Non-Thermal Plasma Device for Mucosal Bleeding Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for mucus membrane bleeding in the aerodigestive and gastrointestinal tracts, such as thermal methods, often cause tissue damage and pain due to their invasive nature.
Innovation Solution
A device generating non-thermal plasma using an electrode connected to a power supply, partially encapsulated with a dielectric insulator, is applied to the bleeding area to cause coagulation without thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal methods (cauterizing) are used to treat mucus membrane bleeding, then bleeding control is achieved, but tissue damage and pain occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal energy (heat) with non-thermal plasma to achieve bleeding control. The plasma generation device uses electrical discharge to create plasma that coagulates blood without causing thermal damage to surrounding tissues, thus eliminating the harmful thermal effects while maintaining effective hemorrhage control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and energy parameters by using non-thermal plasma instead of thermal heat. The plasma is generated at low temperatures that do not damage tissue, yet still achieves blood coagulation through chemical and physical mechanisms of plasma interaction with blood components
2Reliability
If direct pressure or vasoconstrictive agents are used to treat epistaxis, then bleeding is controlled, but the treatments are invasive or require additional agents
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma generation device is designed to be self-contained with the electrode and dielectric structure, requiring minimal external intervention. The device generates plasma autonomously when electrical power is applied, eliminating the need for complex vasoconstrictive agents or invasive procedures, and can be applied directly to the bleeding site with simple contact
3Reliability
If thermal energy is applied to cauterize bleeding, then hemorrhage is stopped, but pain and tissue damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes thermal energy with non-thermal plasma energy. The plasma is generated through electrical discharge mechanisms that do not produce significant heat, allowing hemorrhage control through blood coagulation without the pain and tissue damage associated with thermal cauterization
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric material acts as an intermediary between the electrical energy source and the tissue. It controls and directs the plasma generation process, ensuring that energy is transferred to the blood for coagulation without excessive energy reaching the surrounding tissue, thus preventing thermal damage and pain
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
Effectively controls bleeding by coagulating blood without causing tissue damage or pain, using non-thermal plasma that maintains low tissue temperature and prevents arcing, ensuring a safe and effective treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The non-thermal plasma is placed at least partially in contact with the area of bleeding, causing coagulation of the blood
Implementation Method 2
causing coagulation of the blood
Implementation Method 3
the electrode is partially encapsulated with a dielectric insulator
Data Source
AI summary
The use of non-thermal plasma to treat mucus membrane bleeding is described herein. A non-thermal plasma is generated using an apparatus having a first electrode that receives alternating electrical potentials from a power supply. When placed in an appropriate location proximate to tissue, a non-thermal plasma is generated, the second electrode being human tissue, blood, etc. To reduce the likelihood of an arc being generated, potentially causing tissue damage or pain, the first electrode is partially encapsulated by a dielectric. The non-thermal plasma is applied to the area of bleeding for treatment.