Variable Spacing Clamp for Intimate Tissue Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophysiology devices face challenges in achieving intimate tissue contact and preventing mechanical damage when dealing with tissue structures of varying thickness, and they have high electrical resistance due to porous, wettable structures, which can lead to incomplete or non-transmural lesions and difficulty in confirming proper lesion formation.
Innovation Solution
The development of a clamp with variable spacing structures that adjust to accommodate thicker tissues without damaging them, and the use of wettable structures with conductive fibers to reduce electrical resistance, along with integrated stimulation electrodes for confirming tissue contact and lesion formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clamp with predetermined spacing between energy transmission surfaces is used, then intimate tissue contact is achieved for thin tissue structures, but mechanical damage occurs to thicker tissue structures
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates variable spacing structures that allow the distance between energy transmission surfaces to dynamically adjust based on tissue thickness. The clamp members can transition between a first configuration with a first spacing for thin tissues and a second configuration with a second spacing for thicker tissues, enabling the device to adapt to varying tissue depths while maintaining intimate contact without causing mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the spacing parameter between energy transmission surfaces based on tissue thickness requirements. By providing multiple predetermined spacings (first spacing for thin tissues, second spacing for thicker tissues), the system optimizes the contact pressure and energy delivery parameters to match the specific tissue being treated, thereby achieving reliable contact without excessive mechanical stress.
2Reliability
If porous wettable structures are used for energy transmission, then tissue contact is improved, but electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy transmission surface employs a composite structure combining porous wettable material with conductive elements. The porous material (such as hydrogel or sponge) provides intimate tissue contact and fluid retention, while embedded conductive fibers, conductive particles, or conductive coating layers reduce electrical resistance. This composite approach allows the surface to simultaneously achieve reliable tissue contact and efficient electrical energy transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes porous materials for the energy transmission surface that are specifically designed to retain ionic fluid while incorporating conductive pathways. The porous structure allows fluid saturation for improved contact, while the conductive fibers or particles within the porous matrix provide low-resistance electrical pathways, reducing overall electrical resistance despite the porous nature of the material.
3Device complexity
If a single clamp configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to varying tissue thicknesses is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp incorporates variable spacing structures that allow the distance between energy transmission surfaces to dynamically adjust based on tissue thickness. The clamp members can transition between a first configuration with a first spacing for thin tissues and a second configuration with a second spacing for thicker tissues, enabling the device to adapt to varying tissue depths while maintaining intimate contact without causing mechanical damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention designs the clamp to perform multiple functions through its variable spacing capability. A single clamp device can treat both thin and thick tissue structures by adjusting its configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized clamps. This multi-functionality is achieved through mechanisms such as movable clamp members, adjustable spacers, or transformable structures that allow the same device to accommodate a range of tissue thicknesses.
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 ensures intimate tissue contact and prevents mechanical damage across varying tissue thicknesses, reduces electrical resistance for more efficient energy transmission, and allows for accurate confirmation of lesion formation without moving the device, leading to more effective and reliable therapeutic lesions.
Implementation Method 1
a wettable structure configured to be saturated with and retain ionic fluid and a plurality of conductive fibers carried by the wettable structure
Implementation Method 2
the use of wettable structures with conductive fibers to reduce electrical resistance
Implementation Method 3
The development of a clamp with variable spacing structures that adjust to accommodate thicker tissues without damaging them
Implementation Method 4
Electromagnetic radio frequency ('RF') may, for example, be used to heat and eventually kill (i.e. 'ablate') tissue to form a lesion
Implementation Method 5
Energy may then be transmitted through the tissue from one energy transmission surface to the other
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus including includes first and second energy transmission surfaces with a predetermined spacing and a device that allows the spacing to increase when the energy transmission surfaces are brought into contact with a tissue structure that is thicker than the predetermined spacing.