Enhanced Radio Frequency Endometrial Ablation Systems

Publication ID: 24-11857248_0006_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Radio Frequency Endometrial Ablation Systems,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857248_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857248_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,248.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present invention relates to improved methods and systems for endometrial ablation utilizing radio frequency, addressing limitations of existing systems by incorporating advanced feedback mechanisms, real-time imaging, and predictive algorithms to optimize the ablation process.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent disclosed methods and systems for endometrial ablation utilizing radio frequency, but had limitations in terms of impedance monitoring, gas flow rate control, and temperature regulation. The present inventive concept solves these problems by introducing a feedback mechanism to monitor impedance, a pressure sensor to adjust gas flow rate, and a temperature sensor to prevent overheating.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced system comprises a feedback mechanism to monitor the impedance of the endometrial tissue, adjusting the radio frequency power output to optimize the ablation process. Additionally, the system includes a pressure sensor to monitor the pressure of the uterine cavity and adjust the gas flow rate accordingly, ensuring a safe and effective procedure. The system also features a real-time imaging module to visualize the uterine cavity during the ablation process, and a navigation system to guide the expandable thin-wall dielectric structure to target areas of the endometrial tissue. Furthermore, a predictive algorithm is utilized to estimate the optimal radio frequency power output based on the patient's uterine anatomy and the desired level of ablation, adjusting the power output accordingly.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept introduces novel features such as impedance monitoring, pressure sensing, real-time imaging, and predictive algorithms, which are not present in the original patent. These advancements provide a more efficient, safe, and effective endometrial ablation process.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations in the design of the expandable thin-wall dielectric structure, different types of sensors and imaging modalities, and alternative algorithms for predictive analysis. These variations can be used to tailor the system to specific patient needs or to adapt to different clinical scenarios.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The enhanced radio frequency endometrial ablation system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the gynecology and obstetrics markets. The system's improved safety and efficacy features can provide a competitive advantage in the market, and its adaptability to different clinical scenarios can expand its market reach.

CPC Classifications

Section	Class	Group
A	A61	A61B18/1485
A	A61	A61B5/1076
A	A61	A61B18/042
A	A61	A61B2018/0022
A	A61	A61B2018/00214
A	A61	A61B2018/00559
A	A61	A61B2018/00577
A	A61	A61B2018/00666
A	A61	A61B2018/147
A	A61	A61B2090/064
A	A61	A61B2218/008

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

▼

Field of Art

Medical device engineering, specifically electrosurgical systems for minimally invasive gynecological procedures, focusing on endometrial ablation technologies with radio frequency energy delivery and tissue interaction monitoring

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A biomedical engineer with expertise in electrosurgical device design, advanced medical instrumentation, thermal tissue ablation techniques, and signal processing, holding advanced degrees in bioengineering or medical engineering with 3-5 years of specialized experience in minimally invasive surgical technologies

Obviousness Rationale

A person having ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable variations and incremental improvements to the source patent's core radio frequency endometrial ablation technology. The additional monitoring, sensing, and algorithmic features represent logical extensions of existing medical device design principles, applying known techniques for improving procedural safety and efficacy. These variations would be considered obvious combinations of known elements within the electrosurgical device design domain.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Expandable frame for uterine treatment member with energy delivery capabilities

PTD Variation

Adding pressure sensing and gas flow rate adjustment mechanism to the expandable structure

Obviousness Reasoning

A PHOSITA would recognize that monitoring and controlling internal device parameters is a standard design approach for improving medical device performance and patient safety, representing a predictable solution to potential procedural complications

Source Patent Element

Radiofrequency current application through dielectric member

PTD Variation

Implementing impedance monitoring feedback mechanism to dynamically adjust power output

Obviousness Reasoning

Dynamic power modulation based on tissue characteristics is a known technique in electrosurgical systems, representing an obvious optimization strategy for improving ablation precision and preventing tissue damage

Source Patent Element

Electrosurgical system with energy delivery controller

PTD Variation

Incorporating real-time imaging and navigation system to guide device placement

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating visualization technologies into minimally invasive surgical devices is a well-established design approach, representing a predictable enhancement to improve procedural accuracy and surgeon control

Source Patent Element

Treatment member with translatable sleeve and visual indicators

PTD Variation

Adding temperature sensing to monitor endometrial tissue and prevent overheating

Obviousness Reasoning

Temperature monitoring is a standard safety mechanism in thermal medical procedures, representing a known technique for preventing unintended tissue damage during energy-based treatments

Source Patent Element

Radiofrequency energy delivery system

PTD Variation

Implementing predictive algorithm to estimate optimal power output based on patient anatomy

Obviousness Reasoning

Algorithmic optimization of medical device parameters is a common design strategy, representing an obvious application of computational techniques to improve treatment personalization and efficacy

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857248 and the published technical disclosure, a person having ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed variations in endometrial ablation system design to be obvious modifications. The incremental improvements in monitoring, sensing, and algorithmic control represent predictable extensions of existing radiofrequency ablation technologies, rendering potential patent claims obvious and unpatentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,248
Title	Methods and systems for endometrial ablation utilizing radio frequency
Assignee(s)	MINERVA SURGICAL, INC.