Vessel-Conforming Electrode Guide for Stable Nerve Denervation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode apparatuses face challenges in accurately and safely enclosing the outer walls of blood vessels during nerve denervation or modulation procedures without damaging the vessels, particularly due to variations in vessel size and susceptibility to external stimuli.
Innovation Solution
An electrode apparatus with a shaft, electrode unit, electrode guide, and driving units that allow for precise and controlled contact of the electrode with the vessel wall, using a flexible design and mechanical components to ensure safe and accurate attachment without vessel damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the electrode apparatus uses a rigid structure to enclose the artery, then the electrode can maintain stable position, but it may damage the artery which is easily damaged by external stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode apparatus employs a flexible component structure that can conform to the artery's outer wall. The component includes a flexible body with electrodes arranged on its surface, allowing it to gently enclose the artery without rigid contact that could cause damage. This flexible design maintains stable positioning through adaptation rather than rigid constraint.
2Reliability
If the electrode component is designed to enclose the artery circumferentially, then nerve denervation effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of accurate positioning increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode component is divided into multiple electrode units arranged circumferentially around the flexible body. Each electrode unit can be independently controlled, allowing selective activation based on the artery's position and orientation. This segmentation simplifies positioning by enabling stepwise engagement rather than requiring perfect circumferential alignment all at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode component is designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing it to adjust its configuration during insertion and deployment. The flexible body can bend and conform as it navigates the vascular system, and the electrode units can be activated in sequences to guide proper positioning without requiring complex pre-planning of the entire circumferential arrangement.
3Productivity
If the electrode is brought into rapid contact with the artery wall, then the procedure efficiency is improved, but the safety decreases due to potential damage from external stimuli
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode component is deployed in a compressed or folded state within the catheter, allowing rapid insertion to the target site. Once positioned, it gradually expands or unfolds to engage the artery wall. This preliminary compression enables fast delivery while the controlled expansion ensures gentle contact that minimizes damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode contact with the artery wall is achieved through a staged or periodic deployment process. The component engages the artery in steps rather than all at once, allowing monitoring and adjustment at each stage. This periodic engagement maintains safety by limiting the force applied at any given moment while still achieving complete circumferential coverage efficiently.
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 apparatus enables safe and accurate nerve denervation or modulation by gradually bringing the electrode into contact with the vessel wall, minimizing damage and ensuring precise energy transfer for effective nerve treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The tensile force maintenance unit includes a first spring that provides a tensile force to the electrode unit; and a lever that generates the tensile force by extending the first spring.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode apparatus for nerve denervation or modulation in vivo includes a main body including a shaft; an electrode unit formed to be drawn out from one end of the shaft and configured to denervate or modulate at least part of nerves on a tube in a body; an electrode guide coupled to the end of the electrode unit and configured to guide the electrode unit to be brought into contact with the tube in the body; an electrode guide driving unit configured to move the electrode guide in forward and backward directions; and an electrode driving unit configured to move the electrode guide in the forward and backward directions in conjunction with the electrode guide driving unit.