Modular RF Introducer Kit for Low-Trauma Brain Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surgical tools lack versatility for accessing delicate tissue structures like the brain and vital organs, requiring multiple devices for extraction, injection, and introducer functions, thereby increasing trauma and operative time.
Innovation Solution
A modular Extractor-Injector-Introducer Kit (EIIK) that integrates a steerable RF needle, concentric dilator tubes, an extractor tube with a cutting element, and an injector tube, enabling single-device performance of extraction, injection, and instrument introduction, with RF ablation for enhanced safety and treatment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for extraction, injection, and introducer functions, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but surgical trauma increases and operative time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate surgical devices (extractor, injector, and introducer) into a single integrated kit. The introducer needle serves as a common platform that guides all three functions through a single puncture site, eliminating the need for multiple separate access procedures and reducing surgical trauma to delicate tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The introducer needle is designed as a universal access device that enables three distinct surgical functions (extraction, injection, and instrument introduction) through a single device. This multi-functional design allows the same initial access pathway to serve multiple purposes, reducing the number of times delicate tissues need to be penetrated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate devices are used for extraction, injection, and introducer functions, then each function can be performed with a specialized tool, but operative time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The introducer needle is inserted first to establish a single access pathway before any extraction, injection, or instrument introduction procedures. This preliminary action creates a ready-made guide channel that subsequent devices can follow, eliminating the need to repeatedly establish access and significantly reducing operative time.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple functions into a single integrated kit with a common introducer needle, the patent eliminates the sequential time required for multiple separate device insertions. All subsequent procedures (extraction, injection, instrument introduction) can proceed through the pre-established single pathway, streamlining the surgical workflow.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a single integrated kit is used for extraction, injection, and introducer functions, then surgical trauma is minimized and operative time is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated kit is segmented into distinct modular components (introducer needle, extractor device, injector device, and various instruments) that can be independently manufactured, sterilized, and stored. This segmentation manages complexity by allowing each component to be optimized separately while maintaining overall integration through the common introducer needle pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The kit employs a nested structure where smaller components (extractor, injector, instruments) are designed to pass through or be guided by the larger introducer needle. This nesting approach organizes complex components in a hierarchical manner, with the introducer serving as the outer framework that contains and coordinates all inner elements.
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
Minimizes surgical trauma and reduces operative time by providing a versatile, single-kit solution for accessing delicate tissues, while offering RF ablation for safety and treatment flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a steerable RF needle (10) with a curved blunt tip (12) and conductor (14) for coupling to an RF generator
Implementation Method 2
The inclusion of RF ablation through the RF needle (10) further enhances safety and treatment options
Data Source
AI summary
The Extractor-Injector-Introducer Kit (EIIK) is a modular surgical system designed for minimally invasive extraction, injection, and instrument introduction to delicate tissue sites, including the brain. The kit includes a steerable radiofrequency (RF) needle (10), a sequence of concentric dilator tubes (20, 22, 24), an extractor tube (30) with a distal cutting element (32), and an injector tube (40) with a delivery lumen (42). The RF needle (10) may be coupled to an RF generator (14) for controlled ablation. The system provides safe, guided access with reduced trauma to surrounding tissue.