Multifunctional RF Ablation Needle with Vascular Filter for Septal Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current radiofrequency ablation electrode needles for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy lack multifunctionality, including adjustable electrode exposure length and drug injection capabilities, and existing vascular filters are inadequate for preventing thrombus and embolus formation during septal ablation, posing risks of cardiac arrhythmia and embolic complications.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional radiofrequency ablation electrode needle system with adjustable exposure length and drug injection capabilities, combined with a retrievable vascular filter assembly designed to filter thrombi and emboli in the aorta without obstructing blood flow, to ensure precise ablation and prevent embolic complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional radiofrequency ablation electrode needles are used, then the ablation procedure can be performed, but the needles lack multifunctionality including adjustable electrode exposure length and drug injection capabilities

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovemultifunctionalityVSAvoidneedle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode needle is designed with multiple functions: adjustable electrode exposure length for precise ablation control, drug injection capability for delivering antiarrhythmic medications directly to the target area, and cooling function to manage tissue temperature during ablation. This multi-functional design addresses the limitation of conventional single-function needles while treating HCM effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If percutaneous intramyocardial septal radiofrequency ablation is performed, then treatment of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can be achieved, but there is a risk of contacting conduction bundles at the endocardia during puncture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation safetyVSAvoidcardiac arrhythmia risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates pre-procedural planning using imaging guidance to map the puncture pathway and identify conduction bundle locations before the actual ablation. During the procedure, real-time monitoring detects electrical signals that indicate proximity to conduction bundles, allowing the operator to adjust the needle position or pause ablation to prevent triggering arrhythmias.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If septal ablation is performed to treat HCM, then ventricular septum can be ablated, but debris may flow into the aorta causing embolic complications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation effectivenessVSAvoidembolic complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vascular filter is introduced into the aorta before the ablation procedure to act as an intermediary barrier. This filter captures and traps debris, thrombus, and emboli that may be dislodged during septal ablation, preventing them from traveling to the brain or other organs. The filter is positioned in the aortic arch or descending aorta where it effectively intercepts particulate matter while allowing normal blood flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 precise and effective ablation of hypertrophic ventricular septum while minimizing the risk of cardiac arrhythmia and embolic events by preventing debris flow into the aorta, thereby improving treatment safety and efficacy for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy patients.

Implementation Method 1

The RF ablation generator is then turned on to implement single-point or multi-point ablation on the hypertrophic area of the ventricular septum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a retrievable vascular filter assembly designed to filter thrombi and emboli in the aorta without obstructing blood flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12193726B2Method and device for interventricular septal ablation

Publication Date: 2025.01.14 FOURTH MILITARY MEDICAL UNIVERSITY

AI summary

A method for treating hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) utilizes an RF ablation electrode needle system that has an RF ablation generator, and an electrode needle. The distal end of the electrode needle is introduced to puncture within myocardium after piercing through epicardium and then advanced along an intramyocardial pathway between endocardia at two lateral sides of the interventricular septum to reach a hypertrophic area of an interventricular septum. The RF ablation generator is then turned on to implement single-point or multi-point ablation on the hypertrophic area of the interventricular septum, and then the RF electrode needle is withdrawn from the patient.