RF Ablation Probe Tine Valves for Cannula Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional RF electrosurgical probes face mechanical interference issues due to biological material entering the cannula during deployment and retraction of electrode tines, leading to blockages and jamming.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pliable sheath with pre-formed or dynamically created tine valves that open during deployment and close during retraction to prevent biological material from entering the cannula, ensuring smooth operation of the electrode tine array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrode tines are deployed through the cannula, then RF ablation treatment can be performed, but biological material enters the cannula causing mechanical interference
Solution Approach 1:
A valve mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode tines and the external environment. The valve opens to allow electrode deployment and closes to prevent biological material entry, mediating between the need for electrode access and the need to protect the cannula interior
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is constructed using flexible materials that allow it to deform and seal around the electrode tines. This flexible membrane structure enables the valve to adapt to the electrode geometry while maintaining an effective seal against biological material
2Length of moving object
If lower profile (smaller gauge) RF probes are designed, then less invasive insertion is achieved, but space for electrode array is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is nested within the cannula in a compact configuration before deployment. The electrodes are arranged in a space-efficient manner that allows them to fit within the reduced cannula diameter, similar to nested dolls occupying hierarchical space
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array transitions from a compact three-dimensional configuration during insertion to an extended planar or linear configuration during deployment. This dimensional transformation allows the electrodes to fit within a smaller gauge cannula while still providing adequate treatment area
3Length of moving object
If tight clearances and tolerances are used in electrode array assembly, then lower profile probe is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into modular segments including the cannula, electrode array, and valve mechanism. Each segment can be manufactured with standard tolerances and then assembled, reducing the need for extremely tight clearances across the entire assembly while maintaining a compact profile
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 tine valves effectively minimize mechanical interference, allowing for reliable deployment and retraction of the electrode tine array, reducing the risk of blockages and maintaining the integrity of the RF ablation process.
Implementation Method 1
The tine valve(s) is configured to open in response to pressure exerted during deployment of the electrode tine(s)
Implementation Method 2
The tine valve(s) is configured to close when the electrode tine(s) is retracted
Implementation Method 3
In one embodiment, the sheath is pliable, such that the tine valve(s) can more easily hinder the entry of the biological material
Implementation Method 4
RF energy may be transmitted from the electrode tine array to ablate the target tissue, causing heating and eventual necrosis of cancerous or malignant tissue. RF ablation occurs when a high frequency alternating current flows from one electrode to another, completing a current path, causing ionic agitation. Ionic agitation occurs around an active electrode as a result of frictional heating in the tissue surrounding the electrode tines
Implementation Method 5
Ionic agitation occurs around an active electrode as a result of frictional heating in the tissue surrounding the electrode tines
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue ablation probe is provided. The tissue ablation probe comprises an elongated shaft, at least one electrode tine carried by the elongated shaft, at least one tine exit from which the electrode tine(s) can be deployed from the elongated shaft and retracted within the elongated shaft, and a sheath covering the electrode tine exit(s). The sheath may, e.g., line an exterior surface of the elongated shaft or an interior surface of the elongated shaft. The sheath has at least one tine valve (e.g., a slit) positioned over the electrode tine exit(s) and configured to open when the electrode tine is deployed and to close when the electrode tine(s) is retracted. In one embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to open in response to pressure exerted during deployment of the electrode tine(s). In another embodiment, the tine valve(s) is configured to hinder the entry of biological material within the elongated shaft. In one embodiment, the sheath is pliable, such that the tine valve(s) can more easily hinder the entry of the biological material.