Retractable Electrode Electrical Ablation Device for Adhesion Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrical ablation devices are ineffective in ablating adhesions and other abnormal fibrous growths, necessitating the development of devices capable of treating a variety of abnormal tissues using minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Innovation Solution
An electrical ablation device with retractable and extendable electrodes, featuring fork-like prongs that can grasp and ablate tissue, utilizing an energy source to deliver electrical energy in the form of an electric arc between the electrodes and the tissue, allowing for effective ablation of fibrous tissues like adhesions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrical ablation devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is ineffective for ablating adhesions and abnormal fibrous growths
Solution Approach 1:
The second electrode is divided into multiple prongs (first prong and second prong) that can be extended and retracted. This segmentation allows the electrode to adapt to different tissue configurations and improve contact with adhesions, thereby enhancing ablation effectiveness while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are designed with extendable and retractable prongs that can dynamically adjust their configuration. The prongs can be extended to engage with adhesions and retracted to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue, providing dynamic adaptability that improves ablation reliability without significantly complicating the device.
2Reliability
If the electrodes are extended to grasp tissue, then the ablation capability is improved, but the risk of damaging surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prongs are designed to be extendable only when needed for tissue engagement and retractable when not in use. This dynamic configuration allows the electrodes to grasp adhesions effectively for ablation while minimizing contact with and potential damage to surrounding healthy tissue, thus improving ablation capability while reducing harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The prongs are specifically designed to engage with and concentrate electrical energy on the adhesion tissue locally. By confining the electrical arc and mechanical contact to only the necessary tissue (the adhesion), the device achieves effective ablation while sparing surrounding healthy tissue from damage.
3Ease of operation
If the electrodes are retracted within the housing, then the minimally invasive insertion is enabled, but the electrode functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The prongs are nested within the housing in a retracted state, allowing the device to be inserted minimally invasively through small incisions or natural orifices. Once positioned, the prongs can be extended from the housing to provide full electrode functionality for tissue engagement and ablation, thus achieving both easy insertion and versatile functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes transition from a retracted, low-profile configuration during insertion to an extended, functional configuration during operation. This dynamic transformation enables the device to be inserted minimally invasively while still providing complete electrode functionality for grasping and ablating various abnormal tissues.
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
Enables effective ablation of abnormal tissues, including adhesions, through minimally invasive procedures by ensuring electrical current flows only when the electrodes are in close proximity to the tissue, thereby efficiently removing fibrous growths.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing an energy source to deliver electrical energy in the form of an electric arc between the electrodes and the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The electrodes are then energized by an energy source to remove the abnormal tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical ablation apparatus includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A first electrode and a second electrode are disposed within the housing. The electrodes are configured to connect to electrically conductive wires. The first and second electrodes are separated by a gap. The second electrode includes first and second prongs defining an opening suitable to receive tissue to be ablated therebetween. When the first and second electrodes are energized at a predetermined energy level, an electric current suitable to ablate the tissue flows across the gap and forms an electric arc between the distal end of the first electrode and the tissue. A system includes an energy source to drive the electrical ablation apparatus. A method includes introducing the electrical ablation apparatus into a patient and ablating tissue with the electric arc.