Vascular Electrode Array RF Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF ablation technologies face limitations in creating larger lesions due to heat dispersion and tissue impedance, requiring multiple ablations and precise probe placement, which increases treatment duration and discomfort, and are inefficient in treating tumors larger than the capability of single or multiple electrode arrays.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the delivery of an electrically conductive material into a vascular network to form a vascular electrode array, which is then energized with RF energy to efficiently ablate targeted tissue, allowing for larger lesion creation with reduced heat dispersion and improved precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple needle electrodes are used to treat larger tumors, then the treatment area is expanded, but the treatment duration and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The treatment volume is segmented into multiple discrete electrode positions arranged in an array configuration, allowing simultaneous treatment of multiple tissue regions within the target volume, thereby expanding treatment capacity without proportionally increasing procedural time
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrode functions are merged into a single integrated array structure that can be deployed together, enabling coordinated ablation of multiple tissue regions simultaneously and reducing the need for repeated probe insertions
2Volume of moving object
If generator output is increased to create larger lesions, then lesion diameter is increased, but tissue vaporization and charring occur
Solution Approach 1:
The total RF power is segmented and distributed across multiple electrode elements in the array, allowing the treatment volume to be divided into multiple smaller ablation zones that collectively achieve the desired lesion size without exceeding the power threshold that causes tissue vaporization at any single location
Solution Approach 2:
Each electrode element in the array operates at optimized local power levels appropriate for its specific treatment zone, ensuring uniform energy distribution and preventing localized overheating, charring, or vaporization that would occur with concentrated high-power delivery
3Volume of moving object
If stacked ablations are performed to treat larger tumors, then the treatment area is expanded, but the number of electrode placements and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ablation functions are merged into a single electrode array structure that can deliver simultaneous or sequential ablations across multiple tissue regions without requiring removal and repositioning of the entire probe assembly, thereby reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array incorporates movable or reconfigurable elements that can be dynamically adjusted during the procedure to access different tissue regions, enabling stacked ablations to be performed from a single insertion point and reducing the need for multiple separate electrode placements
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
This approach enables effective and efficient ablation of larger tumors by minimizing heat dispersion and impedance, reducing treatment duration and discomfort, and allowing for precise energy delivery to the targeted tissue.
Implementation Method 1
delivering an electrically conductive material within a vascular network, wherein the electrically conductive material embolizes in a region of the vascular network
Implementation Method 2
emits RF energy from the exposed, uninsulated portion of the electrode. This energy translates into ion agitation, which is converted into heat and induces cellular death via coagulation necrosis
Implementation Method 3
RF ablation of tumors is currently performed within one of two core technologies
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a patient is provided. The method comprises delivering an electrically conductive material within a vascular network, wherein the electrically conductive material embolizes in a region of the vascular network to form a vascular electrode array that assumes a geometry of the embolized region of the vascular network. The method may optionally comprise delivering a containment agent within the vascular network proximal to the delivered electrically conductive material to stabilize the vascular electrode array. The method further comprises applying electrical energy (e.g., radio frequency (RF) energy) to the vascular electrode array to therapeutically conduct electrical energy into a region of the targeted tissue adjacent the embolized region of the vascular network.