Malleable Ablation Needle Guide for Uniform Tissue Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiofrequency electrode systems for tissue ablation, particularly in large tumors, face challenges in achieving uniform heat distribution and efficient tumor treatment due to complex geometry and multiple tissue insertions, requiring improved methods for electrode placement and activation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a hub with multiple electrodes and a guide block with malleable, angled slots allows for simultaneous or sequential activation of electrodes to create coherent ablation volumes, with a closed-loop coolant system and dielectric materials for precise heat management and tissue engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple electrodes are inserted into the body in an array to enlarge ablation volumes, then the ablation coverage is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of positioning increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual electrodes are merged into a single integrated electrode array structure with a common hub and shared cooling system. This combining approach maintains the ablation coverage benefits of multiple electrodes while reducing the complexity of positioning and managing multiple separate devices through a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array hub serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a common electrical connection point for all electrodes, provides a centralized cooling distribution system, and serves as a single positioning unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device while maintaining comprehensive ablation coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple electrodes are inserted into the body in an array to enlarge ablation volumes, then the ablation coverage is improved, but the number of tissue insertions increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode insertion sites are merged into a single organized array structure that can be positioned and inserted as one unit. This reduces the number of separate tissue insertions required compared to placing each electrode individually, while still achieving the necessary ablation coverage through the array configuration.
3Manufacturing precision
If a rigid introducer is used to facilitate electrode insertion, then the electrode positioning is improved, but the adaptability to different tumor geometries decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer is designed with flexible or expandable segments that can adapt their shape and configuration to match different tumor geometries. This dynamic design allows the rigid positioning benefits to be maintained while achieving adaptability to various anatomical shapes and sizes through controlled flexibility or expansion.
4Stability of the object's composition
If electrodes are placed in a dispersed fashion throughout the tumor volume, then the heat distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is designed with varying local characteristics - electrodes are strategically positioned and sized to create uniform heat distribution throughout the tumor volume. The hub structure provides localized control over electrical and cooling distribution to achieve homogeneous thermal fields while maintaining a relatively simple overall device architecture.
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 ablation of large tumors with reduced tissue insertions, facilitating uniform heat distribution and precise control over ablation volumes, enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing thermal damage to surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a closed-loop fluid communication channel pathway which includes an inflow opening adapted for connection to a coolant fluid supply, and a channel portion in fluid communication with the inflow opening. The channel; portion extends distally inside the conductive tip portion to carry coolant to the inside of the conductive tip portion and further extends proximally back to an outlet opening adapted to carry coolant away from the conductive tip portion
Implementation Method 2
The electrode is connected to a radiofrequency power source, which provides radiofrequency voltage to the electrode, which transmits the radiofrequency current into the tissue near its exposed conductive tip
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and devices for positioning and placing multiple electrodes in a target surgical site. A guide block is disclosed which introduces electrodes into target tissue and includes an elongated, generally rectilinear bar having a plurality of slots defined therethrough. Each of the slots is configured to selectively receive and retain a corresponding electrode therein. The rectilinear bar is malleable and selectively bendable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially curved configuration to facilitate positioning the guide block relative to target tissue.