Single-Needle Electroporation Device with Spaced Electrodes
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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 and high electric fields leading to inefficiencies and variability in treatment distribution.
Innovation Solution
A single-needle electroporation device with spaced electrodes, capable of generating a non-uniform electric field along a cylindrical treatment zone, allowing for precise delivery of therapeutic molecules with lower voltages and currents, reducing pain and improving control over dosing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple needle electrodes are used to deliver molecules to tissue, then the treatment zone coverage is improved, but the device complexity and patient apprehension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrode functions into a single needle electrode by placing multiple electrodes (at least two) on the same needle shaft, spaced apart along its length. This merging approach achieves comprehensive treatment zone coverage while reducing device complexity and patient apprehension associated with multiple separate needles
2Reliability
If high electric fields are used to electroporate cells throughout the treatment zone, then the electroporation effectiveness is improved, but the pain and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a concentrated electric field in the specific treatment zone between the spaced electrodes rather than distributing high voltage across a large area. This localized field application maintains electroporation effectiveness while reducing overall pain and energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The treatment is segmented into discrete zones along the needle length, with electric field application confined to specific segments between electrode pairs. This segmentation allows effective electroporation in target zones while minimizing pain and energy use in non-target areas
3Quantity of substance
If large injection volumes are used to ensure sufficient drug delivery, then the dosing control is improved, but the drug waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent confines the electric field and drug delivery to a localized treatment zone between the spaced electrodes, ensuring that injected drug remains concentrated where needed. This prevents drug dispersion into surrounding tissue, maintaining dosing control while minimizing waste
4Area of stationary object
If multiple needles are used to cover the treatment volume, then the treatment zone coverage is improved, but the invasiveness and patient apprehension increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electrode functions into a single needle electrode, achieving comprehensive treatment zone coverage through one minimally invasive insertion rather than multiple needle penetrations, thereby reducing patient apprehension and invasiveness
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 device enables efficient and controlled delivery of molecules to cells near the needle track, minimizing waste and pain, while maintaining effectiveness in treating various tissues with precise targeting and reduced invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
energizing the electrodes with electrical energy to provide an electric pulse sufficient to cause cells in the vicinity of the injection site and needle track to become reversibly porated
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 hypodermic injection needle and at least two spaced elongate electrodes which provide 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.