Electrical Signal Generator for Rapid IRE RF Modality Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current irreversible electroporation (IRE) techniques face challenges in efficiently switching between electrode sets during procedures, particularly when combining IRE and RF ablation modalities, due to limitations in fast switching and modality switching capabilities in existing medical apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A versatile electrical signal generator with fast switching capabilities and network of switches is developed, enabling rapid switching between odd-even and even-odd electrode configurations, and allowing for the integration of IRE and RF ablation modalities by alternatingly applying IRE pulses and RF signals to the same electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional IRE techniques are used with standard switching mechanisms, then the procedure is simpler to implement, but the switching speed between electrode sets is slow and modality switching between IRE and RF is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode set is divided into two independent subsets (odd-numbered electrodes and even-numbered electrodes), allowing selective activation of different electrode pairs. This segmentation enables rapid switching between electrode configurations by simply changing which subset is active, achieving fast switching without requiring physical movement or complex reconfiguration mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic switching capabilities through a network of switches that can rapidly reconfigure electrode connections in real-time. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt electrode pairings during the procedure, enabling both fast switching between electrode sets and seamless transitions between IRE and RF ablation modalities based on treatment requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a versatile signal generator with fast switching capabilities is implemented, then modality switching between IRE and RF becomes efficient, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single signal generator is designed to perform multiple functions by generating both IRE pulses (high voltage, microsecond duration) and RF signals (continuous or cyclic, lower voltage). The generator includes a versatile switching network that can route appropriate signal types to selected electrode pairs, enabling one device to replace what would traditionally require separate IRE and RF generators, thereby achieving multi-functionality without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If rapid switching between electrode configurations is implemented, then treatment precision and efficiency improve, but energy loss during switching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching operations are executed rapidly to minimize the duration of transitional states where energy loss occurs. By using fast electronic switches rather than mechanical relays, the system rushes through the switching transition in a minimal time window, thereby reducing energy dissipation during mode changes while maintaining high treatment productivity through quick reconfiguration capabilities.
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 solution enables precise and efficient tissue ablation by rapidly switching between IRE and RF modalities, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of the IRE procedure while minimizing tissue damage and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a soft tissue ablation technique that applies short pulses of strong electrical fields to create permanent and hence lethal nanopores in the cell membrane
Implementation Method 2
RF signal to the same pair of electrodes to thermalize the tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A medical apparatus for performing ablation. The apparatus comprising 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, and an electrical signal generator configured to apply during a first period of time while the probe contacts the tissue, between each electrode among a plurality of the electrodes in the array and a first neighboring electrode on a first side of the electrode in the array, a first sequence of bipolar pulses between each electrode and the first neighboring electrode, and to apply during a second period of time while the probe remains in contact with the tissue, between each electrode among the plurality of the electrodes in the array and a second neighboring electrode on a second side of the electrode, opposite the first side, in the array, a second sequence of the bipolar pulses between the electrode and the second neighboring electrode.