Cooled RF Probe Side Port Liquid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrosurgical devices require probe removal for introducing procedural liquids during treatments, leading to increased treatment time and the need for additional imaging procedures to ensure proper reinsertion, and lack a mechanism for venting gas formed during treatment.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical device with a cooled RF probe that includes a side port for liquid introduction and venting, allowing liquid to be delivered to the target site without removing the probe, and a cooling system to manage tissue temperature, thereby enabling larger lesion creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the probe is removed from the introducer to inject procedural liquids, then liquid can be delivered to the target site, but treatment time increases and additional imaging procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional components: the probe remains in the introducer for RF energy delivery, while a separate liquid delivery system with side ports provides liquid administration capability. This segmentation allows both functions to operate simultaneously without requiring probe removal.
Solution Approach 2:
Side ports are provided as intermediary structures on the probe or introducer that serve as liquid delivery interfaces. These ports act as mediators between the liquid source and the target site, enabling liquid delivery through the existing probe-introducer assembly without requiring disassembly or repositioning.
2Ease of operation
If the probe is removed from the introducer to inject procedural liquids, then liquid can be delivered to the target site, but additional imaging procedures are required to ensure proper reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the device into a probe that remains in the introducer and a separate liquid delivery system, the invention eliminates the need to remove and reinsert the probe, thereby eliminating the associated imaging verification requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The side ports serve as intermediary liquid delivery points that are accessible through the existing probe-introducer assembly, eliminating the need for probe removal and subsequent imaging verification of reinsertion position.
3Volume of stationary object
If cooling mechanism is added to the probe, then higher voltage can be applied to increase lesion size, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling mechanism is nested within the existing probe structure, with cooling channels or lumens integrated into the probe body. This nested configuration allows cooling functionality to be added without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the probe assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed with multi-functionality, integrating RF energy delivery, cooling, and liquid delivery capabilities into a single device. The cooling mechanism shares the same structural space and operational framework as the other functions, reducing the incremental complexity addition.
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
Enables efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the target site without probe removal, reduces treatment time, and effectively manages tissue temperature to increase lesion size and precision.
Implementation Method 1
a first internal tube for delivering a cooling liquid to or removing the cooling liquid from the distal region of the probe
Implementation Method 2
The resistance of tissue that is located proximate the active electrode of the probe to the high frequency energy causes the tissue temperature to rise
Implementation Method 3
injecting a liquid from a liquid introduction apparatus into the lumen via the side port, wherein the liquid travels through the lumen and exits the distal end of the introducer for delivery to the target site
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
An electrosurgical device is provided. The device includes a cooled probe, an introducer, and a side port for the introduction of liquid into a lumen defined by an outer diameter of the probe and an inner diameter of the introducer when the probe is positioned inside the introducer such that a distal end of the probe can contact a target site (e.g., the site near/adjacent the tissue to be treated). The side port can be connected to a syringe/other liquid introduction apparatus via tubing so that a liquid (e.g., a therapeutic agent, saline, etc.) can be injected into the lumen and can exit the distal region of the introducer so that it is delivered to the target site. Additionally, the syringe can be removed so that the tubing can serve as a vent during treatment with the electrosurgical device.