Permeable Distal Electrode for RF Tissue Puncture in Blood
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing minimally invasive surgical techniques using RF energy for tissue puncture, such as transseptal procedures, often vaporize conductive liquids like blood, leading to inefficiencies and potential health risks due to uncontrolled electrical pathways and thrombotic material formation.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical system with a crossing device featuring a distal electrode having orthogonal bores that form a gaseous insulation layer in conductive liquids, allowing controlled vaporization of tissue by retaining gaseous bubbles on the electrode surface, reducing electrical current flow through liquids and minimizing heat generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF energy is applied to vaporize tissue in conductive liquid medium, then tissue vaporization is achieved, but conductive liquid (blood) is also vaporized causing uncontrolled electrical pathways and thrombotic material formation
Solution Approach 1:
A gaseous intermediary layer (insulation layer) is introduced between the electrode and the conductive liquid medium. This gas layer acts as an electrical insulator that prevents direct contact between the electrode and conductive liquid, thereby eliminating uncontrolled electrical pathways and thrombotic material formation while still allowing controlled tissue vaporization at the electrode tip through dielectric breakdown.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gaseous bubble formation into a beneficial insulation mechanism. Instead of treating gaseous bubbles as unwanted byproducts to be eliminated, the invention utilizes them to form a protective insulating layer around the electrode, which prevents harmful electrical pathways while maintaining the desired tissue vaporization function.
2Productivity
If continuous RF energy is applied to maintain vaporization, then tissue vaporization efficiency is improved, but heat generation increases causing excessive heat transfer to the insulative layer
Solution Approach 1:
The electrosurgical generator applies RF energy in controlled pulses rather than continuously. This periodic application allows the gaseous insulation layer to reform between pulses, maintaining electrical insulation while delivering sufficient energy for tissue vaporization. The pulsed mode prevents excessive heat accumulation in the insulative layer while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the electrical characteristics and thermal conditions during the procedure. When the insulative layer begins to overheat or its insulation properties degrade, the feedback system adjusts or terminates RF energy delivery, preventing excessive heat transfer while maintaining effective tissue vaporization throughout the procedure.
3Productivity
If the electrode surface is made smooth to facilitate tissue contact, then tissue vaporization is efficient, but gaseous insulation layer formation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed with different surface characteristics in different regions: the distal tip maintains a smooth surface for efficient tissue contact and vaporization, while the proximal portions incorporate features that promote gaseous bubble formation and retention. This local differentiation allows the electrode to simultaneously achieve good tissue contact and effective insulative layer formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode surface is segmented into functional zones with different properties. The distal tip is smooth for tissue interaction, while proximal segments have modified surfaces that favor gaseous bubble nucleation and adhesion. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function optimally without compromising the other.
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
The system efficiently vaporizes tissue with reduced power consumption, minimizing heat transfer to the insulative layer and preventing thrombotic material formation, enhancing procedural safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
puncturing bodily tissues such as the atrial septum with an electrode by dielectric breakdown
Implementation Method 2
energized in the radiofrequency (RF) range
Implementation Method 3
forming and holding a gaseous insulation layer
Implementation Method 4
reducing electrical current flow through liquids
Implementation Method 5
vaporize the targeted septal tissue
Implementation Method 6
heat generation
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical system for puncturing tissue includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate radiofrequency (RF) energy, and a crossing device connected to the electrosurgical generator, the crossing device including an electrode with a plurality of bores that extend into an exterior surface of the electrode. The electrode may be positioned at a distal tip of the crossing device.