Nerve Ablation Electrode with Local Temperature-Based RF Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode apparatuses face challenges in accurately transmitting electrical impulses for nerve denervation due to noise interference in cable communications, leading to decreased accuracy in temperature measurement and potential nerve or tissue damage during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The electrode apparatus includes a signal processor and temperature monitoring unit within the main body to convert analog signals to digital, compare temperature values with a threshold, and control RF energy output based on these values, thereby reducing noise interference and ensuring precise energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If analog signals are transmitted through cables from the electrode apparatus to the RF energy generator, then temperature data can be transmitted, but noise interference in the cable decreases the accuracy of the measured temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal processing function from the external RF energy generator and integrates it into the electrode apparatus itself. The electrode apparatus now contains an analog-to-digital converter that converts analog temperature signals to digital signals within the device, removing the vulnerable cable transmission环节 and eliminating noise interference from external sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an analog-to-digital converter as an intermediary component within the electrode apparatus. This converter acts as a mediator that transforms the vulnerable analog signal into a robust digital signal before any external transmission, thereby protecting the temperature data from noise interference during cable transmission.
2Reliability
If the electrode apparatus relies on the RF energy generator for temperature control, then the system can function, but communication errors or temporary errors in the RF energy generator can cause uncontrolled RF energy output leading to nerve or tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature monitoring and RF energy control functions into a single integrated unit within the electrode apparatus. The temperature monitoring unit, which includes the analog-to-digital converter and control logic, is combined with the RF energy output control, eliminating the need for complex communication between separate devices and ensuring that temperature control remains local and reliable even if external communication fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode apparatus performs self-monitoring and self-control of RF energy output. The temperature monitoring unit within the electrode apparatus autonomously monitors temperature and controls RF energy output based on predetermined thresholds, without requiring continuous communication with or control from the external RF energy generator, thereby ensuring surgical safety through self-regulation.
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 solution allows for direct control of RF energy based on body tissue conditions, ensuring safe surgical procedures by preventing nerve or tissue damage even with communication errors in the RF energy generator.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit formed in a predetermined portion of the electrode unit and configured to measure a temperature of the tube in the body
Implementation Method 2
an analog-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert an analog temperature value received from the sensor unit into a digital temperature value
Implementation Method 3
an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and configured to denervate or modulate at least a part of nerves on a tube in a body
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrode apparatus for blocking or controlling nerves in body includes: a main body including a shaft; an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and configured to denervate or modulate at least a part of nerves on a tube in a body; an electrode guide including a plurality of joint units and a wire connecting the plurality of joint units to each other and configured to guide the electrode unit; a sensor unit formed in a predetermined portion of the electrode unit and configured to measure a temperature of the tube in the body; and a temperature monitoring unit configured to control whether or not to output RF energy received from an RF energy generator based on a temperature value of the tube in the body measured by the sensor unit.