Thermal Deformation Probe for Cartilage Reshaping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cartilage reconstruction techniques result in full thickness injury, donor site morbidity, and irreversible tissue changes due to invasive surgical methods and lack of control over tissue deformation, particularly in reshaping cartilage for head and neck applications.

Innovation Solution

A device with a probe and subsystem for selectively cooling and heating tissue during deformation, allowing for controlled deformation of nasal septum and other tissues using a multisided device with arms for differential temperature control, minimizing tissue damage and enabling precise reshaping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional surgical techniques (carving, morselizing, scoring, suturing) are used to reshape cartilage, then the desired shape modification is achieved, but full thickness injury and donor site morbidity occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartilage shapeVSAvoidfull thickness injury

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical surgical techniques (carving, morselizing, scoring, suturing) with a thermal field-based system. A controlled thermal field is applied to the cartilage tissue to induce gradual shape change through thermal stress relaxation, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and cutting instruments that cause full thickness injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of cartilage tissue by applying controlled thermal energy. The thermal field modifies the temperature parameter of the tissue, inducing stress relaxation and shape change without mechanical disruption. This parameter-based approach transforms the cartilage gradually rather than through abrupt mechanical intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Shape

If laser or RF thermal techniques are used to reshape cartilage, then shape change is achieved, but uncontrolled heating may cause full thickness injury to nasal structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecartilage shapeVSAvoidtissue temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback control system with temperature sensors that continuously monitor the thermal field's effect on cartilage tissue. The sensor data is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the thermal energy delivery in real-time to maintain temperature within a safe range, preventing overheating and full thickness injury while achieving the desired shape change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic control of the thermal field parameters, adjusting temperature, power, and duration based on real-time tissue response. The system transitions from static, fixed-parameter thermal application to dynamic, adaptive thermal delivery that responds to tissue characteristics and treatment progress, enabling precise temperature management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If invasive surgical approaches are used to expose and manipulate cartilage, then direct access to graft tissue is provided, but irreversible tissue changes and complications occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to cartilageVSAvoidtissue integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces invasive mechanical surgical approaches with a non-contact thermal field system. The thermal energy can be delivered through the skin and soft tissue to reach the cartilage without requiring surgical exposure or incisions, thereby maintaining tissue integrity and avoiding irreversible changes while still providing access to the target tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces full thickness injury and enhances control over tissue deformation, minimizing tissue damage and improving the precision of cartilage reshaping procedures, reducing the need for excessive tissue removal and donor site morbidity.

Implementation Method 1

a cooling subsystem to cool the tissue to a temperature below ambient or body temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a subsystem for selectively cooling and/or heating tissue while deformation is of the tissue is being performed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Heating

Implementation Method 3

communicate with a laser source; an optic fiber between the end piece and the laser source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser heating: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS11357589B2Device for controlling and limiting thermal injury to tissue during thermal procedures where tissue is simultaneously mechanically deformed

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA

AI summary

The illustrated embodiments include an apparatus to reduce or eliminate full thickness injury in tissue and to deform tissue which includes a probe or mechanism for deforming tissue, and a subsystem for selectively cooling and/or heating tissue while deformation is of the tissue is being performed. The illustrated embodiments of the invention also extend to a method to reduce or eliminate full thickness injury in tissue and to deform tissue including the steps of deforming tissue, and selectively cooling and/or heating tissue while deformation of the tissue is being performed.