Radiofrequency Channel Creation Through Foreign Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods, such as radiofrequency perforation, are ineffective for creating channels through foreign materials due to their non-biological composition, which do not respond to the rapid tissue temperature increase and dielectric breakdown mechanisms used in biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency-based apparatus with an elongated member and electrode is used to deliver energy into foreign materials, creating channels by heating or vaporizing the material, allowing for minimal force exertion and reduced risk to adjacent biological tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a percutaneous needle is used to create a channel through foreign material, then the channel can be created, but relatively large forces are required and there is a risk that the needle will pass through suddenly and damage adjacent tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle-based system with a radiofrequency energy-based system. The RF electrode delivers thermal energy to the foreign material, causing it to melt or vaporize and create a channel without requiring mechanical force. This substitution eliminates the risk of sudden needle penetration and damage to adjacent tissues while reducing the force required from the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from mechanical force application to thermal energy delivery. By controlling the RF power, temperature, and exposure time, the system can precisely control channel creation through foreign material without the unpredictable mechanical forces associated with needle puncture. The gradual thermal process allows for better control and safety.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radiofrequency perforation is used on biological tissue, then channels can be created through dielectric breakdown and cell lysis, but this mechanism is ineffective for foreign materials which are not composed of cellular-based tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the RF mechanism from relying on dielectric breakdown and cell lysis (biological mechanisms) to relying on thermal heating and melting/vaporization (physical mechanisms). This parameter change in the underlying mechanism allows the same RF technology to be applied effectively to foreign materials that lack cellular structure, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the biological-based RF mechanism (dielectric breakdown) with a thermal-based mechanism (heating and melting). This substitution enables the RF system to work on foreign materials by exploiting their thermal properties rather than relying on electrical breakdown mechanisms that only work on biological tissues.
3Ease of operation
If large forces are exerted onto the needle to create a channel, then the channel can be formed, but the risk of damaging adjacent biological tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical needle system with an RF thermal system, eliminating the need to exert large forces on the operator's part. The RF energy is delivered through a small electrode that can be positioned adjacent to the foreign material, and the channel is created through controlled heating rather than mechanical force, thereby reducing harm to adjacent tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal energy as an intermediary between the RF electrode and the foreign material. Instead of direct mechanical contact and force application, the RF energy heats the material gradually, allowing channel creation without the harmful effects of high-force mechanical puncture. This intermediary thermal process reduces harmful factors while maintaining ease of operation.
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 method effectively creates channels through foreign materials with minimal force and reduced risk of damaging adjacent biological tissues, enabling procedures like restoring blood flow through occluded vessels or septal patches.
Implementation Method 1
energizing the electrode with a radiofrequency current; and using the electrode energized with the radiofrequency current to deliver energy into the foreign material to create the channel
Implementation Method 2
creating channels by heating or vaporizing the material
Data Source
AI summary
A method for creating a channel through a foreign material located in a body of a patient, the foreign material defining a material first surface and a substantially opposed material second surface, the channel extending through the foreign material between the material first and second surfaces, the method using an apparatus including a substantially elongated member defining a proximal end region and a substantially longitudinally opposed distal end region, the apparatus including an electrode located about the distal end region, the method comprising: introducing the distal end region into the body of the patient; positioning the electrode substantially adjacent to the material first surface; energizing the electrode with a radiofrequency current; and using the electrode energized with the radiofrequency current to deliver energy into the foreign material to create the channel.