Laparoscopic Ablation Applicator for Perivascular Renal Denervation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive ablation techniques, particularly for renal denervation, face challenges in effectively targeting outer nerve fibers without damaging the vessel wall, and current systems often require separate devices for radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation, prolonging procedures.
Innovation Solution
A laparoscopic applicator with integrated electrodes and a combined signal generator system for both radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation, allowing for selective tissue ablation and neuromodulation, minimizing vessel damage and reducing procedural complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a transvascular catheter-based approach is used for renal denervation, then the procedure is minimally invasive, but the outer nerve fibers cannot be directly accessed and vessel wall damage may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The procedure is divided into two distinct approaches: endovascular catheter-based ablation for inner nerve fibers and laparoscopic perivascular ablation for outer nerve fibers. This segmentation allows each method to target the specific nerve fiber location it is best suited for, resolving the contradiction between minimal invasiveness and reliable access to outer nerves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laparoscopic applicator as an intermediary tool that can access the perivascular space and deliver energy directly to outer nerve fibers without requiring direct catheter contact with the vessel wall. This intermediary approach maintains minimal invasiveness while improving access to previously unreachable nerve fibers.
2Reliability
If separate devices are used for radiofrequency and pulsed field ablation, then each ablation type can be optimized, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both radiofrequency ablation and pulsed field ablation capabilities into a single hybrid applicator device. This merging allows the practitioner to switch between ablation modes without removing and replacing devices, significantly reducing procedural time while maintaining the optimized performance of both ablation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid applicator is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both RF electrodes and PFA electrode pairs in a single device. This universal design enables the same device to perform both types of ablation, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing the time required for device exchanges.
3Reliability
If high voltage pulses are applied for irreversible electroporation, then tissue selectivity is improved, but the risk of muscle contractions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs biphasic pulsed electric fields with carefully controlled periodic timing. The pulses are delivered in sequences with specific inter-pulse intervals that allow tissue response between stimuli, maximizing the electroporation effect on target tissue while minimizing sustained muscle contractions. The periodic nature of the pulses enables selective tissue ablation without continuous harmful stimulation.
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 efficient perivascular neuromodulation with reduced energy input, increased treatment success, and minimized vessel damage by using a single device for both RF and pulsed field ablation, thereby shortening treatment times.
Implementation Method 1
If the electric field exceeds a certain threshold required for the formation of pores in the lipid bilayers of the cell membranes, and the tissue is exposed to this field for a critical period of time, the cells die by apoptosis
Implementation Method 2
This application method is categorized as a non-thermal technique because it is based on the delivery of short pulses with high voltage amplitude, which generate a locally strong electric field of up to several thousand volts per centimeter between active electrode pairs
Implementation Method 3
The device has an electrical conductor which is arranged in the shaft and connected to the at least two electrodes, in particular in an electrically conductive manner, and is configured to transmit an electrical signal received via the proximal end of the shaft to the at least two electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention describes a device for use in laparoscopic surgery and a system for laparoscopic ablation.