J-Shaped Ablation Tool for Faster Basivertebral Nerve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools face challenges in efficiently accessing and ablating anatomical tissues, particularly the basivertebral nerve (BVN), due to multiple components and slow ablation processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a surgical tool with a J-shaped stylet made of Nitinol, segmented stainless steel electrodes, and a ceramic tip, which allows for flexible insertion, efficient heat transfer, and rapid ablation, facilitated by a cannula assembly for access and a thermocouple for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a surgical tool uses multiple components (cannula assembly, stylet, electrodes) to access and ablate tissue, then the ablation capability is improved, but the device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the cannula assembly, stylet, and bipolar electrodes into a single integrated surgical tool. The cannula serves as the outer sheath, the stylet is inserted through the cannula lumen, and the electrodes are positioned at the distal end, creating a unified device that performs insertion, positioning, and ablation functions simultaneously, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive ablation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated surgical tool performs multiple functions: the cannula provides access and protection, the stylet enables precise positioning and navigation, and the bipolar electrodes execute tissue ablation. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require separate instruments, reducing procedural steps and complexity
2Ease of operation
If existing surgical tools use traditional insertion methods, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the accessibility to deep anatomical tissues and ablation efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The surgical tool employs a nested configuration where the stylet is inserted through the lumen of the cannula, and the bipolar electrodes are positioned within the distal end of the stylet-cannula assembly. This nested structure allows the tool to maintain a compact profile for easy insertion while enabling the electrodes to reach deep anatomical targets efficiently, thereby improving both accessibility and ablation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The J-shaped configuration of the stylet introduces a curved geometry that enables the surgical tool to navigate complex anatomical pathways and reach deep targets at angles that would be inaccessible with straight insertion methods. This dimensional change in the stylet geometry expands the reachable workspace while maintaining ease of insertion
3Adaptability or versatility
If a surgical tool uses a removable stylet design, then the ease of extraction and adaptability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stylet is pre-configured with a J-shape and inserted into the cannula before the electrodes are activated. This preliminary positioning ensures that the stylet is already in the optimal configuration for guiding the electrodes to the target tissue, allowing for easy extraction after positioning without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining simplicity while enabling adaptability
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
Enables effective and efficient ablation of anatomical tissues, such as the BVN, with improved accessibility and faster heating, reducing procedural time and enhancing clinical outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a J-shaped stylet made of Nitinol
Implementation Method 2
a J-shaped stylet made of Nitinol
Implementation Method 3
segmented stainless steel electrodes, and a ceramic tip, which allows for flexible insertion, efficient heat transfer, and rapid ablation
Implementation Method 4
a thermocouple for temperature control
Implementation Method 5
a ceramic tip, which allows for flexible insertion, efficient heat transfer, and rapid ablation
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical tool for ablating anatomical tissue according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a distal tip; a first cylindrical tube connected to the distal tip; a second cylindrical tube that at least partially overlaps the first cylindrical tube in a first direction; and a J-shaped stylet disposed in an interior of the surgical tool, the J-shaped stylet capable of being removed from the interior of the surgical tool.