Multi-probe Bipolar RF Ablation for Vertebral Body Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF ablation systems for bone tumor treatment are limited in ablating the medial and posterior-medial aspects of the vertebral body due to restricted surgical access, and existing systems cannot effectively target tumors located in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A multi-probe bipolar lesioning system that uses two or more bipolar probes positioned bilaterally within the vertebral body via a transpedicular approach, allowing for simultaneous or independent energy delivery to create lesions, which can cooperate positively or negatively to achieve desired ablation volumes and access hard-to-reach regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional RF ablation systems are used, then the treatment is simple and straightforward, but the ability to ablate medial and posterior-medial aspects of the vertebral body is limited due to restricted surgical access
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the ablation task into multiple segments by using multiple bipolar probes (at least two probes) that can be independently positioned and activated. Each probe targets a specific region of the vertebral body, allowing comprehensive coverage of medial and posterior-medial aspects that cannot be reached by a single probe due to anatomical constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces spatial dimensionality by enabling probes to be inserted through different pedicles (left and right) at different angles and trajectories. This multi-dimensional approach allows energy delivery to previously inaccessible regions of the vertebral body, transforming the limited single-access-point system into a multi-access-point three-dimensional ablation system
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bipolar probes are used to expand ablation coverage, then the ability to treat various bone tissue volumes is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs universal bipolar probes that can be used in multiple configurations and positions. Each probe is designed with a bipolar electrode structure that can deliver RF energy effectively regardless of its specific insertion angle or depth, allowing the same probe design to serve multiple targeting functions across different vertebral regions
Solution Approach 2:
The system controls ablation parameters (power, duration, temperature) independently for each probe, allowing dynamic adjustment of energy delivery based on real-time tissue response and desired ablation volume. This parameter control enables the system to adapt to different tumor sizes and locations without requiring physically different probe configurations
3Manufacturing precision
If independent power supply to each bipolar probe is implemented, then precise control over lesion size and shape is achieved, but the power delivery system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor tissue temperature during ablation and provide feedback to the power delivery system. This feedback mechanism allows real-time adjustment of power levels to each probe, ensuring precise control over lesion size and shape while preventing overheating or under-treatment, thereby achieving manufacturing precision without requiring overly complex power delivery hardware
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 a wide variety of bone tissue volumes, including the medial and posterior-medial aspects of the vertebral body, by creating lesions that can be larger or smaller than individual probe lesions, depending on probe positioning and energy delivery strategies, thereby overcoming access limitations of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
supplying power to the first bipolar probe to create a first lesion around the first active tip, and supplying power to the second bipolar probe to create a second lesion around the second active tip
Implementation Method 2
cooling, internally, the first bipolar probe and the second bipolar probe during the supplying power to the first bipolar probe and the supplying power to the second bipolar probe
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-probe system and a method of lesioning for targeting a region of a vertebral body are disclosed. The method includes inserting a first introducer assembly into a first target location of the vertebral body to provide a first trajectory to access the vertebral body, the first introducer assembly including a first cannula. The method also includes inserting a second introducer assembly into a second target location of the vertebral body to provide a second trajectory to access the vertebral body, the second introducer assembly including a second cannula. The method further includes inserting a first bipolar probe through the first cannula of the first introducer assembly, the first bipolar probe including a first active tip at a distal end of the first bipolar probe, the first active tip including at least two electrodes. The method includes inserting a second bipolar probe through the second cannula of the second introducer assembly, the second bipolar probe including a second active tip at a distal end of the second bipolar probe, the second active tip including at least two electrodes.