Intrauterine Ablation Device Using Absorbent Medium for Uniform Steam Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endometrial ablation devices face challenges with non-uniform tissue ablation due to variations in electrical current density and high current densities at electrode surfaces, leading to excessive ablation of uterine lining.
Innovation Solution
An intrauterine ablation device with an absorbent medium and permeable electrodes that generates steam by converting conductive fluid into vapor, using a radiofrequency power source and suction tubes to control steam buildup and distribution, allowing for uniform ablation without direct electrode contact with tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical current is applied directly to tissue to generate steam for ablation, then ablation effectiveness is improved, but uniformity of ablation deteriorates due to variations in electrical current density
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an absorbent medium as an intermediary between the electrodes and the tissue. The medium absorbs conductive fluid and distributes it uniformly across the treatment area, then converts electrical energy to thermal energy through resistive heating. This intermediary approach eliminates direct electrode-tissue contact, ensuring uniform steam generation and ablation across the entire treatment surface without current density variations at electrode edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and distribution parameters of the conductive fluid by using the absorbent medium to wick and distribute the fluid uniformly across the treatment surface. This parameter change from concentrated fluid application to uniform distribution ensures consistent electrical current density and uniform steam generation throughout the ablation zone.
2Productivity
If high current density is applied to electrode surface to increase ablation rate, then productivity is improved, but harmful effects worsen due to excessive ablation of uterine lining
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent medium acts as a mediator that decouples the relationship between electrode current density and tissue ablation rate. The medium distributes current uniformly through its porous structure, preventing localized high current density zones while maintaining overall ablation effectiveness. This allows controlled ablation rates without excessive tissue removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous absorbent materials that provide distributed current pathways throughout the medium's volume. The porous structure allows uniform current flow through multiple parallel paths, preventing current concentration at any single point and thereby controlling ablation rate while avoiding excessive tissue damage.
3Manufacturing precision
If steam is generated in confined space to achieve uniform ablation, then uniformity of ablation is improved, but harmful effects worsen due to steam buildup and pressure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts excess steam and conductive fluid from the treatment area through suction catheters that remove vapor and fluid through the uterine wall. This extraction prevents steam buildup and pressure increases while maintaining uniform ablation conditions by continuously removing byproducts of the steam generation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control through suction that responds to steam generation rates. The suction apparatus continuously removes excess steam and fluid, creating a feedback mechanism that maintains optimal pressure and steam concentration levels during ablation, preventing harmful pressure buildup while preserving uniform ablation.
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 solution enables uniform and controlled endometrial ablation, effective in large or irregularly shaped uterine cavities, including those with fibroids, without the need for direct electrical current application to the tissue, ensuring precise energy delivery and minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbent medium positioned between the first and second permeable electrodes, and configured to absorb a conductive fluid
Implementation Method 2
converting conductive fluid into vapor, using a radiofrequency power source
Implementation Method 3
permeable electrodes that generates steam by converting conductive fluid into vapor
Implementation Method 4
suction tubes to control steam buildup and distribution
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation device includes first and second electrodes and an absorbent medium. The ablation device may include a permeable spacer or other mechanisms to position the ablation device in the uterus. The absorbent medium configured to absorb a conductive fluid and optionally to distend. A current can be applied to the first and second electrodes to convert the conductive fluid to a vapor or steam for ablation of the uterus.