Wireless RF Ablation System with Implanted Receiving Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiofrequency ablation (RFA) systems require invasive needle electrode placement for each treatment, which is time-consuming, painful, and carries risks of complications such as infection and bleeding. Additionally, the temporary nature of pain relief necessitates repeated procedures.
Innovation Solution
A wireless RFA system comprising an implanted receiving coil and electrodes, which receives wireless power and delivers thermal energy to target tissues. This system uses impedance sensing and control algorithms to optimize the ablation process, allowing for non-invasive and repeatable procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional wired RFA systems use needle electrode placement for each treatment, then the procedure can be performed with existing technology, but the procedure becomes time-consuming, painful, and carries risks of complications such as infection and bleeding
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by implanting a lead with electrode array and receiving coil into the patient's body before the actual ablation treatment. This lead remains in place for multiple treatments, eliminating the need to reinsert needles for each procedure. The preliminary implantation is done once, and subsequent treatments can reuse the same lead, significantly reducing procedural time and patient discomfort for repeat treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary receiving coil implanted in the patient's body that wirelessly receives RF power from an external transmitter. This intermediary component enables non-contact power transfer to the electrodes, eliminating the need for wired connections through the skin during treatment. The receiving coil acts as a mediator between the external RF generator and the internal electrodes, allowing for complication-free repeated procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional RFA systems require repeated needle electrode insertion for repeat procedures, then the treatment can be administered, but the risks of complications including infection and bleeding increase with each procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by implanting a lead with electrode array and receiving coil into the patient's body before the actual ablation treatment. This lead remains in place for multiple treatments, eliminating the need to reinsert needles for each procedure. The preliminary implantation is done once, and subsequent treatments can reuse the same lead, significantly reducing procedural time and patient discomfort for repeat treatments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary receiving coil implanted in the patient's body that wirelessly receives RF power from an external transmitter. This intermediary component enables non-contact power transfer to the electrodes, eliminating the need for wired connections through the skin during treatment. The receiving coil acts as a mediator between the external RF generator and the internal electrodes, allowing for complication-free repeated procedures.
3Power
If conventional RFA uses percutaneous needle insertion, then the system can deliver thermal energy to target tissue, but the procedure is painful for the patient and introduces risks of post-procedure pain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary receiving coil implanted in the patient's body that wirelessly receives RF power from an external transmitter. This intermediary component enables non-contact power transfer to the electrodes, eliminating the need for wired connections through the skin during treatment. The receiving coil acts as a mediator between the external RF generator and the internal electrodes, allowing for complication-free repeated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical needle insertion and wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic energy transfer system. Instead of mechanically inserting needles and connecting wires through the skin, the system uses electromagnetic induction to wirelessly transmit RF power to implanted electrodes, eliminating mechanical trauma and associated pain for the patient.
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 wireless RFA system significantly reduces procedural time and patient discomfort, while minimizing the risk of complications. It enables personalized, longer-lasting treatment for chronic pain and enhances patient outcomes by allowing repeat treatments without the need for reinsertion of needle electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
a transmission coil configured to wirelessly transmit power to the receiving coil
Implementation Method 2
a receiving coil configured to wirelessly receive power
Implementation Method 3
one or more electrodes operably coupled to said receiving coil to deliver thermal energy to a target when powered by the wirelessly received power
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless radiofrequency ablation (RFA) system for medical treatment, comprising: an implanted system including: a receiving coil configured to wirelessly receive power, and one or more electrodes operably coupled to said receiving coil to deliver thermal energy to a target when powered by the wirelessly received power; and an external control system including: a radiofrequency (RF) generator, a transmission coil configured to wirelessly transmit power to the receiving coil, and a user interface configured to allow transmit power parameters to be input in order to control the RF generator.