Pulsed Electric Field Ablation Control Using Adaptive Electrode Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation technologies lack precise control over high voltage application for tissue selectivity and safe energy delivery, particularly in ablation therapy for cardiac arrhythmias, necessitating improved measurement and control schemes for effective and safe medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system with a multi-channel voltage/signal generator and programmable controller for adaptive adjustment of waveform amplitude, using current measurement to dynamically control energy delivery through independent electrode selections, and hierarchical pulse waveforms synchronized with cardiac pacing to ensure safe and targeted irreversible electroporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high voltage pulses are applied to tissue for electroporation, then cell membrane disruption and tissue ablation are achieved, but control precision over energy delivery and tissue selectivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrodes rather than using a single electrode. This allows selective activation of specific electrode pairs to target different tissue regions, improving both ablation effectiveness and energy delivery control precision through localized treatment zones
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage pulse parameters (amplitude, duration, waveform) in real-time based on measured tissue impedance and desired ablation depth. This dynamic control enables precise energy delivery while maintaining reliable tissue ablation across varying tissue conditions
2Reliability
If high voltage pulses are applied for irreversible electroporation, then tissue ablation is achieved, but damage to surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different electrodes are assigned different voltage pulse characteristics tailored to their specific anatomical locations and target tissue depths. This localized optimization achieves reliable ablation at each site while minimizing energy spill-over to surrounding healthy tissue through customized electrode-specific parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The system delivers voltage pulses at multiple hierarchical levels (nested waveforms with different amplitudes and durations) to progressively achieve the electroporation threshold. This partial action approach builds up the electric field incrementally, ensuring complete ablation of target tissue while preventing excessive energy delivery that would damage healthy tissue
3Ease of operation
If fixed voltage waveforms are used for electroporation, then treatment protocol simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different tissue types and clinical conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time measurement of tissue impedance and current flow during voltage pulse delivery. This feedback information is used to automatically adjust subsequent pulse parameters to match the actual tissue characteristics, enabling the protocol to adapt to different tissue types and clinical conditions while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically modifies multiple voltage waveform parameters (amplitude, pulse width, inter-pulse interval, waveform shape) based on measured tissue properties and treatment progress. These parameter changes enable the same basic protocol framework to effectively treat different tissue types and clinical conditions without requiring complex manual reconfiguration
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
Enhances the safety and efficiency of energy delivery by reducing the electric field threshold for irreversible electroporation, minimizing damage to healthy tissue and optimizing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
irreversible electroporation system may include a voltage/signal generator and a controller configured to deliver a voltage pulse waveform through a set of electrodes to ablate a tissue site by irreversible electroporation
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for current control of energy delivery to ablate tissue are disclosed. A generator may include a set of electrode channels coupled to a set of electrodes during use. Each electrode channel from the set of electrode channels may include a first switch from a first set of switches and a second switch from a second set of switches. A set of energy sources may be coupled to a third set of switches. The third set of switches may be configured to switch from an OFF state to an ON state to couple the set of energy sources to the set of electrodes. A set of resistors may be coupled to the second set of switches. The second set of switches may be configured to switch from an OFF state to an ON state to couple the set of resistors to the set of electrodes.