Modulated Exponential Decay Pulse for Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue ablation techniques, such as electrolysis and electroporation, face challenges including lengthy treatment durations, unpredictable distribution of electrolytic products, and logistical complications due to high electric fields and numerous pulses.
Innovation Solution
The development of electrolytic electroporation (E2) technology, which combines electrolysis and electroporation using modulated waveforms to induce controlled delivery of energy for tissue ablation, reducing the number of electric pulses and electric field strength required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrolysis is used for tissue ablation, then chemical ablation is achieved through diffusion and chemical reactions, but the treatment duration becomes lengthy and the distribution of electrolytic products becomes unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrolysis and electroporation into a unified E2 technology platform. By merging these two mechanisms, the system achieves both the chemical ablation effects of electrolysis and the rapid permeabilization effects of electroporation, thereby reducing treatment duration and improving predictability of treatment outcomes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs modulated waveforms with periodic pulsing patterns. The waveform generator delivers electrical pulses in controlled sequences, allowing the tissue to respond predictably to each pulse while accumulating the desired ablation effect over multiple pulses, thus reducing overall treatment time and improving outcome predictability.
2Reliability
If high electric fields and numerous pulses are applied for electroporation, then tissue permeabilization is achieved, but logistical complications arise and treatment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a waveform generator that dynamically adjusts electrical parameters including voltage, pulse width, frequency, and duty cycle. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves effective tissue permeabilization with fewer pulses and lower electric fields than conventional methods, thereby reducing logistical complexity while maintaining treatment reliability.
3Reliability
If conventional ablation methods are used, then tissue ablation is achieved, but thermal effects are produced requiring cooling mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal-based ablation mechanisms with non-thermal electrochemical and electroporous mechanisms. The E2 technology achieves tissue ablation through chemical reactions and membrane permeabilization rather than heat generation, thereby eliminating the need for cooling mechanisms while maintaining ablation effectiveness.
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
E2 technology provides a minimally invasive tissue ablation method that is non-thermal, requires fewer pulses and lower electric fields than conventional methods, and does not necessitate drug injection, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The process of electrolysis occurs at the electrode surfaces for electrodes submerged in an ionic conducting media. New chemical species are generated at the interface of the electrodes as a result of the electric potential driven transfer between electrons and ions or atoms.
Implementation Method 2
The bioelectric phenomenon of electroporation is characterized by the permeabilization of the cell membrane through the application of very brief, high-magnitude electric field pulses.
Implementation Method 3
A system may include a power supply, a capacitor bank, an electrode and a controller unit.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatuses are disclosed for providing tissue ablation through electrolysis, electroporation, or a combination thereof. A pulse that has an element of decay may be applied to a target for tissue ablation while the decay is modulated. In some examples, apparatus including a controller and switches may be used to modulate the decay and/or selectively apply the pulse to the target. The apparatus may further include resistors and/or other elements to modulate a magnitude of the pulse and/or a slope of a decay of the pulse.