Pulse Generator for Irreversible Electroporation with Switchable RF
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irreversible electroporation (IRE) techniques face limitations in precision and effectiveness, particularly in tumor ablation, as they either rely solely on thermal ablation or IRE, failing to combine modalities for enhanced tissue ablation while maintaining extracellular matrix and nerve preservation.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus with a probe and electrical signal generator that alternates between bipolar pulses for IRE and RF signals, allowing for simultaneous application of irreversible electrophoresis and thermal ablation, utilizing a network of fast switches and relays for rapid switching between electrode pairs to optimize tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal ablation alone is used, then tissue ablation effectiveness is achieved, but extracellular matrix and nerve preservation is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two distinct ablation modalities - irreversible electroporation (IRE) and radiofrequency (RF) thermal ablation - into a single integrated system. The probe contains both IRE electrodes for applying high-voltage pulses and RF electrodes for delivering thermal energy, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of both techniques to achieve synergistic tumor ablation while preserving critical structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies different ablation mechanisms to different spatial zones or tissue types within the treatment area. IRE is applied preferentially to preserve extracellular matrix and nerves, while RF thermal ablation is applied to ensure complete tumor cell destruction, creating a differentiated treatment approach within the same procedural context
2Object-affected harmful factors
If IRE alone is used, then extracellular matrix and nerve preservation is improved, but tumor ablation completeness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated probe system allows sequential application of IRE followed by RF thermal ablation, or simultaneous application, where IRE creates initial nanopores in cell membranes and RF thermal energy completes the ablation process, ensuring both structural preservation and complete tumor destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous treatment action by seamlessly transitioning between IRE and RF modalities without removing the probe, ensuring uninterrupted ablation therapy that progresses from initial cell membrane disruption to complete tissue coagulation and necrosis
3Device complexity
If a single ablation modality is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment versatility and effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is designed with multi-functional capability, incorporating both IRE and RF ablation functionalities within a single device. The probe can switch between different ablation modes depending on tissue type, tumor location, and clinical requirements, making it a universal tool for various ablation scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode, transitioning between IRE-only, RF-only, or combined IRE-RF ablation based on real-time clinical feedback and tissue response, allowing flexible adjustment of treatment parameters and modalities during the procedure
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 enables more precise and effective tissue ablation by combining IRE and RF modalities, enhancing cell death mechanisms while minimizing thermal damage, thus improving treatment outcomes in tumor ablation.
Implementation Method 1
The signals of the first type include a sequence of bipolar pulses having an amplitude sufficient to cause irreversible electroporation (IRE) in the tissue contacted by the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
the signals of the second type include a radio-frequency (RF) signal having a power sufficient to thermally ablate the tissue contacted by the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into a body of a patient and comprising an array of electrodes disposed along the probe and configured to contact tissue within the body. An electrical signal generator applies sequences of bipolar pulses over one or more trios of the electrodes, each trio including first, second and third neighboring electrodes, such that the second electrode is disposed between and adjacent to the first and third electrodes. While the probe contacts the tissue, the electrical signal generator applies the sequences of the bipolar pulses between the first and second electrodes during one or more first time intervals, and between the second and third electrodes during one or more second time intervals, and between the first and third electrodes during one or more third time intervals, wherein the first, second and third time intervals are mutually disjointed.