RF Ablation Device Jam-Preventing Electrical Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for uterine fibroids, such as hysterectomy, uterine artery embolization, and myomectomy, are associated with high complication rates and long recovery times, and existing RF ablation methods do not effectively address the need for a safe and efficient alternative that conserves the uterus and minimizes infertility risks.
Innovation Solution
A RF ablation device featuring a cannula with deflectable stylets and a motor-driven mechanism that allows for axial movement, maintaining a linear configuration of thermocouple wires and RF energy delivery, along with a flexible printed circuit for navigation and energy control, enabling precise ablation with reduced recovery time and minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a motor-driven mechanism is used to advance stylets axially, then the stylets can be precisely positioned and controlled, but the thermocouple wires may become tangled or jammed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) to replace rigid wire connections. The FPC is folded into a compact configuration that allows axial movement of the stylets without causing wire tangling or jamming. This flexible membrane structure maintains electrical connectivity while accommodating the mechanical motion, thereby resolving the contradiction between precise stylet control and wire management complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If preformed springy stylets are used to define ablation volume, then the ablation shape can be customized, but the stylets may pierce tissue along curved paths causing unintended damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static preformed curved stylets to dynamic straight stylets that can be axially advanced and repositioned by a motor-driven mechanism. This dynamic control allows the stylets to be deployed in a controlled manner, advancing through tissue along straight paths rather than following predetermined curved trajectories. The ability to adjust stylet position axially provides versatility for customizing ablation volumes while minimizing unintended tissue damage through precise control.
3Productivity
If classical surgical procedures are used for myomectomy, then fibroids can be removed, but recovery time is long and complications are frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces classical mechanical surgical procedures with RF ablation technology. Instead of physically removing fibroids through incisions and sutures, the system uses radiofrequency energy to heat and destroy fibroid tissue through controlled ablation. This substitution of mechanical surgery with electromagnetic energy delivery significantly reduces recovery time and complications while maintaining effective fibroid removal, directly addressing the contradiction between productivity and recovery time.
4Loss of time
If RF ablation is used to shrink fibroids, then uterine fibroids can be treated with reduced recovery time, but the device must maintain electrical coupling while allowing axial movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) to maintain reliable electrical coupling between the RF generator and the stylets while allowing axial movement. The FPC's flexible nature enables it to bend and fold as the stylets move in and out of the catheter, preventing wire damage and maintaining continuous electrical connection. This solution resolves the contradiction by providing both the movement capability needed for treatment and the electrical stability required for safe RF ablation.
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 effectively shrinks or eliminates uterine fibroids with reduced recovery time from 6-8 weeks to 3-10 days, conserving the uterus and minimizing complications, while allowing for precise control of ablation parameters and navigation.
Implementation Method 1
delivering electromagnetic energy or other energy through the ablation apparatus to the pelvic tumor to inducehyperthermia and ablate the tumor
Implementation Method 2
an RF ablation probe of the type used to treat tumors in the human liver byhyperthermia has been successfully demonstrated to substantially shrink or eliminate uterine fibroids
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive ablation element comprises an elongated cannula having a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula defines an internal lumen within the cannula and a cannula axis. A plurality of conductors contained within the lumen, each of the conductors has a proximal end proximate the proximal end of the cannula, and a distal end proximate the distal end of the cannula. A plurality of ablation stylets each has a proximal end and a distal end, and each coupled at the respective proximal end of the stylet to the distal end of a respective conductor, the stylets comprise a deflectable material, the conductors together with their respective stylets being mounted for axial movement. A trocar point defined proximate the distal end of the cannula. A deflection surface positioned between the trocar point and the proximal end of the cannula, the deflection surface being configured and positioned to deflect, in response to axial movement of the stylets in a direction from the proximate end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, at least some of the stylets laterally with respect to the cannula axis in different directions along substantially straight paths, the paths defining an ablation volume.