Vapor Ablation Sheath with Nested Delivery Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor ablation devices for treating medical conditions like prostate issues face challenges due to increased diameter caused by components like treatment elements, visualization tools, and working channels, leading to patient discomfort and longer recovery times.
Innovation Solution
The development of a vapor ablation device with a sheath that includes a lumen for a vapor delivery member, an electrical component with a chip positioned proximate to the distal lumen opening, and a working channel, which allows for vapor delivery and optional use of sensors like cameras or OCT sensors without significantly increasing the device's diameter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If treatment elements, visualization components, and working channels are added to the sheath, then the functionality and visualization capability are improved, but the diameter of the sheath increases causing patient discomfort and longer recovery time
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor delivery member is nested within the lumen of the sheath, allowing the treatment element to be contained within the sheath structure. This nesting arrangement enables the sheath to house multiple functional components (vapor delivery member, visualization components, working channels) without proportionally increasing the outer diameter, thus maintaining patient comfort while providing comprehensive functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges components in a three-dimensional configuration within the sheath cross-section, optimizing the spatial layout of the vapor delivery member, working channels, and electrical components. By carefully positioning these elements in different radial and axial positions, the design maximizes functional capability while constraining the overall diameter to minimize patient discomfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into the sheath, then the procedural capability is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath is designed as a multi-functional integrated platform that simultaneously provides structural support, houses the vapor delivery member, contains working channels for fluid access, and accommodates electrical components for visualization and sensing. This universal design approach consolidates multiple separate components into a single integrated system, enhancing procedural capability while managing overall device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional modules (sheath, vapor delivery member, working channels, electrical components) that can be independently designed, manufactured, and positioned. This segmentation allows for optimized design of each component while maintaining manageable overall complexity, as each module can be developed and tested separately before integration.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the sheath diameter is reduced to minimize patient discomfort, then patient comfort is improved, but the space available for components and working channels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sheath utilizes thin-walled flexible construction that allows for efficient use of internal volume. The thin film walls minimize the difference between outer diameter and inner lumen diameter, maximizing the available space for components within a constrained outer dimension. This approach enables reduced sheath diameter for patient comfort while maintaining adequate internal volume for functional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs three-dimensional spatial arrangement of components within the sheath, utilizing axial, radial, and angular positioning to maximize space utilization. By distributing components throughout the available volume rather than concentrating them in a single plane, the design accommodates all necessary elements within a compact diameter that minimizes patient discomfort.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for vapor ablation may comprise a sheath extending from a proximal end to a distal portion. The sheath may include a lumen terminating distally at a lumen opening. The device may further comprise a vapor delivery member received in the lumen. The vapor delivery member may include a channel configured to receive vapor and at least one aperture configured to deliver the vapor to a body tissue. The device may further comprise an electrical component having a chip. The chip may be disposed proximate to the distal lumen opening.