Plasma Arc Tissue Ablation via Conductive Fluid Mediator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation methods using electrodes within tumors face challenges such as increased impedance and reduced current flow due to heat generation, leading to incomplete tumor destruction, and are complex and inefficient when multiple electrodes are multiplexed.
Innovation Solution
The use of one or more electrodes advanced to a target tissue to create a plasma arc, generating heat that desiccates or ablates the tissue, with the electrodes positioned within an elongate instrument capable of withstanding high temperatures, such as glass or quartz, to maintain a stable plasma arc and prevent vapor emission into the body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrodes are inserted directly into tumors and RF is sent to generate heat, then heat is generated to kill the tumor, but the tumor desiccates and impedance increases reducing current flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid (such as saline or other conductive solutions) as an intermediary between the electrode and the tumor tissue. This fluid maintains a conductive pathway, preventing tumor desiccation and maintaining current flow. The fluid acts as a mediator that allows continuous RF energy delivery without the impedance problems that occur with direct electrode-tumor contact.
2Temperature
If multiple electrodes are inserted and multiplexed to energize each electrode, then heat is generated to destroy the tumor, but the procedure becomes complex and not very effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single electrode structure. Rather than inserting and multiplexing multiple separate electrodes, the invention uses one electrode with multiple functional capabilities, including the ability to deliver RF energy and the ability to pump or deliver fluid to maintain conductivity. This merging reduces procedural complexity while maintaining effective heat generation.
3Temperature
If electrodes are used to generate heat in target tissue, then tissue ablation is achieved, but vapor may be emitted into the body causing complications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses fluid as an intermediary that serves multiple functions: it maintains electrical conductivity for continuous RF energy delivery, and it acts as a barrier or sink for vapor, preventing vapor from being emitted into the body. The fluid absorbs or contains the vapor generated during high-temperature tissue ablation, eliminating the harmful side effect while preserving the therapeutic heat generation.
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 method effectively ablates tissue by creating a high-temperature plasma arc that efficiently desiccates and destroys target tissue, including tumors, while minimizing complications and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc. The plasma arc generates heat which desiccates or ablates the target tissue.
Implementation Method 2
The plasma arc generates heat which desiccates or ablates the target tissue.
Implementation Method 3
the electrodes positioned within an elongate instrument capable of withstanding high temperatures, such as glass or quartz, to maintain a stable plasma arc and prevent vapor emission into the body
Data Source
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AI summary
Various apparatus and methods for ablating tissue are described therein. In certain variations, a method for ablating tissue may include advancing one or more electrodes, e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode, to or near a target tissue in a subject. The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc. The plasma arc generates heat which desiccates or ablates the target tissue. An apparatus for ablating tissue may include an elongate instrument, e.g., a tube or rod. One or more electrodes, e.g., a first electrode and a second electrode, may be provided in the elongate instrument. The electrodes may be energized such that the electrodes create a plasma arc for generating heat to desiccate or ablate a target tissue.