Segmented Irrigated Electrode Assembly for Precise Bone Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation systems face challenges in effectively ablating tissue within bone and other locations, with a need for improved control over energy delivery, temperature management, and volume of tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
An irrigated electrode assembly with a proximal and distal portion, featuring insulated conduits and emitters, along with a micro infusion module for controlled fluid delivery and energy application, allowing precise ablation in bone tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional ablation systems are used to ablate tissue in bone and other locations, then ablation can be performed, but control over energy delivery, temperature management, and volume of tissue ablated is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is divided into multiple emitters (first emitter, second emitter, third emitter) positioned at different locations, with each emitter capable of independent or coordinated operation. This segmentation allows precise control over the volume and location of ablated tissue while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Different emitters are positioned to target specific regions of tissue or bone, with each emitter delivering energy locally to achieve desired ablation patterns. The system provides localized control over energy delivery and temperature management at each emitter site, improving precision without requiring complete system redesign
2Reliability
If energy is delivered to heat tissue to 60°C for maximum ablation efficacy, then tissue destruction is achieved, but temperature control becomes critical to prevent damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system controls ablation by adjusting multiple parameters including energy delivery levels to each emitter, fluid irrigation flow rates, and emitter activation sequences. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system achieves reliable tissue destruction at target sites while maintaining temperatures that prevent damage to surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid irrigation system acts as an intermediary between the energy delivery system and the tissue. The fluid delivers conductive properties to enable controlled energy transfer, removes heat from the ablation zone through convection, and prevents excessive temperature rise that could damage surrounding tissue, thereby ensuring reliable ablation with minimal collateral thermal injury
3Volume of stationary object
If emitters are positioned distally relative to each other for thorough tissue ablation, then volume of tissue ablated increases, but device length and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple emitters are positioned along the electrode assembly in a nested or compact arrangement, with emitters located at different axial positions (first emitter, second emitter, third emitter). This nested configuration allows the system to achieve thorough ablation of extended tissue volumes while minimizing the overall length of the electrode assembly inserted into the patient
4Temperature
If conductive fluid is delivered to control ablation temperature and volume, then temperature management improves, but fluid delivery system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid delivery system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides conductive properties to the tissue for controlled energy transfer, removes heat through convection to manage temperature, and helps define the ablation zone boundaries. This multi-functionality improves temperature control while minimizing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate systems for each function
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 the control of energy delivery and temperature during ablation, ensuring thorough and precise tissue removal, particularly in bone, while maintaining sterility and visibility under electromagnetic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
An electrosurgical system, often referred to as an ablation system, is a set of components used to flow current through biological tissue to ablate at least some of the tissue through which the current is flowed
Implementation Method 2
some ablation systems comprise a fluid source and a device that delivers conductive fluid (e.g. saline) to the targeted biological tissue to control ablation temperature and volume
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigated electrode assembly has a proximal portion with a proximal end and a distal portion with a distal end. The assembly includes a first conduit defining an irrigation channel and a second conduit, both of which extend from the proximal portion to the distal portion of the irrigated electrode assembly. A proximal and a distal emitter is located on the distal portion of the assembly with the distal emitter being positioned distally relative to the proximal emitter. A fluid irrigation port is defined by the proximal or distal emitter and is in fluid communication with the first conduit. An insulative spacer extends between a distal end of the proximal emitter and a proximal end of the distal emitter. An insulative body houses the first and second conduits and extends from the proximal portion of the irrigated electrode assembly to a proximal end of the proximal emitter.