Retractable Catheter With Flexible Protecting Net For RF Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF treatment devices face challenges in treating large cavities like the bladder due to limited tensile deformation of metal electrodes, leading to potential scratching of the organ's inner wall during catheter insertion and extraction, which hampers effective treatment of conditions such as overactive bladder incontinence.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a retractable cavity and a flexible protecting net that expands to accommodate volume changes, allowing the RF electrode array to maintain contact with the organ's surface while minimizing scratching, using elastic materials like siloxane and polyurethane to ensure stable and non-invasive treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid metal electrode array is used for RF treatment, then the electrical contact stability is improved, but the device cannot accommodate large volume changes in organs like the bladder
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a retractable cavity that can dynamically change volume between a contracted state (for insertion through narrow urethra) and an expanded state (for treatment in the bladder). This dynamic structure allows the rigid electrode array to maintain stable electrical contact while the overall device adapts to varying organ volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is nested within the retractable cavity, which itself is nested within the catheter body. This nested structure allows the rigid electrodes to be protected and concealed during insertion, then deployed for treatment when the cavity expands.
2Reliability
If the catheter is inserted deep into the bladder for treatment, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the risk of scratching the inner wall during insertion and extraction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible protecting net that surrounds the electrode array and provides a cushioning layer between the rigid electrodes and the bladder inner wall. This protecting net is in place before insertion, preventing scratching during both insertion and extraction while allowing the electrodes to maintain contact with the tissue for effective treatment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the electrode array is made flexible to accommodate volume changes, then the adaptability to organ shape changes is improved, but the electrical contact stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two distinct parts: a rigid electrode array for stable electrical contact and a flexible retractable cavity for shape adaptation. The segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function without compromise - the rigid electrodes provide reliable contact while the flexible cavity adapts to organ geometry changes.
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 flexible protecting net prevents scratching of the organ's inner wall during catheter insertion and extraction, maintains effective electrical contact, and adapts to the organ's volume changes, enhancing the reliability and safety of RF treatment.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible protecting net surrounding outside of the RF electrode array has a connector connected with the tube body and multiple holes for RF electrodes of the RF electrode array to protrude or touch the inner wall of the organ
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive and permeable RF diagnosis and treatment equipment and its catheter are provided. The catheter which comprises a tube body, a RF electrode array and a flexible protecting net has a retractable cavity, and the RF electrode array is attached to an outer surface of the retractable cavity; the flexible protecting net surrounding outside of the RF electrode array has a connector connected with the tube body and multiple holes. The retractable cavity has a smaller volume contraction state and a larger volume expansion state. Using the catheter, when inserting or pulling out the catheter, the RF electrode array will not contact the inner wall of the organ, but the flexible protecting net contacts the inner wall of the organ. In this way, the scratch of the inner wall of the organ caused by the RF electrode array can be minimized or even avoided through the flexible protecting net.