Microwave Tissue Interface Module with Bio-Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for hyperhidrosis, such as medications and Botox, have limitations in effectively reducing excessive sweating, which can lead to physical and emotional side-effects like dehydration and embarrassment, and there is a need for a more targeted and efficient method to treat skin conditions.
Innovation Solution
A microwave-based tissue modification system with a tissue interface module that includes a bio-barrier, vacuum port, and microwave antenna, where a flexible bio-barrier is positioned between the applicator and tissue acquisition chamber, allowing air to pass while preventing liquids, and a variable flow restrictor adjusts the opening size to optimize tissue interaction with microwave energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is disposed between the applicator chamber and tissue acquisition chamber to prevent liquid passage, then liquid interference is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A filter is introduced as an intermediary component between the applicator chamber and tissue acquisition chamber. This filter selectively permits air passage while blocking liquid passage, thereby preventing liquid interference in the microwave heating process without requiring complete sealing that would complicate the device design further.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes porous material structure with specific pore sizes that allow gas molecules (air) to pass through while blocking larger liquid molecules. This porous configuration enables selective permeability based on molecular size, achieving fluid prevention while maintaining air flow for tissue contact.
2Manufacturing precision
If a variable flow restrictor is used to optimize tissue interaction, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A variable flow restrictor is incorporated that can dynamically adjust the opening size between the tissue acquisition chamber and filter. This dynamic adjustment capability allows optimization of tissue interaction and microwave energy distribution, improving treatment precision while maintaining manageable device complexity through a single adjustable component.
3Reliability
If multiple filters are positioned on opposing sides of the bio-barrier, then liquid prevention is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid prevention function is segmented into multiple filters positioned on opposing sides of the bio-barrier. This segmentation provides redundant liquid blocking capability, ensuring that even if one filter becomes compromised, the other continues to prevent liquid passage, thereby enhancing reliability while distributing the complexity across multiple simple components.
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 system effectively reduces sweat by applying microwave energy through a bio-compatible interface that prevents fluid interference, providing a controlled and efficient treatment for hyperhidrosis, improving both physical and emotional outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
the filter comprising openings configured to permit air to pass and to prevent liquid from passing
Implementation Method 2
drawing a vacuum from a vacuum source in the applicator through the applicator chamber, a filter between the applicator chamber and the tissue acquisition chamber
Implementation Method 3
applying microwave energy to the patient's tissue
Implementation Method 4
a microwave-based tissue modification system
Implementation Method 5
a cooling element
Data Source
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AI summary
An tissue interface module has an applicator chamber on a proximal side of the tissue interface module and a tissue acquisition chamber on a distal side of the tissue interface module. The applicator chamber may include: an opening adapted to receive the applicator; an attachment mechanism positioned in the applicator chamber and adapted to attach the tissue interface module to the applicator; a sealing member positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber; and a vacuum interface positioned at a proximal side of the applicator chamber and adapted to receive a vacuum inlet positioned on a distal end of the applicator. The invention also includes corresponding methods.