RF Tissue Vaporization Electrode With Insulating Fluid Shield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing minimally invasive surgical techniques using radiofrequency (RF) electrodes to vaporize tissue, such as in transseptal punctures, often vaporize surrounding liquids like blood, leading to inefficiencies and potential health risks due to conductive pathways and thrombotic material formation.

Innovation Solution

An electrosurgical system with a crossing member featuring an electrode and a fluid system to deliver electrically insulating fluid around the electrode, ensuring efficient tissue vaporization by maintaining electrical insulation and preventing liquid contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If radiofrequency (RF) electrodes are used to vaporize tissue, then tissue vaporization is achieved, but surrounding conductive liquids like blood are also vaporized causing inefficiencies and health risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue vaporization efficiencyVSAvoidthrombotic material formation and conductive pathway creation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an electrically insulating fluid as an intermediary substance between the RF electrode and the conductive blood. This insulating fluid prevents direct contact between the electrode and blood, thereby eliminating the harmful conductive pathways that lead to thrombotic material formation while allowing the electrode to effectively vaporize target tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an inert electrical environment by surrounding the RF electrode with an electrically insulating fluid. This insulating atmosphere prevents electrical current from interacting with conductive bodily fluids, thereby preventing the formation of harmful conductive pathways and thrombotic materials while maintaining effective tissue vaporization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Productivity

If RF energy is delivered to vaporize tissue in contact with conductive fluid, then tissue ablation occurs, but power is lost to the conductive fluid reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue ablation effectivenessVSAvoidRF power loss to conductive fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electrically insulating fluid acts as a mediator that blocks the transfer of RF energy to conductive fluids. By positioning the insulating fluid between the electrode and the conductive blood, the system prevents energy loss to the blood while maintaining effective energy delivery to the target tissue for ablation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If electrode is exposed to conductive fluid during puncture, then puncture procedure can be performed, but electrical insulation is compromised leading to safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture procedure capabilityVSAvoidelectrical insulation integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible insulating fluid barrier that can dynamically adapt during the puncture procedure. This fluid barrier maintains electrical insulation integrity while allowing the puncture to proceed, as the insulating fluid can move with the electrode and maintain its protective barrier function throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating fluid serves as a protective intermediary layer that maintains electrical insulation during the puncture procedure. This mediator allows the procedure to be performed while preventing direct electrical contact between the electrode and conductive bodily fluids, thereby maintaining safety and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 system enhances tissue vaporization efficiency, reduces power consumption, minimizes thrombotic risks, and facilitates safer punctures by ensuring the electrode remains insulated from conductive fluids, thereby improving procedural safety and effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

puncturing bodily tissues such as the atrial septum with an electrode by dielectric breakdown

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric breakdown:

Implementation Method 2

energized in the radiofrequency (RF) range. While this procedure can vaporize the targeted septal tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

a fluid system configured to deliver electrically insulating fluid... ensuring efficient tissue vaporization by maintaining electrical insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260053555A1System and methods for tissue vaporization using a surrounding non-conductive fluid

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An electrosurgical system for piercing tissue includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate radiofrequency (RF) energy, a fluid system configured to deliver electrically insulating fluid, and a crossing member connected to the electrosurgical generator and the fluid system. The crossing member includes an electrode positioned at a distal tip of the crossing member, and a first fluid port positioned adjacent to the electrode, the first fluid port configured to direct the electrically insulating fluid around the electrode.