Radial Compression Wrap for RF Ablation Tissue Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Radiofrequency ablation systems face challenges in maintaining tissue stability and reducing steam pops, leading to inconsistent clinical outcomes and procedural delays due to inadequate control over probe-tissue contact and temperature feedback.
Innovation Solution
A device providing radial compression to the tissue surrounding the active electrode of a radiofrequency ablation probe using a wrap with a stiffening element, which increases tissue stability and improves contact between the probe and tissue, thereby reducing gas buildup and steam pops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cooled radiofrequency ablation is used to create larger lesion volume, then the probability and clinical success of ablating target nerve tissue increases, but tissue stability deteriorates and steam pops occur
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device is applied to the tissue before radiofrequency ablation begins, pre-stabilizing the tissue and preventing movement during the procedure. This preliminary action ensures consistent probe-tissue contact from the start of energy delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device acts as an intermediary between the probe and tissue, providing indirect compression and stabilization. This mediator ensures uniform contact pressure distribution and prevents direct probe-tissue instability without interfering with the ablation process
2Use of energy by moving object
If higher energy is delivered to increase lesion volume, then ablation effectiveness improves, but temperature control becomes difficult and steam pops increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression device provides stable mechanical feedback by maintaining constant tissue compression, which ensures consistent thermal coupling between the probe and tissue. This mechanical feedback loop prevents temperature runaway and steam pop formation during high energy delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device changes the mechanical parameter of tissue compression, which indirectly controls thermal parameters by ensuring consistent contact. This parameter change allows higher energy delivery while maintaining temperature control through improved thermal coupling
3Productivity
If probe-tissue contact force is increased to improve energy delivery, then lesion volume increases, but tissue damage and procedural delays increase
Solution Approach 1:
The compression force is segmented and distributed uniformly across the treatment area through the compression device, rather than concentrating force at the probe tip. This segmentation prevents localized tissue damage while maintaining overall contact force for effective energy delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The compression device provides localized compression quality control, applying appropriate pressure where needed while avoiding excessive force. This local quality adjustment ensures effective energy transfer without causing tissue damage or steam pops
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 radial compression device stabilizes the tissue, enhances temperature feedback control, and ensures consistent energy delivery, reducing the occurrence of steam pops and improving clinical outcomes and procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the stiffening element transfers radial compression to the volume of tissue, and where the radial compression increases stability of the volume of tissue
Implementation Method 2
delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to the volume of tissue
Implementation Method 3
ablating or lesioning nerve tissue that is the source of a patient's pain
Implementation Method 4
The circulating cooling fluid transfers heat away from the active electrode located on the radiofrequency ablation probe
Implementation Method 5
transfers heat away from the active electrode... allowing the electrode-tissue interface temperature to be maintained
Implementation Method 6
If the local tissue temperature exceeds 100° C., an audible sound produced when steam gas escapes the lesion site, known as a 'steam pop,' can occur
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system for delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to an area or volume of tissue. The system includes a wrap, where a stiffening element surrounds an opening in the wrap, where the stiffening element transfers radial compression to the area or volume of tissue, where the radial compression increases stability of the area or volume of tissue; and at least one radiofrequency ablation probe having an active electrode, where the at least one radiofrequency ablation probe is connected to a radiofrequency generator via a lead. A device that includes a wrap and a method of delivering radiofrequency ablation energy to a volume of tissue via the device are also described.