High voltage connectors and electrodes for pulse generators
Inventors
Kreis, Mark P. • Danitz, David J. • Hinman, Cameron D. • Finson, Sean N.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12251554-B2
Publication Date
2025-03-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
A handheld, therapeutic electrode and connector that are compatible with high voltages from a pulse generator are disclosed. The electrode includes therapeutic terminals on a tip configured to deliver high voltage pulses safely to a patient. The electrode includes sleeves, bosses, wiring channels, and other features that maximize a minimum clearance distance (across non-conductive surfaces) and air clearance between conductive connectors themselves or the connectors and a user, thus preventing dangerous arcing. Internal surfaces and seams are taken into account. The connector and its mating outlet can include similar features to maximize clearance distance. Skirts, skirt holes, and finger stops are also employed, and they can be on either the connector or outlet, or the tip or handle of the electrode.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention relates to a high voltage connector apparatus that includes a receptacle and a connector configured to mate, in which one of the receptacle or the connector includes at least two insulative portions surrounded at least partially by a first shield, and the other of the receptacle or the connector includes apertures and shield structures arranged to receive and mate with those insulative portions. The mechanical arrangement uses shields and apertures so that shields surround and/or insert relative to each other during mating.
A central aspect of the invention is that the insulative portions, shields, and apertures are sized and configured to provide a minimum clearance distance to prevent or minimize current leakage between the first electrical terminals of the receptacle or the second electrical terminals of the connector. The minimum clearance distance is described as relating to arcing prevention and as involving shortest path(s) and/or paths along surfaces of an insulative portion or through an aperture.
In the described configurations, the connector apparatus is configured to electrically couple with a pulse generator and to transfer electrical current from the pulse generator to a set of electrodes, as part of nsPEF therapeutic electrode systems. The disclosure indicates use for cancer treatments, including tumor ablation triggering apoptosis, and positions the disclosed electrode/connector as a handheld therapeutic electrode with safety-oriented electrical-connection interface structures.
The disclosed connector configurations further include optional system functions and structures that support safe coupling, including sizing relationships for insulative and shield features, and optional controller functionality for identifying a connector/electrode state and counting and storing delivered pulses. The disclosure also grounds compatibility and use in medical procedure contexts that involve laparoscopic, endoscopic, percutaneous, or endoluminal procedures, and includes mention of treating atrial fibrillation.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are directed to a high voltage connector apparatus with a receptacle and mating connector, and they share a common set of safety and structural requirements based on multiple shields, insulative portions, apertures, and a minimum clearance distance to prevent or minimize current leakage. Across the independent claims, the inventive features focus on the shield/insulator/aperture geometry that defines minimum clearance distance, the receptacle-to-connector mating arrangement, and, depending on the claim, coupling to a pulse generator and/or providing pulse-delivery to a set of electrodes, optionally with controller-based pulse counting and storing.
Shielded insulative portions surrounded for terminal separation
One of the receptacle or the connector includes at least two insulative portions surrounded at least partially by a first shield, the at least two insulative portions at least partially enclose one of the first electrical terminals or the second electrical terminals.
Mating apertures and shield stacking for insertion
The other one of the receptacle or the connector includes at least two apertures sized to receive the at least two insulative portions, a second set of shields defining the at least two apertures, and another shield sized and configured to surround at least partially a circumference of the first shield, with the first shield sized and configured to surround at least partially the second set of shields.
Minimum clearance distance sizing to prevent or minimize current leakage
Any or all of the at least two insulative portions, the first shield, the second set of shields, the another shield and the at least two apertures are sized and configured to provide a minimum clearance distance to prevent or minimize current leakage between the first electrical terminals or the second electrical terminals.
Pulse generator coupled receptacle and connector to supply current to electrodes
A receptacle having electrical terminals configured to be electrically coupled with a pulse generator; a connector configured to mate with the receptacle, the connector having electrical terminals configured to be electrically coupled with a set of electrodes such that electrical current is supplied from the pulse generator to the set of electrodes.
Minimum clearance distance as shortest path along insulative surfaces or apertures
One or both of the at least two insulative portions and the apertures are sized and configured to provide a minimum clearance distance between the electrical terminals to prevent or minimize current leakage, the minimum clearance distance provides a shortest path along surfaces of an insulative portion of the at least two insulative portions or an aperture of the apertures.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage requires a receptacle/connector mating arrangement with at least two insulative portions, shield structures, and apertures positioned so that shields surround and/or insert into mating spaces, and where the relevant insulative/shield/aperture elements are sized to provide a minimum clearance distance that prevents or minimizes current leakage between electrical terminals. In addition, at least one independent claim includes supplying electrical current from a pulse generator to a set of electrodes, with clearance distance defined in terms of a shortest path along insulative surfaces or an aperture.
Stated Advantages
Provides a minimum clearance distance to prevent or minimize current leakage between the electrical terminals.
Configured to prevent or minimize current leakage from electrical current supplied from the pulse generator to the set of electrodes.
Documented Applications
Coupling to a pulse generator to electrically couple with an instrument having one or more electrodes for use in laparoscopic, endoscopic, percutaneous, or endoluminal procedures.
Treating atrial fibrillation using the disclosed electrode/connector apparatus.
Cancer treatments including tumor ablation triggering apoptosis, as described in the disclosure context.
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