Vapor Phase Ablation System for GI Tract Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instruments using RF, laser, and microwave energy struggle to deliver controlled and localized thermal effects for precise tissue ablation due to non-linear tissue characteristics affecting electromagnetic energy distribution.
Innovation Solution
A system that delivers thermal energy through a vapor phase media, using a device with an expandable structure that allows for controlled vapor flow to target tissue, minimizing energy transfer to non-targeted areas and utilizing sensors to monitor and modulate energy parameters for precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If RF, laser, or microwave energy is applied directly to tissue, then thermal energy delivery is achieved, but control and localization of thermal effects deteriorate due to non-linear tissue characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vapor as an intermediary medium between the energy source and tissue. The vapor carries thermal energy to the tissue surface, undergoes phase change, and releases heat in a controlled manner. This intermediary approach eliminates direct electromagnetic energy application to tissue, thereby achieving better control and localization of thermal effects while avoiding the non-linear distribution problems of direct RF, laser, or microwave energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of vapor to liquid upon contact with tissue. This phase change process releases latent heat directly at the tissue interface, providing precise thermal energy delivery. The phase transition mechanism ensures that thermal energy is deposited exactly where the vapor contacts the tissue, achieving superior localization and control compared to direct electromagnetic energy application.
2Manufacturing precision
If expandable structure is used to deliver vapor media, then controlled and localized energy delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an expandable structure that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded treatment state. The structure is delivered in a compact form through the catheter, then expanded at the target site to provide controlled vapor delivery surfaces. This dynamic transformation allows the device to achieve complex functionality and precise control without requiring a permanently complex structure, resolving the contradiction between control precision and device complexity.
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 controlled and localized thermal energy delivery to tissue without carbonization, allowing for precise ablation, coagulation, or sealing of targeted tissue volumes while minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies thermal energy to the tissue to cause an intended therapeutic effect
Data Source
AI summary
Medical instruments and systems for applying energy to tissue, and more particularly relates to a system for ablating thin layers of the wall of a lumen in a patient's gastrointestinal tract such as a small intestine to cause an intended therapeutic effect. Devices perform the treatment by contacting targeted tissue with a vapor phase media wherein a subsequent vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies thermal energy to the tissue.