Integrated Cannula RF Electrode Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RF ablation systems face challenges in maintaining effective target site alignment due to the insertion and removal of multiple components, which can shift the cannula away from the target site, reducing the effectiveness of the ablation and increasing procedure time.

Innovation Solution

An integrated cannula/RF electrode system with a deployment mechanism that allows the RF electrode to be permanently disposed within the cannula, enabling the distal portion of the RF electrode to be extended and retracted relative to the cannula, thereby maintaining optimal alignment with the target site.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple components are inserted and removed for RF ablation, then the RF ablation can be performed, but the cannula alignment shifts away from the target site

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecannula alignmentVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cannula and RF electrode into a single integrated assembly where the RF electrode is permanently disposed within the cannula. This merging eliminates the need for separate insertion and removal of multiple components, maintaining cannula alignment with the target site while enabling RF ablation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple components are inserted and removed for RF ablation, then the RF ablation can be performed, but the procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure timeVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated cannula/RF electrode assembly allows the entire system to be inserted as one unit and removed as one unit, eliminating the time-consuming steps of inserting and removing multiple separate components. This significantly reduces procedure time while maintaining all necessary functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the RF electrode is permanently disposed within the cannula, then the alignment is maintained, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment consistencyVSAvoidintegrated structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The RF electrode is nested within the cannula in a permanent disposition, with the distal portion of the RF electrode positioned to extend out of the distal portion of the cannula when deployed. This nesting arrangement maintains alignment consistency while organizing the structure efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated assembly includes a deployment mechanism that allows the distal portion of the RF electrode to be dynamically extended out of the cannula and retracted back in. This dynamic capability enables the electrode to be positioned precisely at the target site while maintaining the overall integrated structure's alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 integrated system ensures consistent and effective RF ablation by maintaining precise alignment of the RF electrode with the target site, reducing procedure time, and improving the long-lasting pain relief provided by RF ablation.

Implementation Method 1

Radiofrequency current is used to heat up a small volume of nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals from that specific area.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an RF electrode can be positioned near target tissue and then used to heat the target tissue by RF power dissipation of the RF signal output in the target tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF power dissipation: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

the deployment mechanism includes an actuator coupled to the RF electrode and is configured to extend the distal portion of the RF electrode out of the distal portion of the shaft of the cannula by actuation of the actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12329445B2RF ablation systems and methods using an integrated cannula and electrode

Publication Date: 2025.06.17 BOSTON SCI NEUROMODULATION CORP

AI summary

An integrated cannula/RF electrode for an RF ablation system includes a cannula including a cannula hub and a shaft extending from the cannula hub, wherein the shaft includes a distal portion; an RF electrode including a distal portion, wherein at least a portion of the RF electrode is permanently disposed within the cannula; and a deployment mechanism coupled to the RF electrode and either coupled to the cannula hub or extending from the cannula hub, wherein the deployment mechanism includes an actuator coupled to the RF electrode and is configured to extend the distal portion of the RF electrode out of the distal portion of the shaft of the cannula by actuation of the actuator.