Liquid Metal RF Catheter for Conformal Lung Tumor Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiofrequency ablation techniques for lung tumors face challenges such as invasiveness, irregular ablation zones, increased pneumothorax risk, and difficulty in navigating electrodes to peripheral lung lesions, particularly due to the need for exact delivery of rigid metal electrodes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a liquid metal electrode within a flexible RF ablation catheter that conforms to the anatomical structures of the target site, allowing for precise ablation with reduced risk of damage to surrounding regions and easier navigation through bronchial airways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid metal electrodes are used for RF ablation, then ablation effectiveness is achieved, but the risk of damage to surrounding regions increases and navigation to peripheral lesions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode material from solid (rigid metal) to liquid (liquid metal), which fundamentally alters the properties of the electrode. The liquid metal electrode can flow and conform to the irregular shape of the target tumor site, providing effective ablation coverage while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The liquid state allows the electrode to adapt to the anatomical structures of the peripheral lung lesions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by using liquid metal that can change its shape and position within the target site. The liquid metal electrode is not fixed in shape like rigid electrodes but can dynamically conform to the tumor geometry and be easily removed via suction, providing flexibility in navigation and positioning within the bronchial airways.
2Reliability
If rigid metal electrodes are used for RF ablation, then ablation can be performed, but the ease of navigation through bronchial airways to peripheral lesions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode material from solid (rigid metal) to liquid (liquid metal), which fundamentally alters the properties of the electrode. The liquid metal electrode can flow and conform to the irregular shape of the target tumor site, providing effective ablation coverage while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The liquid state allows the electrode to adapt to the anatomical structures of the peripheral lung lesions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible catheter shaft that can be easily navigated through the bronchial airways to reach peripheral lung lesions. The liquid metal electrode is contained within this flexible catheter, allowing the system to combine the navigability of a flexible catheter with the ablation capability of an electrode, overcoming the limitation of rigid electrodes in reaching peripheral sites.
3Reliability
If multi-prong electrodes are used to increase electrode surface area, then impedance to RF current flow decreases, but invasiveness increases and ablation zones become irregular
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the electrode material from solid (rigid metal) to liquid (liquid metal), which fundamentally alters the properties of the electrode. The liquid metal electrode can flow and conform to the irregular shape of the target tumor site, providing effective ablation coverage while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The liquid state allows the electrode to adapt to the anatomical structures of the peripheral lung lesions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the electrode into a liquid metal core contained within a flexible catheter shaft. This segmentation allows the liquid metal to be delivered to the target site through the flexible catheter, while the catheter structure provides the mechanical support and navigation capability. The liquid metal itself forms the conductive element that contacts the tumor tissue.
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
The liquid metal electrode provides a larger ablation area with reduced invasiveness and lower risk of complications, enabling effective treatment of peripheral lung tumors while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
RF current is applied to the liquid metal device, which heats the target site and ablates the tumor
Implementation Method 2
radiofrequency (RF) energy has seen the most utility for pulmonary ablation
Implementation Method 3
a flexible shaft configured to advance endobronchially into a target site
Implementation Method 4
an inflatable balloon mounted on the shaft configured to obstruct a bronchial airway
Implementation Method 5
an RF connector located at the distal segment configured for allowing RF current to pass through the liquid metal device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 1F~1H
AI summary
This disclosure is related to methods, devices, assemblies, and system for transbronchial ablation of a lung tumor. Aspects of the disclosure are included as follows. A radiofrequency (RF) ablation catheter which is configured to heat a passageway filled with a liquid metal, the ablation catheter comprises a flexible shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, the flexible shaft having a fluid channel configured to instill the liquid metal into the passageway. The ablation catheter further comprises an inflatable balloon mounted on the flexible shaft wherein a portion of the flexible shaft that is distal to the balloon is defined as a distal segment of the flexible shaft, the balloon configured to obstruct the passageway. The ablation catheter comprises an RF conductor located on the distal segment configured for connecting RF energy to the liquid metal thereby heating the passageway.