RF Ablation Cannula with Tissue Capture for Nerve Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for pain management, such as chemical-based anesthetics and tissue ablation techniques, often result in unwanted damage to surrounding tissue and prolonged recovery times, especially in delicate areas like the spinal column, due to their invasive nature and potential for collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A minimally invasive tissue removal device with a cannula and movable tissue capture member, featuring a cutting surface and suction capability, designed for precise capture and removal of soft tissue with minimal damage, allowing for microinvasive surgical procedures that reduce stress on the patient and shorten recovery times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cutting instruments like scalpel or cutting blade are used to remove soft tissue and nerves, then tissue removal efficiency is improved, but unwanted collateral damage to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical cutting instruments (scalpel, cutting blade) with a radiofrequency ablation system that uses electromagnetic energy to remove tissue. The RF electrode delivers electrical current that generates heat through ion agitation, causing coagulation necrosis and tissue removal without mechanical contact, thereby eliminating collateral mechanical damage to surrounding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the depth and extent of tissue removal by adjusting RF ablation parameters such as power level, treatment time, and electrode configuration. By modifying these parameters, the system achieves precise tissue removal with a controlled zone of necrosis, preventing excessive damage while maintaining efficient removal of target tissue like ligamentum flavum.
2Reliability
If multiple entries are required to remove and cut surrounding tissue for spinal decompression, then complete tissue removal is achieved, but surgical time and recovery period are prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The RF ablation system performs multiple functions through a single access point: it can coagulate blood vessels, remove soft tissue, and create a therapeutic zone all through one electrode insertion. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple separate surgical entries, reducing surgical time while achieving complete tissue removal and hemostasis simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines tissue cutting, coagulation, and removal functions into a single RF ablation procedure. Instead of performing separate cutting and coagulation steps with different instruments, the RF electrode integrates these functions, allowing complete tissue removal and vascular sealing through one continuous process, thereby shortening both surgical and recovery time.
3Reliability
If chemical-based anesthetics are administered for pain relief, then analgesia is achieved, but undesirable after effects such as nausea and extended fasting requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical-based anesthesia with radiofrequency ablation, which uses electromagnetic energy to selectively destroy pain-transmitting nerves. This physical approach provides reliable analgesia by interrupting pain pathways without the systemic side effects of chemical anesthetics, eliminating nausea and removing the need for extended fasting protocols.
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 device enables efficient removal of soft tissue with reduced unwanted destruction to adjacent nerve and soft tissue, facilitating earlier patient care and reducing the invasiveness of procedures like microdiscectomies, thereby improving surgical and recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site
Implementation Method 2
a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position
Data Source
AI summary
Ablation devices useful for removing nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a cannula having an opening at a distal tip of the cannula, the opening configured for suction of a surgical site, and a movable tissue capture member having a portion disposed within the opening or adjacent to the cannula, the movable tissue capture member configured to capture tissue when moved in a first position. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.