Radiopaque Segmented Markers for Cannula Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrosurgical procedures face challenges in visualizing the location of lesion formation, as lesions often form around the entire electrically exposed conductive region of the cannula rather than at the distal end, and the use of radiopaque markers can alter the cannula's shape, requiring additional force for insertion.
Innovation Solution
An elongate member is designed to cooperatively engage with the cannula at a predetermined insertion depth, providing a variation in radiopacity that serves as a visual reference under fluoroscopic imaging to indicate the intended lesion location, allowing precise positioning of the electrically exposed conductive region without altering the cannula's shape or increasing insertion force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a radiopaque marker is affixed to the distal end of a cannula to provide visual reference for lesion location, then the visualization precision is improved, but the cannula shape is modified requiring extra force for insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The radiopaque marker is segmented into multiple discrete markers positioned at different locations along the cannula (distal end, proximal end, and intermediate positions). This segmentation allows the visual reference function to be distributed across multiple points rather than concentrated at the distal end, providing comprehensive visualization of the cannula's position and orientation without requiring a large marker at the tip that would interfere with insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary solution by using radiopaque markers of varying sizes and positions along the cannula body rather than a single large marker at the distal end. These intermediate markers serve as visual references that do not significantly alter the cannula's overall shape or tip geometry, thus maintaining ease of insertion while still providing fluoroscopic visualization capability.
2Reliability
If the cannula is designed with an electrically exposed conductive region for delivering energy to form a lesion, then the therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the lesion location becomes difficult to visualize and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of visual differentiation by using radiopaque markers that appear distinct under fluoroscopic imaging. These markers create high-contrast visual references that allow the operator to precisely locate the cannula and infer the position of the electrically exposed conductive region, thereby achieving accurate lesion placement while maintaining effective energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visualization dimension by incorporating radiopaque markers that are visible under fluoroscopic imaging. This adds a visual reference layer that does not interfere with the electrical function of the cannula, allowing simultaneous monitoring of cannula position and assurance of proper energy delivery zone placement.
3Quantity of substance
If the lesion forms around the entire electrically exposed conductive region rather than at the distal end, then the energy delivery coverage is improved, but the precision of lesion location control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing specific radiopaque markers at key locations (such as the distal end and intermediate positions) along the cannula. These localized visual references allow the operator to precisely identify the position of the electrically exposed conductive region, thereby controlling where the lesion will form even though energy delivery coverage encompasses the entire conductive region.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque markers provide real-time visual feedback under fluoroscopic imaging, allowing the operator to monitor the cannula's position and adjust it accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the electrically exposed conductive region is positioned accurately at the desired lesion site, maintaining precision control despite the extended energy delivery coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate member for inserting into a cannula is disclosed. The cannula comprises an electrically insulated region and an electrically exposed conductive region for delivering energy to form a lesion within a patient's body at an intended location relative to the electrically exposed conductive region. The elongate member is structured to cooperatively engage with the cannula at a pre-determined insertion depth and to provide a variation in radiopacity, at a pre-determined position relative to the electrically exposed conductive region, when inserted to the pre-determined insertion depth. The variation in radiopacity provides a visual reference for distinguishing, using fluoroscopic imaging, the intended location of the lesion.