Microwave Electrosurgical Probe Lesion Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgery methods for treating thoracic spine pain are ineffective due to the need for precise positioning of the probe tip close to the target nerve, as lesions formed by radiofrequency energy are circumferential and minimal, leading to low success rates even with accurate placement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning an electrosurgical device to face a thoracic vertebra at a distance, cooling the energy delivery portion, and delivering energy to form a lesion substantially distal to the device, allowing effective targeting of the nerve without requiring close proximity to the probe tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the probe tip is positioned close to the target nerve, then the lesion can be formed at the nerve location, but the treatment is ineffective because the lesion forms immediately adjacent to the probe tip in a circumferential pattern that does not fully incorporate the nerve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional RF heating to microwave energy delivery, which enables three-dimensional lesion formation throughout the probe volume rather than circumferential heating only at the probe tip. This dimensional change in energy distribution allows the lesion to incorporate the nerve more completely while maintaining a safe distance from the probe tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy delivery parameter from radiofrequency to microwave frequency, which fundamentally alters the heating pattern and lesion formation characteristics. This parameter change enables deeper and more distributed tissue heating that effectively incorporates the nerve within the lesion volume rather than forming a superficial circumferential lesion.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the probe is positioned at a distance from the target nerve, then safety is improved, but the treatment becomes ineffective because conventional RF cannot form a lesion that encompasses the nerve when the probe is not in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
Microwave energy delivery creates three-dimensional lesions that extend throughout the probe volume, allowing the lesion to reach the nerve even when the probe is positioned at a safe distance. This dimensional expansion of energy penetration resolves the contradiction between maintaining probe-nerve distance for safety and achieving effective lesion formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses microwave energy as an intermediary that can penetrate tissue to a greater depth than conventional RF, acting as a mediator that bridges the gap between the probe positioned at a safe distance and the target nerve that needs to be incorporated into the lesion.
3Measurement precision
If conventional RF neurotomy is performed with accurate electrode placement, then the electrode can be positioned at the anatomically correct target point, but the success rate remains low because the lesion may be placed superficial to the nerve
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from RF to microwave frequency, the patent fundamentally alters the energy distribution pattern within tissue. This parameter change transforms the heating from a circumferential pattern concentrated at the probe tip to a three-dimensional pattern that distributes energy throughout the probe volume, ensuring the nerve is incorporated into the lesion even with accurate placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a volumetric dimension to lesion formation by using microwave energy that penetrates and heats tissue throughout the probe volume rather than only at the surface. This dimensional change ensures that accurately placed probes create lesions that fully incorporate the nerve throughout its course through the treatment zone.
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
This approach ensures that the lesion encompasses the target nerve, improving treatment efficacy by allowing effective lesioning even when the device is positioned away from the nerve, thus increasing the success rate of thoracic spine pain treatment.
Implementation Method 1
Radiofrequency energy is used in order to treat pain radiating from nerves in the spine
Implementation Method 2
The probe is cooled while the probe is in position and energy is delivered through the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.