Non-invasive RF Ablation with Adjustable Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radio-frequency ablation (RFA) techniques are invasive, causing thermal damage and bleeding, with limited treatment depth and risk of infection, and bi-polar RFA's fixed electrode distance restricts treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive RFA system with adjustable electrodes and a contact cooling unit to regulate treatment depth and temperature, eliminating the need for electrode insertion and reducing thermal damage, using a substrate with electrodes and a moving unit to control distance and a radio frequency generator for precise ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrodes are inserted into tissue for RFA treatment, then ablation effectiveness is improved, but bleeding and risk of infection increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-invasive intermediary approach by placing electrodes on the tissue surface rather than inserting them into the tissue. This mediator approach (surface electrodes with controlled current delivery) achieves ablation effectiveness while avoiding the harmful effects of invasive insertion, thereby resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion system (physical penetration of electrodes into tissue) with an electromagnetic field-based system. By using surface electrodes that deliver RF current through the tissue without mechanical penetration, the system maintains ablation effectiveness while eliminating bleeding and infection risks associated with invasive procedures
2Device complexity
If fixed-distance electrodes are used in bipolar RFA, then device simplicity is improved, but treatment depth is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-distance electrode configuration into a dynamic system where electrode positions and distances can be adjusted. By making the electrode spacing variable rather than fixed, the system can adapt treatment depth to different clinical needs while maintaining operational simplicity, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and treatment depth flexibility
3Reliability
If prolonged RFA treatment is applied, then ablation completeness is improved, but thermal damage to peripheral tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by concentrating RF energy delivery precisely at the target lesion site through surface electrode placement. By localizing the thermal effect to the immediate treatment area and using adjustable electrode spacing to control penetration depth, the system achieves complete ablation of the target while minimizing thermal spread to peripheral non-targeted tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control mechanisms to monitor and regulate treatment parameters during RF ablation. By continuously assessing treatment progress and adjusting energy delivery accordingly, the system achieves complete ablation while preventing excessive thermal accumulation that would cause damage to surrounding healthy tissue
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive RFA is used, then safety is improved, but control precision over treatment area and depth is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves precise control in non-invasive RFA by systematically varying key parameters including electrode spacing, RF frequency, power output, and treatment duration. By optimizing these parameters, the system maintains safety benefits of non-invasive approach while achieving sufficient precision in controlling treatment area and depth through parameter adjustment rather than mechanical insertion precision
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 precise control over treatment depth and temperature, reducing thermal damage and complications, while enhancing RF flow and ablation effectiveness without invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
providing a radio frequency current to the first electrode and the second electrode for producing thermal energy to ablate or electrically burn the soft or mucosal tissue under the third surface
Implementation Method 2
a moving unit electrically connected to the second electrode, to regulate the distance between the second electrode and the first electrode by moving the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation device of a non-invasive radio-frequency ablation system includes a substrate having a first surface; a first electrode disposed on the first surface; a second electrode disposed on the first surface and adjacent to the first electrode; a moving unit electrically connected to the second electrode for moving the second electrode to regulate the distance between the second electrode and the first electrode; and a radio frequency generator connected to the ablation device for providing a radio frequency current to the first electrode and the second electrode. According to a method using the ablation device, the first and second electrodes are brought into contact with a third surface belonging to a subject in need of treatment, and the radio frequency current is applied to the electrodes to carry out a treatment procedure. The treatment depth and area are adjusted by changing the relative distance between the electrodes.