Composite RF Microwave Waveform for Rapid Haemostasis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical devices face challenges in achieving rapid and efficient haemostasis with limited power delivery, particularly in endoscopic procedures, where the risk of thermal damage and prolonged bleeding can obscure the operator's vision and necessitate switching to open surgery.
Innovation Solution
A composite radiofrequency (RF) and microwave energy waveform is delivered via an electrosurgical generator to a bipolar electrode configuration, transitioning from RF energy to microwave energy when tissue impedance increases or a predetermined duration is reached, ensuring efficient heat delivery without charring and minimizing thermal damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If radiofrequency (RF) energy is used to cut biological tissue, then tissue cutting is achieved through heat generation, but prolonged application causes thermal damage such as charring and desiccation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed microwave energy delivery interspersed with RF energy delivery. The microwave pulses are delivered in a periodic manner with specific duty cycles, allowing tissue heating without continuous exposure that would cause charring. This periodic action enables efficient tissue cutting while preventing thermal damage accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes energy delivery parameters by transitioning from continuous RF energy to pulsed microwave energy based on tissue impedance changes and treatment progression. The system adjusts microwave power levels, pulse durations, and intervals to optimize heating efficiency while preventing thermal damage. This parameter adaptation allows the system to respond to real-time tissue conditions.
2Device complexity
If limited power is available for electrosurgical procedures, then device complexity is reduced, but haemostasis time increases beyond acceptable limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines RF energy delivery with pulsed microwave energy delivery in a unified electrosurgical system. This merging of two energy modalities allows the system to achieve rapid haemostasis and efficient tissue cutting with limited power availability. The combined approach leverages the deep heating capability of microwaves and the precise tissue interaction of RF energy, achieving effective haemostasis within acceptable time frames without requiring high-power continuous delivery.
3Productivity
If continuous RF energy is delivered to achieve rapid haemostasis, then bleeding control is improved, but thermal damage to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic pulsed microwave energy delivery instead of continuous RF energy. The pulsed nature allows heat to dissipate between pulses, preventing excessive temperature rise in surrounding tissues. The pulse duration, interval, and duty cycle are optimized to achieve rapid haemostasis at the target site while limiting thermal spread to adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous treatment effectiveness by alternating between RF and pulsed microwave energy delivery. This continuous action ensures haemostasis is achieved and maintained without interruption, while the modality switching prevents thermal damage accumulation. The system continuously adapts energy delivery based on real-time impedance monitoring to optimize haemostasis speed while protecting surrounding tissue.
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 approach enables rapid haemostasis within a short time frame (≤10 seconds) even with limited power, preventing thermal damage and maintaining effective tissue coagulation without the risks associated with prolonged bleeding or charring.
Implementation Method 1
as an electric current passes through a tissue matrix (aided by the ionic contents of the cells and the intercellular electrolytes), the impedance to the flow of electrons across the tissue generates heat
Implementation Method 2
A composite radiofrequency (RF) and microwave energy waveform is delivered via an electrosurgical generator to a bipolar electrode configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical waveform having both radiofrequency (RF) energy and microwave energy components that is arranged to perform efficient haemostasis in biological tissue. The waveform comprises a first portion primarily of RF electromagnetic energy, and a second portion primarily of microwave electromagnetic energy that follows the first portion. The second portion further comprises a plurality of RF pulses, wherein the first portion transitions to the second portion when either a duration of the first portion meets or exceeds a predetermined duration threshold, or an impedance determined during the first portion meets or exceeds a predetermined threshold. The waveform is arranged to deliver energy rapidly so that haemostasis can occur in a short time frame in a situation where the maximum available power is limited, or to avoid undesirable thermal damage to the biological tissue.