RF Vascular Access Assembly for Precise Tissue Puncture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical procedures for percutaneous vascular access face challenges such as vascular access complications, difficulty in accessing specific tissue sites, and the need for multiple device exchanges during procedures like transseptal punctures.

Innovation Solution

The development of a percutaneous vascular access assembly that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to facilitate vascular access. This assembly includes an RF perforation instrument with an elongate shaft and a distal tip electrode, and a puncture member guidewire with a distal tip electrode, both configured to deliver RF energy for tissue and vessel puncture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mechanical puncture devices are used for vascular access, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but vascular access complications increase and the ability to access specific tissue sites is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevascular access success rateVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical puncture mechanism with a radiofrequency energy-based system. The RF electrode delivers controlled thermal energy to facilitate tissue penetration and vessel access, substituting mechanical force with thermal energy for more precise and controllable puncture with reduced complications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes controlled changes in RF energy parameters (power, duration, frequency) to optimize tissue interaction. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves effective tissue penetration while minimizing damage to surrounding structures, thereby improving vascular access reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple device exchanges are performed during transseptal puncture procedures, then different functions can be achieved, but the procedure time increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure functionalityVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple functions into a single RF vascular access assembly. The system can perform tissue puncture, vessel access, and guidewire delivery through one integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple device exchanges while maintaining all necessary procedural capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines previously separate components (puncture device, RF delivery system, and guidewire mechanism) into a single integrated assembly. This merging of functions into one device reduces procedural steps and time while maintaining adaptability for different procedural requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If conventional puncture methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the precision and control of puncture location is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepuncture location precisionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical positioning and puncture control with RF energy delivery control. The RF system provides precise energy deposition at the target site through controlled electrical parameters, achieving superior location precision compared to mechanical methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates impedance sensing and monitoring during RF delivery to provide real-time feedback on tissue interaction. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of RF parameters to maintain precise control over puncture location and depth, ensuring accurate access to the target vessel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 RF energy-based vascular access assembly enables efficient and precise puncture of tissues and vessels, reducing vascular access complications and minimizing the need for multiple device exchanges, thereby improving the efficacy and safety of interventional procedures.

Implementation Method 1

an instrument distal tip having an instrument electrode configured to deliver the RF energy; and a puncture member adapted to be disposed within the lumen and extendable from the instrument distal tip and configured to be coupled to the RF energy source, the puncture member having a puncture member distal tip having a puncture member electrode configured to deliver the RF energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency energy heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250127560A1Percutaneous vascular access with radiofrequency energy

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A percutaneous vascular access assembly for use with a radiofrequency (RF) energy source is disclosed. The percutaneous vascular access assembly includes an RF perforation instrument to be coupled to the RF energy source. The RF perforation instrument has an elongate shaft defining a longitudinally extending lumen and an instrument distal tip having an instrument electrode to deliver the RF energy. A puncture member is to be disposed within the lumen and extendable from the instrument distal tip. The puncture member is to be coupled to the RF energy source. The puncture member includes a puncture member distal tip having a puncture member electrode to deliver the RF energy.