Return Electrode Energy Balancing for RF Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures require manual adjustment of multiple return electrodes on a patient's skin to achieve a suitable distribution of electrical energy, which is time-consuming and disruptive.
Innovation Solution
A system with a controller that automatically controls the distribution of electrical energy among a plurality of return electrodes, using transformers, resistors, switches, and generators to maintain uniform current and voltage distribution without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment of return electrodes is used to achieve suitable energy distribution, then energy distribution uniformity is improved, but procedural time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical adjustment system with an automated electrical control system. The controller automatically adjusts the electrical connection between the ablation electrode and multiple return electrodes, eliminating the need for manual repositioning while maintaining uniform energy distribution across the tissue treatment area.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-adjustment through the controller that automatically monitors and redistributes electrical energy among multiple return electrodes. The controller independently manages the electrical connections without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to self-optimize energy distribution during the procedure.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple return electrodes are used to dissipate electrical energy, then safety is improved by limiting impact on tissue, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single return path into multiple parallel return electrode paths. By connecting multiple return electrodes to the ablation electrode, the electrical current is segmented and distributed across multiple pathways, reducing the current density and thermal impact on any single area of tissue while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages electrical connections to multiple return electrodes, automatically adjusts energy distribution, monitors procedural parameters, and optimizes treatment outcomes. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate devices into a single integrated system.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual repositioning of return electrodes is performed, then energy distribution is optimized, but procedural disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static configuration requiring manual repositioning to a dynamic system where the controller continuously or periodically adjusts electrical connections among multiple return electrodes. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to changing tissue properties and procedural conditions without physical movement of electrodes, maintaining optimization while eliminating disruption.
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 system ensures consistent and efficient energy distribution among return electrodes, reducing the need for manual repositioning and maintaining electrode currents below safe thresholds, thereby enhancing procedural efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
controlling a distribution of the electrical energy among the plurality of return electrodes
Implementation Method 2
maintaining electrode currents below safe thresholds
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are directed to controlling distribution of electrical energy moving from an ablation electrode at a treatment site within a patient to a plurality of return electrodes on skin of the patient. Control over the distribution of electrical energy moving from the ablation electrode to the plurality of return electrodes can reduce or eliminate the need for manual intervention (e.g., repositioning the plurality of return electrodes on the skin of the patient, repositioning the patient, etc.) to achieve a suitable distribution of the electrical energy. Additionally, or alternatively, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can respond rapidly and automatically to changes in distribution of the electrical energy to reduce the likelihood and magnitude of inadvertent changes in the distribution of electrical energy over the course of a medical procedure.