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Publication Number
US-11992258-B2
Publication Date
2024-05-28
Expiration Date
Abstract
A needle electrode deployment shaft includes a central member and a plurality of needle electrodes. The central member has a plurality of needle advancement channels formed therein. The needle electrodes are disposed within the advancement channels and each advancement channel terminates in a ramp portion which deflects the needles radially outwardly as they are axially advanced. The ramps may be spirally or acutely configured in order to increase the distance through which the needles may be bent as they are axially advanced. Additionally, the central member may have a radially reduced distal tip in order to decrease tissue insertion forces.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a needle electrode deployment shaft for minimally invasive therapy that includes a central member with a longitudinal axis and a plurality of needle electrode advancement channels. A plurality of peripheral needle electrodes are slidably received in the channels, and the advancement channels comprise ramps that are arcuate and curved about the longitudinal axis of the central member. The ramps confine and guide the peripheral needle electrodes as they advance through the channels.
The ramps are described with ramp geometries that include arcuate and curved configurations designed to radially outwardly deflect the distal needle electrodes. In some embodiments, the ramps are configured with angularly offset ramp entrance and exit features so that the confinement produces a spiral or spiraled path. The described ramp configuration is intended to increase bending distance and needle exit angle while limiting stress and residual strain in the needle electrodes.
The invention further describes needle electrode tip and channel interactions, including reduced-diameter distal tip/spike and chamfered or beveled electrode ends to reduce seizure and facilitate predictable placement. Optional radiofrequency configurations are described, including monopolar and bipolar modes for delivering radiofrequency energy to tissue. The invention also includes integration with an ultrasonic imaging array that can pivot or be deflectable, and additional embodiments using an offset central spike or introducer with a proximally retracted electrode deployment port and stress-relief ports/cavities to reduce focal stress during retraction.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim recites a needle electrode deployment shaft with a central member and multiple advancement channels configured as arcuate ramps curved about the longitudinal axis, in which peripheral needle electrodes are slidably received.
Central-member advancement channels with arcuate ramps
A needle electrode deployment shaft comprising a central member having a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis therebetween, an outer surface, and a plurality of needle electrode advancement channels; and wherein the plurality of needle electrode advancement channels comprises a plurality of ramps, each ramp being arcuate and curved about the longitudinal axis of the central member.
Peripheral needle electrodes slidably received in the channels
A needle electrode deployment shaft wherein a plurality of peripheral needle electrodes are slidably received in the channels.
Overall claim coverage centers on a central-member, multi-channel deployment shaft in which peripheral needle electrodes are slidably received and guided by arcuate, longitudinal-axis-curved ramps that define the electrode deployment path.
Stated Advantages
Increases bending distance and needle exit angle while limiting stress and residual strain.
Reduces insertion force.
Facilitates predictable placement.
Reduces seizure through reduced-diameter distal tip/spike and chamfered or beveled electrode ends.
Reduces focal stress during retraction through stress-relief ports/cavities and protected regions.
Documented Applications
Minimally invasive therapy involving tissue, including uterine fibroid ablation, using deployed needle electrodes for radiofrequency energy delivery.
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