Radiofrequency Electrode Channeling Foreign Material in Heart Septum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are ineffective in creating channels through foreign materials, such as synthetic materials, within the body, particularly in accessing the left side of the heart when foreign materials cover septal apertures.
Innovation Solution
A radiofrequency-based apparatus is used to create channels through foreign materials by positioning an electrode adjacent to the material and delivering radiofrequency energy to melt or vaporize the material, allowing access across septal apertures in the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical methods are used to create channels through foreign materials, then channel creation is attempted, but the methods are ineffective for synthetic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical channel creation methods with radiofrequency energy delivery. The electrode delivers RF energy to the foreign material, causing thermal effects that create channels through melting or vaporization, thereby substituting mechanical force with electromagnetic energy for effective channel creation through synthetic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the foreign material by delivering radiofrequency energy that raises the temperature of the material to its melting or vaporization point. This parameter change (temperature increase) enables channel creation through phase transition rather than mechanical force.
2Reliability
If radiofrequency energy is delivered to create channels through foreign materials, then channel creation is achieved, but there is risk of unintended tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies radiofrequency energy locally at the electrode tip where the channel needs to be created. The energy delivery is concentrated at the specific location of foreign material contact, allowing channel creation through the foreign material while limiting thermal effects to the immediate vicinity and reducing risk of damage to distant healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The foreign material itself acts as an intermediary that absorbs the radiofrequency energy and converts it to thermal energy. The electrode delivers RF energy to the foreign material, which then heats up and creates the channel, thereby mediating the energy transfer and protecting surrounding tissues from direct exposure to high-energy RF fields.
3Strength
If foreign materials are placed to cover septal apertures, then structural support and closure are provided, but access to the left side of the heart is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized channel through the foreign material covering the septal aperture, effectively segmenting the foreign material into regions: the intact covering portions that maintain structural closure, and the created channel that provides access. This segmentation allows the foreign material to simultaneously provide both closure integrity and selective access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary channel creation through the foreign material before attempting to advance medical instruments to the left side of the heart. By pre-establishing the access pathway through RF energy delivery, the procedure enables subsequent instrument advancement without resistance from the foreign material covering.
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
This method effectively creates channels through foreign materials, enabling access to the left side of the heart without causing unintended tissue damage and allows for the advancement of medical instruments across septal apertures, thereby restoring blood flow and facilitating medical procedures.
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
thermal energy is transferred from the electrode upon the electrode being energized with the radiofrequency current to substantially melt the foreign material adjacent the electrode, thereby creating a channel through the foreign material
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method for creating a channel through a foreign material located in a body of a patient. The foreign material defines a material first surface and a substantially opposed material second surface and the channel extends through the foreign material between the material first and second surfaces. The method uses an apparatus including an electrode, and includes the steps of: 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. In some embodiments, the patient's body includes a heart defining a septum, the septum defines an aperture extending there-through and the foreign material extends across the aperture to cover the aperture.