Radiofrequency Cannula Electrode Guiding Lobe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiofrequency cannulas face challenges in precisely guiding the active electrode tip through a side outlet opening, often resulting in blind angles and tissue blockages, which complicates the thermal ablation process and requires skilled technique for successful penetration.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency cannula with a built-in electrode guiding arrangement, featuring an electrode guiding lobe that extends inwardly from the electrode outlet opening and a mandrel for insertion and withdrawal, allowing the active electrode tip to penetrate smoothly and prevent tissue blockage without external foreign elements or chemicals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional cannula with side outlet opening is used, then the cannula structure is simple, but the active electrode tip cannot penetrate precisely and smoothly through the outlet opening, resulting in blind angles and tissue blockages
Solution Approach 1:
An electrode guiding arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component within the cannula. This guiding arrangement includes a guiding surface and a guiding lobe that mediate between the cannula structure and the active electrode tip, enabling precise penetration through the side outlet opening without requiring complex external guiding mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode guiding arrangement is pre-formed within the cannula during manufacturing. The guiding surface and guiding lobe are prepared in advance to facilitate the subsequent insertion and penetration of the active electrode tip through the outlet opening, ensuring smooth and precise passage without blind angles.
2Reliability
If no guiding arrangement is provided, then the device is simpler, but tissue embedded in the active tip portion blocks the electrode outlet opening and inner electrode passage
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode guiding arrangement acts as a protective intermediary between the tissue and the electrode passage. The guiding lobe specifically prevents tissue from embedding into the outlet opening and blocking the passage, while maintaining a clean and clear pathway for electrode insertion and operation.
3Ease of operation
If skilled technique is required for penetration, then the penetration can be achieved, but the operation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode guiding arrangement is prepared in advance during cannula manufacturing, creating a pre-formed pathway and guiding structure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time manipulation and skilled techniques during the actual electrode insertion, significantly reducing the time and difficulty of the penetration process.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding arrangement serves as a mechanical intermediary that simplifies the penetration operation. By providing built-in guidance surfaces and lobes, the system transforms a complex skilled maneuver into a simpler, more straightforward insertion process that requires less operator expertise and time.
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 efficient penetration of the active electrode tip through the cannula's electrode outlet opening, preventing tissue blockage and facilitating controlled thermal ablation with improved accuracy and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
high-frequency electrical currents are used to generate heat and destroy tissue
Implementation Method 2
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or radiofrequency neurectomy uses radio waves to create a current that heats a small area of nerves
Implementation Method 3
an electrode guiding arrangement, which is provided at the electrode outlet opening of the cannula shaft, comprising an electrode guiding lobe integrally extended from the distal end of the electrode outlet opening inwardly for a predetermined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to form a stopper between the distal end opening and the electrode outlet opening and define a guiding surface facing the inner electrode passage
Implementation Method 4
a mandrel is inserted into the epidural cannula to prevent the punching out of skin and tissue parts
Implementation Method 5
an active tip portion extended between the curved portion and the bevel tip and defined a predetermined included angle with respect to the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A radiofrequency cannula for thermal ablation is configured to have an electrode guiding arrangement built-in, without any foreign material, chemical or element involved, to guide an active electrode tip of a radiofrequency electrode inserted into an inner electrode passage of the radiofrequency cannula to turn and extend out through an electrode outlet opening formed in a side of the radiofrequency cannula. The radiofrequency electrode guiding arrangement is embodied to comprise an electrode guiding lobe formed by bending a portion of a side wall of an active tip portion into the inner electrode passage to form an inclined stopper to not only guide the active electrode tip of radiofrequency electrode to extend out through the electrode outlet opening, but also prevent any body tissue entered in the active tip portion blocking the electrode outlet opening of the radiofrequency cannula.