Irrigated Electrode Assembly for Bone Ablation Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation systems face challenges in effectively ablating tissue within bone and controlling energy delivery, temperature, and ablation volume, particularly in improving the control of energy and temperature during the ablation process.
Innovation Solution
An irrigated electrode assembly with a proximal and distal portion, featuring insulated conduits and emitters, a micro infusion module, and a thermocouple for temperature monitoring, which allows for controlled fluid delivery and energy application to the tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation systems are used to ablate tissue within bone, then ablation can be performed, but control of energy delivery and temperature is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a thermocouple in thermal communication with the tissue to provide real-time temperature feedback during ablation. This feedback mechanism enables the system to monitor temperature changes and adjust energy delivery accordingly, resolving the contradiction between achieving sufficient temperature for ablation and maintaining precise temperature control to prevent damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conductive fluid as an intermediary medium delivered through a conduit to the tissue interface. This fluid enhances thermal conduction between the ablation probe and tissue, improving heat transfer efficiency and enabling better temperature control while maintaining reliable energy delivery to the targeted area.
2Productivity
If traditional ablation systems are used, then tissue ablation can be achieved, but ablation volume and thoroughness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation probe is divided into multiple emitter segments arranged in a circular array at the distal tip. Each emitter can be independently controlled to deliver energy to different zones of the tissue, enabling simultaneous treatment of multiple areas and increasing overall ablation volume while maintaining precise control over the ablation zone boundaries for thoroughness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point ablation to multi-dimensional energy delivery by arranging emitters in a circular array configuration. This spatial arrangement enables energy to be distributed across a larger volumetric region, increasing ablation productivity while the controlled fluid delivery and segmented emitters ensure thorough treatment throughout the ablation zone.
3Area of stationary object
If emitters are placed close together to increase ablation coverage, then ablation volume increases, but electromagnetic interference between emitters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a conductive fluid as an intermediary medium that fills the space between closely spaced emitters. This fluid acts as an electrical insulator and thermal conductor, reducing direct electromagnetic coupling between adjacent emitters while maintaining efficient thermal energy transfer to the tissue, thus enabling high emitter density without excessive interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters such as pulse duration, power level, and fluid flow rate based on real-time temperature feedback from the thermocouple. By modulating these parameters, the system can optimize the balance between emitter spacing for coverage and energy delivery parameters to minimize electromagnetic interference between closely positioned emitters.
4Ease of operation
If access cannula is used for percutaneous access, then tissue can be accessed, but maintaining sterility and visibility under electromagnetic imaging is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a sterile conductive fluid as an intermediary medium delivered through a sterile conduit past the access cannula tip. This fluid maintains the sterile barrier at the cannula interface while providing the necessary electrical conductivity for energy delivery, thus preserving sterility integrity without compromising the ability to visualize and treat tissue under electromagnetic imaging.
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
Enhances the control of energy delivery and temperature during ablation, improving the precision and effectiveness of tissue ablation, especially in bone, while maintaining sterility and visibility under electromagnetic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an ablation system is sometimes used to selectively destroy nerve tissue... flow current through biological tissue to ablate at least some of the tissue through which the current is flowed
Implementation Method 2
a fluid source and a device that delivers conductive fluid (e.g. saline) to the targeted biological tissue to control ablation temperature and volume
Implementation Method 3
a thermocouple for temperature monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigated electrode assembly has a proximal portion with a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end. The assembly includes a first conduit defining an irrigation channel and a second conduit, both of which extend from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the irrigated electrode assembly. A proximal and a distal emitter is located on the distal portion of the assembly with the distal emitter being positioned distally relative to the proximal emitter. A fluid irrigation port is defined by the proximal or distal emitter and is in fluid communication with the first conduit. An insulative spacer extends between a distal end of the proximal emitter and a proximal end of the distal emitter. An insulative body houses the first and second conduits and extends from the proximal portion of the irrigated electrode assembly to a proximal end of the proximal emitter.