Insulated RF Tissue Puncture Electrode for Current Loss Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing minimally invasive surgical techniques using RF energy for tissue puncture, such as transseptal puncture, face inefficiencies due to electrical current loss through conductive liquids like blood, leading to reduced tissue vaporization efficiency and potential thrombotic risks.

Innovation Solution

An electrosurgical system with an electrode covered by an elastically compliant insulating cover that extends beyond the electrode in a stowed configuration, deploying to expose the electrode for efficient tissue vaporization while minimizing contact with conductive media, using RF energy to vaporize target tissue with improved insulation and reduced heat generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an electrode is used for RF energy delivery in a conductive liquid medium, then tissue vaporization can be achieved, but electrical current is lost through the conductive liquid reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue vaporization efficiencyVSAvoidelectrical current loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

An insulating sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode and the conductive liquid medium (blood). This sheath acts as a barrier that prevents direct electrical current flow through the conductive liquid, thereby eliminating the energy loss pathway while still allowing RF energy to be delivered to the target tissue through the electrode tip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulating sheath is designed as a flexible, compliant structure that can be advanced through the conductive liquid medium without causing thrombus formation. The sheath maintains electrical insulation while being mechanically compliant to the surrounding environment, allowing the electrode to function effectively without direct contact with the conductive liquid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If the electrode is exposed for tissue vaporization, then vaporization efficiency improves, but contact with conductive media increases causing current loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevaporization efficiencyVSAvoidcontact with conductive media

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating sheath is designed with localized functionality: it provides electrical insulation along the entire length of the electrode shaft, while the distal tip remains exposed for tissue contact. This local differentiation allows the electrode to maintain electrical isolation from conductive media while still enabling effective tissue vaporization at the exposure point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Loss of energy

If an insulating cover is added to the electrode, then current loss through conductive liquids is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurrent loss reductionVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulating sheath is merged with the electrode assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate add-on. The sheath is formed as part of the electrode structure, allowing it to be advanced and positioned together with the electrode through the catheter system, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the insulation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enhances tissue vaporization efficiency by concentrating RF energy on target tissue, reducing electrical current loss through conductive liquids, and minimizing thrombotic risks, thereby improving procedural safety and efficacy.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF energy: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

an electrically insulating cover that is elastically compliant, the cover extending distally beyond a distal end of the electrode when the electrode is in a stowed configuration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic compliance: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20260053546A1System to reduce current loss to a surrounding conductive medium for purposes of puncturing tissue

Publication Date: 2026.02.26 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An electrosurgical system for puncturing tissue includes an electrosurgical generator configured to generate radiofrequency (RF) energy and a crossing device connected to the electrosurgical generator. The crossing device includes an electrode positioned at a distal tip of the crossing device, and an electrically insulating cover that is elastically compliant, the cover extending distally beyond a distal end of the electrode when the electrode is in a stowed configuration, and the electrode extending distally beyond a distal end of the cover when the electrode is in a deployed configuration.