RF Ablation Blade Electrodes and Insulated Backstop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio frequency (RF) ablation devices with slidable electrodes face challenges such as difficulty in use, manufacturing issues, and unintended heating of adjacent tissues or the surgeon's hand, and they are inefficient in ablating circular, linear, or curvilinear regions of target tissues.
Innovation Solution
The development of RF ablation systems featuring a series of blade-shaped electrodes in fixed positions within an electrically insulated holder, powered by an RF source, which allows for efficient ablation of tissues by applying alternating current between designated pairs or groups of electrodes, and a backstop made from non-conductive material to reduce thermal and physical heat transfer injuries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If slidable electrodes are used in RF ablation devices, then the device can be manufactured with movable electrode mechanisms, but the device becomes difficult to use and manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the electrode array into multiple independent blade-shaped electrodes that can be selectively activated. Instead of moving all electrodes, the system segments the ablation function across multiple fixed electrodes, allowing flexible treatment patterns without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than making electrodes movable within a single holder, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple fixed holders with blade-shaped electrodes that can be positioned independently. This eliminates the need for slidable mechanisms while achieving similar adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If small diameter needle-like electrodes are used, then the electrodes can be inserted into tissue easily, but the electrodes become very hot and cause tissue sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The blade-shaped electrodes have a specific geometric design with broader contact surfaces compared to needle electrodes. This local geometric modification distributes the thermal load over a larger area, reducing peak temperatures and preventing tissue adhesion while maintaining insertion capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the electrodes from thin needle-like structures to blade-shaped structures with optimized dimensions. This parameter change affects both the insertion properties and thermal characteristics, reducing electrode temperature and tissue sticking.
3Reliability
If RF energy is delivered to ablate tissue, then tumor destruction is achieved, but unintended heating of adjacent tissues or surgeon's hand occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The RF energy delivery is segmented across multiple blade-shaped electrodes arranged in arrays. This segmentation allows precise control of energy distribution, concentrating ablation effect on target tissue while reducing stray energy that could heat adjacent structures or the surgeon's hand.
Solution Approach 2:
The blade-shaped electrodes act as intermediaries between the RF power source and the target tissue. Their specific geometry and arrangement optimize energy transfer to the tumor while minimizing thermal spread to surrounding healthy tissues, serving as a controlled interface that protects against unintended heating.
4Reliability
If multiple electrode insertions are required for ablation, then complete tumor coverage can be achieved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple blade-shaped electrodes are merged into integrated arrays that can be inserted simultaneously or in fewer steps. The electrodes work in coordination to cover the entire tumor volume in a single procedure, reducing the number of separate insertions and energy delivery cycles required compared to single-needle approaches.
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 solution enhances usability and efficiency in ablating tissues, reduces unintended heating, and allows for precise ablation of various tissue regions, including circular, linear, or curvilinear areas, while minimizing heat transfer to the surgeon and surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
RF ablation is a technique based on the conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat to destroy tumors in various organs
Implementation Method 2
RF ablation is a technique based on the conversion of electromagnetic energy into heat
Implementation Method 3
The backstops are useful for reducing direct physical and thermal heat transfer injuries to the patient or surgeon during procedures using radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to systems for use for radio frequency ablation. The systems can include one or more of an ablation tool, power source for use with the ablation tool and a backstop for use in conjunction with the ablation tool during surgical procedures. Preferred ablation tools comprise a series of three or more blade-shaped electrodes disposed in a linear, curved, curvilinear or circular array. The backstops are useful for reducing direct physical and thermal heat transfer injuries to the patient or surgeon during procedures using radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices.