132) along the transverse direction.