Non-thermal Electrical Vessel Closure via Pulsed Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating solid tumors and cutaneous/subcutaneous vascular disorders, such as sclerotherapy and laser therapy, are either painful, partially effective, or cause significant thermal damage and side effects, and lack precise control over hemostasis, especially in small vessels.
Innovation Solution
Non-thermal, electrically induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels using short pulses of electrical current with defined regimes and optimized electrode configurations to minimize tissue damage and achieve controlled occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods (sclerotherapy, laser therapy) are used to treat vascular disorders, then vascular dysfunction is achieved, but thermal damage and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal-based mechanisms (laser, electrosurgery) with a non-thermal electrical mechanism. Electrical pulses induce voltage-gated calcium channel opening in vascular smooth muscle cells, causing calcium influx, cytoskeletal contraction, and vessel occlusion without significant heat generation. This substitution eliminates thermal damage to surrounding tissue while achieving reliable vascular dysfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy delivery from thermal to non-thermal electrical. By applying controlled electrical pulses with specific parameters (duration, frequency, intensity), the system achieves vascular occlusion through electrophysiological mechanisms rather than thermal effects, thereby avoiding thermal damage while maintaining treatment reliability.
2Reliability
If electrical current is applied to induce vessel closure, then hemostasis is achieved, but electrochemical damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic, pulsed electrical application rather than continuous current. Short-duration pulses are delivered at controlled frequencies, allowing the tissue to recover between pulses and preventing accumulation of electrochemical damage products. This periodic action maintains hemostasis effectiveness while minimizing harmful side effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes electrical parameters (pulse duration, frequency, intensity) to achieve the minimum effective threshold for vessel closure while staying below thresholds that cause electrochemical damage. By precisely controlling these parameters, the system achieves reliable hemostasis without significant adverse effects.
3Reliability
If mechanical clamping is used to occlude tumor vasculature, then vascular occlusion is achieved, but the twisted and branched nature of tumor vasculature makes it impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical clamping with a non-contact electrical field approach. Electrical pulses are delivered through electrodes positioned near the tumor, allowing remote induction of vascular occlusion without requiring physical access to or manipulation of the twisted and branched vasculature. This eliminates the operational difficulties associated with mechanical clamping of complex vascular networks.
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 method effectively induces hemostasis with minimal electrochemical damage and discomfort, suitable for treating various vascular conditions, including solid tumors and cutaneous/subcutaneous disorders, by controlling the extent of vessel closure through manipulation of electrical stimulation parameters and electrode geometry.
Implementation Method 1
The subject methods include the application of short-duration electrical pulses to induce an electrical field to the targeted blood vessel(s) and thereby cause the occlusion of the blood vessel(s)
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for the non-thermal, electrically-induced temporary or permanent closure of blood vessels. The subject methods and devices employ pulsed electrical energy according to a defined regime to effect controlled occlusion of targeted blood vessels without heating the vessel and with minimal damage to adjacent tissue. The extent of vessel closure, i.e., temporary (vasoconstriction) or permanent (thrombosis), is controlled based on the manipulation of various parameters of the electrical stimulation regime as well as the configuration of the electrodes used to apply the regime.