RF Bipolar Ablation Device with Nested Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bipolar electrosurgical treatments face challenges in precisely positioning and effectively ablating tissues between two electrodes, requiring accurate placement and efficient tissue treatment without invasive surgery.
Innovation Solution
The use of a system with a primary and secondary electrode, where the secondary electrode is electrically insulated from the primary electrode except at a distal range, allowing conductive fluid to be vaporized and expelled through openings, facilitating precise tissue ablation at a reference point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two electrodes are positioned at opposite sides of the desired location for bipolar ablation, then tissue ablation between them is achieved, but precise positioning becomes challenging for medical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary electrode is nested within the lumen of the primary electrode, allowing both electrodes to be delivered through a single catheter shaft. This nesting arrangement simplifies the positioning process while maintaining the bipolar ablation capability, as the electrodes are automatically positioned in correct spatial relationship during catheter insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
A conductive fluid is introduced as an intermediary medium between the two electrodes. The fluid completes the electrical circuit and enables current flow through the tissue between electrodes, while also serving as a visible marker to guide precise positioning of the electrode assembly at the target location.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrodes are positioned close together for precise ablation, then treatment accuracy improves, but the complexity of positioning and maintaining stable contact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the secondary electrode within the primary electrode's lumen creates a compact, self-aligning structure. This design inherently maintains stable contact between electrodes and tissue while reducing the complexity of positioning, as the catheter shaft provides mechanical support and alignment for both electrodes simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are designed with specific local properties: the primary electrode defines a lumen with specific dimensions, and the secondary electrode has controlled exposure at its distal end. These localized structural features enable precise current delivery to the target tissue while simplifying the overall positioning process through standardized catheter delivery.
3Productivity
If conductive fluid is used to enable current flow between electrodes, then ablation effectiveness improves, but the complexity of fluid delivery and control increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive fluid serves multiple functions simultaneously: it completes the electrical circuit between electrodes, provides a visible indicator for positioning, and can be delivered through existing catheter structures. This multi-functionality improves ablation efficiency without requiring separate dedicated fluid delivery systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
4Reliability
If electrical insulation is maintained between electrodes except at distal range, then current flow control improves, but the complexity of insulation design and application increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrical insulation is applied selectively to specific portions of the electrodes rather than uniformly. The primary electrode's lumen provides insulation along its length, while the secondary electrode is insulated except at its distal exposure. This localized insulation strategy ensures reliable current flow control through the conductive fluid while simplifying the insulation design compared to full-coverage insulation schemes.
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
Enables precise and effective tissue ablation or coagulation at a reference point, reducing the need for invasive procedures and improving treatment efficiency by vaporizing conductive fluid to interact with tissue.
Implementation Method 1
application of power across the first pole and the second pole of the power source causes the conductive fluid to be vaporized
Implementation Method 2
the conductive fluid is vaporizable at the distal range responsive to application of power across the first pole and the second pole of the power source
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for vaporizing a conductive fluid at or adjacent a reference point. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a primary electrode extending to a first distal end positionable adjacent to a reference point and having a first proximal end selectively couplable with a first pole of a power source. The primary electrode defines a lumen therein and defines at least one opening to the lumen within a distal range adjacent the first distal end. A secondary electrode extends through the lumen of the primary electrode and has a second distal end extending into the distal range and a second proximal end selectively couplable with a second pole of the power source. The secondary electrode is electrically insulated from the primary electrode except within the distal range, where a conductive fluid is receivable within the distal range so as to be in electrical contact with the primary electrode and the secondary electrode. The conductive fluid is vaporizable at the distal range responsive to application of power across the first pole and the second pole of the power source and vaporized conductive fluid is expellable through the at least one opening.