Irreversible Electroporation Device Impedance Feedback Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IRE systems face challenges in controlling energy delivery to avoid thermal damage during irreversible electroporation procedures, particularly due to fluctuations in tissue impedance and electrode geometry.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that utilize an evaluation and control unit to measure tissue impedance and adjust burst-signal sequence protocols to ensure consistent energy delivery per burst, thereby compensating for tissue impedance and electrode geometry variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage pulses are applied to achieve irreversible electroporation, then pore formation in cell membranes is achieved, but thermal damage to tissue may occur due to energy delivery fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures tissue impedance before and during the ablation procedure, uses this measurement to calculate the actual energy delivered to the tissue, and adjusts subsequent pulse parameters accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures consistent electroporation effects while preventing thermal damage from energy fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts electrical parameters (voltage, pulse width, number of pulses) based on measured tissue impedance values. By changing these parameters in response to actual tissue conditions, the system maintains reliable electroporation while avoiding excessive energy delivery that would cause thermal damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If tissue impedance variations are not compensated, then electrode geometry differences affect energy delivery, but compensating requires complex control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by measuring its own tissue impedance and automatically adjusting its output parameters without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration procedures. The control unit uses the impedance measurement to self-correct energy delivery variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs an impedance measurement and energy calculation step before the actual ablation begins. This preliminary action allows the system to pre-determine the appropriate pulse parameters needed to deliver consistent energy accounting for tissue impedance and electrode geometry variations.
3Strength
If high voltages up to 2000 V are applied to overcome high tissue impedance, then sufficient electrical field strength is achieved, but thermal energy input increases causing tissue heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers electrical energy in periodic pulse trains with controlled duty cycles rather than continuous high voltage. By using brief pulses separated by intervals, the system achieves the necessary peak field strength for electroporation while allowing thermal dissipation during intervals, preventing cumulative heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses very short pulse widths (microsecond range) to rapidly deliver the necessary energy impulse for electroporation before significant thermal conduction can occur. This 'rushing through' approach achieves the required electrical effect while minimizing thermal energy input to the tissue.
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 approach allows for precise control of energy delivery, reducing the risk of thermal damage and ensuring consistent electroporation effects across different tissues and electrode configurations.
Implementation Method 1
the delivery of short high pulses to/in tissue in order to generate a locally high electrical field, which can typically lie in the region of several hundred volts per centimetre. Pores are thereby generated in the cell membranes of the tissue.
Implementation Method 2
determine a tissue impedance on the basis of the at least one received measuring signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention describes a device, systems and a method which effect irreversible electroporation by means of energy-monitored control. An exemplary embodiment of the device has an electrical signal generator, an electrode pair, and an evaluation and control unit connected to the signal generator.