RFA Catheter Reuse via Control Electronics Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Single-use radio-frequency catheters for endovenous radiofrequency ablation are often restricted for single-use only, leading to unnecessary replacement and increased healthcare costs, despite methods for restoring their physical and operational integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines standard cleaning and sterilization practices with specific steps to identify and circumvent use restrictions in the catheter's control electronics, allowing the catheter to be reused while meeting first-use operational specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the catheter is restricted to single-use operation, then the safety and reliability are improved, but the productivity and cost-effectiveness deteriorate due to unnecessary replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational status parameter of the catheter from single-use to reusable by implementing a reset mechanism that clears the use counter and restores the catheter to its initial state, allowing multiple procedures while maintaining safety standards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the use restriction functionality from the catheter system by providing an external reset mechanism that can clear the single-use restriction, separating the physical catheter from its software-imposed limitation
2Reliability
If the catheter is replaced after single use, then the reliability is improved, but the loss of substance and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the catheter after single use, the patent enables recovery and reuse by implementing a reset mechanism that restores the catheter to first-use status, eliminating waste and reducing material consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the lifecycle parameter of the catheter from disposable to reusable through software reset, extending the operational life and reducing the frequency of replacement
3Reliability
If the catheter is cleaned and sterilized, then the hygiene and safety are improved, but the use restriction in control electronics prevents reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the use restriction from the control electronics by providing an external reset mechanism that can clear the restriction without affecting the physical cleaning and sterilization process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reset mechanism as an intermediary between the cleaned catheter and the generator, which mediates the use restriction by allowing the catheter to be recognized as ready for reuse after proper reset procedures
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 the reuse of radio-frequency catheters that were previously restricted to single-use, thereby reducing healthcare costs and minimizing waste, without compromising the catheter's safety or effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The radiofrequency ablation catheter is then connected to a computer-controlled radiofrequency generator. When the generator is activated, radiofrequency energy is delivered to the catheter and emitted from the heating element on the distal portion of the catheter.
Implementation Method 2
radiofrequency energy is delivered to the catheter and emitted from the heating element on the distal portion of the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a method for restoring the use of a single-use RFA catheter system wherein the catheter is restored to first-use clean and sterilized status, and operating restrictions have been circumvented without affecting the first-use operational specifications.