Tissue Extraction Probe Using RF Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current hysteroscopic resection methods for uterine fibroids often require large diameter instruments, necessitating anesthesia and cervical dilation, which is not ideal for minimally invasive procedures.

Innovation Solution

A tissue removal system using a probe with a reciprocating blade or tubular cutter that captures and expels tissue via vaporization of a fluid, allowing for smaller diameter instruments and reducing the risk of tissue clogging by using RF energy to vaporize a fluid and create a propulsion force for tissue extraction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If conventional resectoscopes are used for hysteroscopic resection, then effective tissue removal is achieved, but the instrument diameter must be large (9 mm) requiring anesthesia and cervical dilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument diameterVSAvoidcervical dilation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is divided into functional segments: a cutting element (reciprocating blade or rotating cutter) separated from the extraction mechanism. This allows the cutting function to be performed at a small diameter while tissue is progressively captured and removed through the same small lumen, eliminating the need for large diameter instruments and cervical dilation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A fluid (saline or other liquid) is introduced as an intermediary medium to facilitate tissue removal. The fluid is vaporized using RF energy to create expansion forces that propel captured tissue through the extraction lumen, enabling effective tissue removal through a small diameter instrument without requiring cervical dilation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If mechanical cutting devices are used, then tissue resection is effective, but tissue clogging occurs in the extraction lumen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue removal efficiencyVSAvoidtissue clogging risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical extraction system is replaced with a thermal-fluid system. RF energy vaporizes the fluid surrounding the captured tissue, creating rapid expansion and pressure forces that actively propel tissue through the extraction lumen. This substitutes passive mechanical extraction prone to clogging with active thermal-fluid propulsion that continuously clears the lumen

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid undergoes a phase transition from liquid to vapor through RF heating. This phase change creates rapid volume expansion and pressure increase that generates propulsive forces, actively clearing tissue through the extraction lumen and preventing clogging while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Ease of operation

If large diameter instruments are used for fibroid removal, then complete tissue extraction is achieved, but patient trauma increases due to anesthesia and cervical dilation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive capabilityVSAvoidanesthesia requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument functionality is segmented to perform cutting and extraction through a small diameter working channel, enabling the procedure to be performed through a minimally invasive trans cervical approach without general anesthesia, thus reducing patient trauma while maintaining complete tissue extraction capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The vaporized fluid acts as an intermediary that enables tissue propulsion through the small extraction lumen, allowing complete tissue removal through a minimally invasive small diameter instrument, thereby eliminating the need for anesthesia and cervical dilation while achieving thorough fibroid removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables effective removal of uterine fibroids through a small diameter hysteroscope, reducing the need for anesthesia and minimizing tissue clogging, thus facilitating less invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

energy is applied to the fluid in order to cause rapid expansion, e.g. vaporization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the expansion typically comprises a liquid-to-vapor phase transition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition (liquid to vapor): Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

applying electrical energy in an amount sufficient to vaporize the liquid, typically applying RF current

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRF heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11583335B2Tissue extraction devices and methods

Publication Date: 2023.02.21 MINERVA SURGICAL INC

AI summary

Tissue may be cut and extracted from an interior location in a patient's body using a probe or tool which both effects cutting and causes vaporization of a liquid or other fluid to propel the cut tissue through an extraction lumen of the cutting device. The cutting may be achieved using an electrosurgical electrode assembly, including a first electrode on a cutting member and a second electrode within a cutting probe or tool.