Nerve Ablation Electrode Temperature Feedback for RF Safety
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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 cables, leading to decreased accuracy in temperature measurement and potential nerve or tissue damage during surgical procedures.
Innovation Solution
The electrode apparatus includes a sensor unit to measure temperature, a signal processor to convert analog signals to digital, and a temperature monitoring unit to control RF energy output based on threshold values, ensuring precise energy delivery and minimizing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature data is transmitted through cable from electrode apparatus to RF energy generator, then communication between devices is established, but noise interference decreases measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system within the RF energy generator that receives analog temperature signals from the electrode apparatus, converts them to digital signals through an ADC, and processes them through a communication interface. This intermediary digital processing stage isolates the sensitive temperature measurement from noise interference in the analog transmission path, thereby maintaining measurement precision while ensuring reliable communication.
2Measurement precision
If RF energy output is controlled through RF energy generator based on temperature feedback, then temperature control is achieved, but communication errors may cause unsafe conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the body part, converts the analog signal to digital, and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the measured temperature with preset safety thresholds and automatically adjusts or stops RF energy output accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures both precise temperature control and operational safety by making real-time adjustments based on actual temperature conditions.
3Ease of operation
If analog signal is transmitted through cable, then signal transmission is established, but noise decreases signal accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the direct analog signal transmission mechanism with a digital signal processing system. The analog temperature signal from the electrode apparatus is converted to digital signals through an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) within the RF energy generator. This substitution of mechanical/analog signal transmission with digital signal processing eliminates noise interference while maintaining transmission simplicity, as the digital signals are more robust against electromagnetic interference in the cable connection.
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 apparatus enables safe and accurate nerve denervation by directly controlling RF energy based on body temperature, 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
the RF energy generator 20 converts the received analog signal into a digital signal. Further, the RF energy generator 20 outputs RF energy to the electrode apparatus 10 based on the converted digital signal
Data Source
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.