Right-Angle Cryogenic Probe for Consistent Multi-Nerve Freezing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices are unable to consistently freeze nerves at desired locations during below knee amputation procedures due to the variability in nerve sizes and positions, leading to inadequate pain relief for amputees suffering from phantom limb pain.

Innovation Solution

A cryogenic probe with a handle, shaft, and an end effector featuring perpendicular prongs configured to receive cryogenic fluid, along with a supply and exhaust conduit system, provides consistent nerve freezing by allowing direct contact with multiple nerves simultaneously.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If current freezing devices are used, then the procedure can be performed, but the nerves cannot be consistently grasped and frozen at desired locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of nerve freezingVSAvoidability to grasp nerves

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is divided into multiple prongs (first prong, second prong, third prong) that can independently engage with nerves. Each prong acts as a separate grasping element, allowing the device to reliably capture nerves of varying sizes and positions through distributed contact points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The prongs extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, creating a right-angle configuration. This dimensional change allows the prongs to reach nerves from a different spatial orientation, improving the ability to grasp nerves at various locations and angles during the amputation procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a simple end effector is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to freeze multiple nerves simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of nerves frozen simultaneouslyVSAvoidend effector structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple prongs are integrated into a single end effector assembly that is coupled to the shaft. This merging allows the device to freeze multiple nerves simultaneously using one unified structure, improving productivity without requiring multiple separate devices or complex multi-component systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The end effector with multiple prongs serves multiple functions: it can grasp different numbers and configurations of nerves, accommodate varying nerve sizes, and apply freezing to multiple targets simultaneously. This multi-functionality increases productivity while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If repeated freezing is required, then the device can handle nerve variability, but the procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure timeVSAvoidhandling of nerve variability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The end effector is pre-configured with multiple prongs positioned and oriented to simultaneously engage multiple nerves during a single application. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for repeated freezing operations, reducing procedure time while maintaining adaptability to nerve variability through the pre-positioned multi-prong structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 cryogenic probe enables efficient and consistent freezing of nerves, reducing phantom limb pain by effectively targeting and freezing nerves of varying sizes and locations, thereby providing effective pain relief during below knee amputations.

Implementation Method 1

a cryogenic probe... configured to receive cryogenic fluid... supplying cryogenic fluid to the end effector... freezing the one or more nerves by applying the end effector to surface of the one or more nerves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenic freezing: Freezing

Implementation Method 2

supply conduit configured to supply cryogenic fluid to the end effector... exhaust conduit configured to exhaust cryogenic fluid from the end effector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a vacuum insulating layer disposed around the supply conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20260069340A1Cryogenic surgical instrument with right angle end effector

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 ATRICURE INC

AI summary

A cryogenic probe is disclosed herein, the cryogenic probe comprising a handle, a shaft comprising a proximal end coupled to the handle, wherein the shaft defines a longitudinal axis; an end effector coupled to a distal end of the shaft, wherein the end effector comprises a first prong, a second prong, and a curved section therebetween, wherein the first prong and the second prong are configured to receive cryogenic fluid, wherein the first prong and the second prong extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and are spaced apart along the longitudinal axis; and a supply conduit configured to supply cryogenic fluid to the end effector.