Multi-Electrode RF Ablation System with H-Bridge Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiofrequency electrosurgical systems are limited in producing large ablation volumes, often resulting in irregular shapes and increased risk of hemorrhage due to the use of single large-diameter electrodes, which can miss cancerous cells and cause discomfort during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency electrosurgical system employing multiple small-diameter electrodes connected to a single RF source, with a switching mechanism to control RF energy delivery, allowing for larger ablation volumes and simultaneous ablation of multiple lesions with reduced trauma and discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If a single large-diameter electrode is used to produce large ablation volumes, then the ablation volume increases, but the risk of hemorrhage and discomfort during insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large-diameter electrode into multiple small-diameter electrodes (e.g., three 1.25 mm electrodes instead of one large electrode). This segmentation allows the system to achieve the same or larger ablation volume while reducing insertion trauma and hemorrhage risk, as each small electrode causes minimal tissue disruption during insertion.
2Volume of stationary object
If a single large-diameter electrode is used to produce large ablation volumes, then the ablation volume increases, but the lesion shape becomes irregular and cancerous cells may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple small electrodes are arranged in a specific geometric configuration (e.g., triangular array) to create a more uniform and predictable ablation shape. The segmented approach allows better control over heat distribution, ensuring complete coverage of the target volume without irregular extensions that could miss cancerous cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ablation effects of multiple small electrodes to create a unified large ablation volume. By synchronizing the RF energy delivery to multiple electrodes, the system merges their individual thermal zones into a single coherent treatment volume with improved shape control and uniformity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple small-diameter electrodes are used instead of a single large electrode, then insertion trauma and discomfort are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single RF generator that serves multiple small electrodes through a switching mechanism. This multi-functional approach allows one generator to control all electrodes sequentially or simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple independent RF sources and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the increased number of electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching mechanism delivers RF energy to multiple electrodes in a periodic or sequential manner rather than continuously to all electrodes simultaneously. This time-division multiplexing approach allows a single RF generator to efficiently drive multiple electrodes, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining the ability to create large ablation volumes with minimal insertion trauma.
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 enables the creation of larger ablation volumes up to 6 cm in diameter with minimal lesion inhomogeneities, reducing the risk of hemorrhage and discomfort, while effectively treating large tumors with precise heat distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The electrode is connected to a radiofrequency power source, which provides radiofrequency voltage to the electrode, which transmits the radiofrequency current into the tissue near its exposed conductive tip
Implementation Method 2
A radiofrequency electrosurgical system employing multiple electrodes connected to a single RF source, with a switching mechanism to control RF energy delivery, allowing for larger ablation volumes and simultaneous ablation of multiple lesions
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing an electrosurgical procedure at a surgical site on a patient, the method including the steps of providing a current restricting circuit operatively coupled between a source of electro surgical energy and an electrode, the current restricting circuit including: a switch configured to direct the flow of electrosurgical energy; and a plurality of current restrictive devices arranged in an H-Bridge arrangement, wherein the switch is disposed between adjacent current restrictive devices of the plurality of current restrictive devices; restricting the flow of electrosurgical energy wherein the current restricting circuit is configured to restrict a flow of electrosurgical energy when the switch is in a first position; enabling the flow of electrosurgical energy when the switch is in a second position; and dynamically controlling the electrosurgical energy delivered to the electrode with the current restricting circuit.