Shape Memory Alloy Electrode for RF Surgery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiofrequency surgery electrodes face challenges in efficiently using the radiofrequency current over a wide treatment area and can damage normal tissues due to their design, especially when inserted into narrow body lumens like the esophagus, duodenum, small intestine, and large intestine.
Innovation Solution
The electrode design includes a balloon with a conductor that expands and varies in shape, supported by rings, allowing efficient distribution of the radiofrequency current and minimizing tissue damage, using a pump to inflate the balloon and a radiofrequency generator to apply currents of opposite polarities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a bent hollow electrode or sharp electrode needle is used to concentrate heating at a predetermined portion, then heating control precision is improved, but the radiofrequency current is not efficiently used in a wide area to be treated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode uses a shape memory alloy that changes its shape in response to temperature changes. When cooled, the electrode becomes straight and flexible for insertion. When heated to transformation temperature, it becomes bent and expands to cover a wider treatment area. This dynamic shape change allows the electrode to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements, resolving the contradiction between precise heating control and wide area treatment.
2Ease of operation
If a bent hollow electrode is inserted into narrow body lumens, then the electrode can reach target areas, but the electrode needle interferes with and damages normal tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode utilizes temperature-induced phase transformation of the shape memory alloy to change its physical parameters. During insertion, the electrode is cooled to maintain a straight, flexible configuration that easily navigates narrow lumens without damaging tissue. At the target site, heating triggers the phase transformation, causing the electrode to bend and expand for effective treatment. This parameter change based on temperature allows the electrode to adapt its morphology to different operational phases, eliminating tissue damage during insertion while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
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
This design enables efficient use of radiofrequency current over a wider area, improving surgical reliability by reducing tissue damage and facilitating easier insertion and movement within the body.
Implementation Method 1
an electrode for radiofrequency surgery that uses a shape memory alloy and changes in shape according to a temperature change
Implementation Method 2
a surgery method in which an abnormal tissue inside a body is cut by using heat generated when a radiofrequency current is conducted inside the body
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an electrode for high-frequency surgery, a high-frequency surgery device, and a method for controlling same, wherein the electrode for high-frequency surgery can be easily inserted and moved inside the lumens inside the body, and can expand a conduction area of a high-frequency current after reaching an area to be treated. The electrode for the high-frequency surgery, according to the present invention, comprises: a balloon; and a conductive structure, which is arranged on the outside of the balloon and the exterior shape of which varies according to the volume of the balloon.