RF Ablation Element Insertion Through Dense Uterine Fibroid Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for uterine fibroid ablation face challenges in penetrating dense target tissue, requiring excessive force and causing deformation due to resistance from the target tissue.
Innovation Solution
Ablation elements with a radiofrequency generator that utilize a cutting or insertion mode to penetrate target tissue by oscillating voltage or power to reduce insertion force, combined with temperature control between 80° C. and 115° C. to facilitate easier and more accurate insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an ablation element is inserted into dense target tissue using conventional methods, then the ablation procedure can be performed, but excessive force is required and the target tissue deforms
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the target tissue interface to between 80°C and 115°C before insertion to soften and facilitate penetration. This preliminary thermal action reduces the force required during subsequent insertion while preventing excessive deformation of the tissue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the tissue interface dynamically during insertion, maintaining it within 80°C to 115°C. This parameter change softens the dense tissue, reducing insertion resistance and enabling easier penetration without requiring excessive force that would cause deformation.
2Ease of operation
If an ablation element is inserted into dense target tissue using conventional methods, then the ablation procedure can be performed, but the target tissue resists penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the target tissue interface to between 80°C and 115°C before insertion to soften and facilitate penetration. This preliminary thermal action reduces the force required during subsequent insertion while preventing excessive deformation of the tissue structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the tissue interface dynamically during insertion, maintaining it within 80°C to 115°C. This parameter change softens the dense tissue, reducing insertion resistance and enabling easier penetration without requiring excessive force that would cause deformation.
3Device complexity
If conventional insertion methods are used without temperature control, then the procedure is simpler, but the insertion force causes tissue deformation
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensing at the tissue interface and uses feedback control to maintain the temperature between 80°C and 115°C during insertion. This feedback mechanism prevents tissue deformation by adjusting power delivery in real-time, while the added complexity is offset by the improved reliability and ease of insertion.
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 reduces the force required for inserting ablation elements into dense tissue, enhancing precision and ease of use by maintaining a controlled temperature during penetration.
Implementation Method 1
delivering energy to the ablation element to cause a temperature measured by the ablation element at an interface with the target tissue to rise to between about 80° C. and about 115° C.
Implementation Method 2
The use of such a cutting or insertion mode during the insertion of ablation elements into target tissue can reduce the force required to insert the ablation elements into the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, devices, and methods for tissue penetration are disclosed. The system includes an ablation element that penetrates the tissue and a radiofrequency generator that delivers energy to the ablation element. The radiofrequency generator may have two modes: a cutting or insertion mode and an ablation or coagulation mode. The cutting or insertion mode is used to cut or penetrate the tissue by providing a voltage or power modulation that acts to cut or soften tissue contacted by the ablation element. The ablation or coagulation mode is used to ablate or coagulate the tissue.