Movable Electrode Ablation Cap for Endoscopic Tissue Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic treatment devices for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett's esophagus require multiple steps and obstruct direct visualization due to the need for sizing balloons and inflated probes, potentially leading to inadequate or excessive tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
An ablation cap with a tubular body and movable electrode portion that fits onto an endoscope, allowing for direct visualization and controlled energy delivery to tissue sites without the need for additional sizing steps, featuring a cover portion that exposes electrodes for treatment and retracts them for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflated balloon probe is used for tissue ablation, then adequate contact with diseased tissue is achieved, but the procedure requires additional sizing steps and prevents direct visualization of target tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the separate sizing balloon component from the ablation system. The ablation cap integrates both sizing and ablation functions into a single device, eliminating the need for a preliminary sizing step. The cap can be directly positioned and visualized through the endoscope while maintaining adequate tissue contact for reliable ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sizing function and ablation function into a single integrated cap device. Rather than using separate balloons for sizing and treatment, the cap performs both functions sequentially in one positioning action, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining treatment reliability.
2Reliability
If an inflated balloon probe is used for tissue ablation, then adequate contact with diseased tissue is achieved, but direct visualization of target tissue is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the obstructive inflated balloon from the optical path. The cap design allows the endoscope to remain visible through the treatment site while the ablation electrodes contact the tissue, enabling direct visualization during the ablation process without sacrificing tissue contact reliability.
3Measurement precision
If a sizing balloon is introduced before ablation, then correct balloon size and pressure are determined, but treatment time and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cap is pre-sized to match standard endoscope dimensions before the procedure, eliminating the need for intra-procedural sizing measurements. The cap can be directly positioned on the endoscope and deployed at the target site, reducing procedure time while maintaining adequate contact pressure for reliable ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cap is designed as a disposable component that is pre-manufactured in standard sizes. Rather than requiring complex sizing measurements during the procedure, the disposable nature allows for standardized dimensions that work across different endoscopes, simplifying the procedure and reducing time requirements.
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
Simplifies the treatment procedure by minimizing steps and ensuring precise ablation under direct endoscopic visualization, reducing the risk of healthy tissue damage and incomplete treatment.
Implementation Method 1
delivering energy to the tissue to ablate the tissue in contact with the probe
Implementation Method 2
heating the surface until the surface layer is no longer viable. The dead tissue is then removed
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An ablation cap and a method of delivering energy to a tissue are provided. An ablation cap includes a tubular body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a lumen extending therethrough. The ablation cap also includes a cover portion covering a portion of the tubular body, the covering portion having a region at least partially spaced apart from the tubular body and an electrode portion movably positionable relative to the cover portion. The electrode portion has a covered position where the electrode portion is positioned within the cover portion and an exposed position where the electrode portion is exposed relative to the cover portion. The proximal portion of the body is sized and shaped to fit on a distal end of an endoscope and the distal portion of the body extends distal to the distal end of the endoscope.