Single-Needle Electrode for Localized Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electroporation techniques for delivering molecules to tissues are invasive, painful, and lack control over dosing, with multiple needle devices causing variability and inefficiency in targeting specific delivery sites within the body.
Innovation Solution
A single-needle electrode design with strategically placed anode and cathode electrodes, capable of generating a non-uniform electric field that confines the treatment zone to the vicinity of the needle track, allowing for precise delivery of therapeutic molecules with reduced pain and invasiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple needle electrodes are used to deliver molecules to subsurface tissues, then the treatment zone coverage is improved, but the invasiveness and patient apprehension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single needle electrode by placing multiple discrete electrodes along a single shaft. This merging approach maintains the ability to treat multiple tissue locations while reducing the number of separate needle insertions required, thereby decreasing invasiveness and patient apprehension while preserving treatment zone coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single needle electrode is segmented into multiple discrete electrodes that can be independently activated. This segmentation allows the treatment zone to be divided into multiple smaller zones along the needle track, enabling precise control over which tissue regions receive treatment while using only one needle insertion point.
2Reliability
If high injection volumes are used to ensure sufficient drug delivery to the treatment zone, then the dosing control is improved, but the drug waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electric field pulses locally at each discrete electrode position along the needle track. This localized electroporation creates temporary pores in cell membranes only in the immediate vicinity of each electrode, allowing precise control over where the drug is delivered and absorbed. This eliminates the need for large injection volumes and prevents drug diffusion into non-target areas, thereby reducing drug waste while maintaining reliable dosing control.
3Reliability
If high electric fields are used to achieve sufficient electroporation throughout the treatment zone, then the electroporation effectiveness is improved, but the pain experienced by the patient increases
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment is divided into multiple discrete electroporation steps, one at each electrode position along the needle track. Each electrode delivers a controlled electric field pulse to a localized region, achieving sufficient electroporation effectiveness in each small zone without requiring high electric fields across the entire treatment area. This segmented approach reduces overall patient pain while maintaining effective drug delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic electric field pulses at each electrode position rather than continuous high-field application. The discrete, time-separated pulses allow tissue recovery between applications and reduce cumulative pain while maintaining effective electroporation. Each pulse is optimized for local effectiveness without requiring sustained high-field exposure that would increase patient discomfort.
4Reliability
If multiple needle electrodes are used to ensure overlap between injected drug and treatment zone, then the delivery reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrode functions into a single integrated needle electrode assembly. All discrete electrodes are mounted on one shaft and can be inserted through a single needle track, eliminating the need for multiple separate needle devices. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to create overlapping treatment zones through sequential activation of different electrodes along the track.
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 single-needle electrode system enables effective and controlled electroporation of cells along the needle track, enhancing the delivery of therapeutic molecules while minimizing pain and tissue damage, allowing for precise targeting and efficient distribution of treatment substances.
Implementation Method 1
electroporation of cells in situ, particularly cells that are located subcutaneously, intradermally, subdermally, and/or intramuscularly
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device and method for administration of molecules to tissue in vivo for various medical applications, the device comprising a single-needle electrode which provides for the ability, when the needle is inserted into tissue, such as skin or muscle, to pulse tissue with a non-uniform electric field sufficient to cause reversible poration of cells lying along or in close proximity to the track made by the needle upon its insertion into said tissue.