A vapor ablation system

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of medical devices, in particular to a steam ablation system and a control method thereof. The steam ablation system comprises a steam device, a sterile water delivery device, a pressure relief device and an ablation needle. The sterile water delivery device is used to introduce sterile water into the steam device at a constant flow rate. The ablation needle can be pushed out or withdrawn relative to the steam device. When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the steam device, the steam discharged by the steam device is discharged through the ablation needle to achieve thermal ablation on the tissue. When the ablation needle is withdrawn relative to the steam device, the steam discharged by the steam device can be discharged through the pressure relief device. During the treatment interval, excessive steam is prevented from being discharged through the ablation needle to scald the patient. Since the sterile water delivery device always introduces sterile water into the steam device at a constant flow rate, the treatment efficiency is improved, and the occurrence of negative pressure at the ablation needle site is also avoided. The steam ablation system control method improves the treatment efficiency and avoids the occurrence of negative pressure at the ablation needle site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a steam ablation system. Background Technology

[0002] Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common disease among middle-aged and elderly men, and its prevalence increases with age. Steam ablation surgery, due to its advantages of minimal invasiveness, short operation time, and few complications, has become an effective treatment for BPH abroad, and using steam ablation systems to treat BPH is becoming a trend. During the intervals between ablation treatments, some condensation inevitably occurs at the steam delivery site. As the volume of steam decreases to that of water, a vacuum is created in the ablation needle. This vacuum can draw blood, tissue, or other substances from the injection site into the needle tip through the steam delivery port. When treatment is restarted, these substances are ejected from the needle before new steam is delivered to the tissue, affecting the treatment effect. Furthermore, these substances may clog the steam delivery site, leading to uneven steam distribution and further affecting the treatment outcome.

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies employ steam ablation systems that deliver a very small amount of steam from the steam source through the steam delivery section during treatment intervals. This maintains positive pressure in the ablation needle during these intervals, preventing the absorption of substances into the needle. Consequently, it is necessary to inject sterile water at different flow rates during treatment and between treatment intervals. However, the varying flow rates of the injected sterile water significantly increase the time required for steam regeneration, prolonging the steam response time for the next treatment and reducing treatment efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to invent a steam ablation system to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a steam ablation system to avoid negative pressure at the ablation needle site during treatment intervals, and to prevent excessive steam from being discharged from the ablation needle to the scalded patient during treatment intervals. It can also generate steam for ablation instantly during the next treatment, thereby improving treatment efficiency.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A steam ablation system, comprising:

[0008] Steam apparatus;

[0009] A sterile water delivery device is configured to supply sterile water to the steam device at a constant flow rate so that the steam device discharges steam.

[0010] The device includes a pressure relief device and an ablation needle, the ablation needle being able to be extended or retracted relative to the steam device; when the ablation needle is extended relative to the steam device, the steam discharged by the steam device is discharged through the ablation needle; when the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam device, the steam discharged by the steam device is able to be discharged through the pressure relief device.

[0011] As a preferred embodiment, the ablation needle has a steam hole on its cavity wall. When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the steam device, the steam device opens the steam hole so that the steam discharged by the steam device can be discharged through the steam hole. When the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam device, the steam device blocks the steam hole so that the steam discharged by the steam device can be discharged through the pressure relief device.

[0012] As a preferred embodiment, the steam device includes:

[0013] A steam generating coil, one end of which is connected to the sterile water delivery device, and the other end of which is connected to the ablation needle;

[0014] A heating coil, disposed around the outer periphery of the steam generating coil, is configured to heat the steam generating coil to cause the steam to be discharged from the steam generating coil; and

[0015] A sealing ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the ablation needle;

[0016] When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the sealing ring, the sealing ring opens the vapor hole; when the ablation needle is retracted relative to the sealing ring, the sealing ring seals the vapor hole.

[0017] As a preferred embodiment, the steam device includes:

[0018] A steam generating coil, one end of which is connected to the sterile water delivery device;

[0019] The steam delivery pipe and heating coil are provided. The head of the steam delivery pipe is open. The steam delivery pipe passes through the cavity inside the ablation needle. The steam delivery pipe is connected to the pressure relief device. The heating coil is arranged around the outer periphery of the steam generating coil and is configured to heat the steam generating coil so that the steam generating coil generates steam and passes it into the steam delivery pipe.

[0020] When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the steam delivery pipe, the steam delivery pipe opens the steam hole; when the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe, the steam delivery pipe blocks the steam hole.

[0021] As a preferred embodiment, the steam delivery pipe and the cavity wall of the ablation needle are in clearance fit.

[0022] As a preferred embodiment, the steam device further includes:

[0023] A flexible connecting pipe, one end of which is connected to the steam generating coil and the other end of which is connected to the steam conveying pipe.

[0024] As a preferred embodiment, the steam device further includes:

[0025] A sealing ring is fixed on the cavity wall at the tail of the ablation needle and sandwiched between the cavity wall of the ablation needle and the outer wall of the steam delivery pipe.

[0026] As a preferred embodiment, the cavity wall of the ablation needle is provided with a plurality of steam holes spaced apart, and when the ablation needle retracts relative to the steam device, the steam device blocks each of the steam holes.

[0027] As a preferred embodiment, the cavity wall of the ablation needle is provided with a plurality of steam holes spaced apart, and the wall of the steam delivery pipe is provided with a first vent hole. When the ablation needle retracts relative to the steam delivery pipe, at least one of the steam holes is directly connected to the first vent hole, and the remaining steam holes are blocked by the steam delivery pipe.

[0028] As a preferred embodiment, the cavity wall of the ablation needle is also provided with a vent hole, and the vent hole is connected to the steam delivery pipe when the ablation needle is pushed out or retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe.

[0029] As a preferred embodiment, the steam ablation system further includes:

[0030] A waste liquid recovery device, connected to the pressure relief device, is configured to collect the steam discharged from the pressure relief device.

[0031] As a preferred embodiment, the steam ablation system further includes:

[0032] A drive unit is configured to drive the ablation needle to extend or retract relative to the steam device.

[0033] As a preferred embodiment, the driving device includes:

[0034] A permanent magnet is fixed to the outer wall of the ablation needle; and

[0035] A drive coil is disposed outside the permanent magnet, and the drive coil is capable of driving the permanent magnet to move relative to the drive coil.

[0036] As a preferred embodiment, the steam ablation system further includes:

[0037] An inlet tube is provided, with a first cavity and a second cavity spaced apart inside. An ablation needle is movably inserted through the first cavity, and the tip of the ablation needle can extend out of the inlet tube through both the first and second cavities.

[0038] An endoscope is inserted into the second cavity, with the lens of the endoscope facing the head of the ablation needle.

[0039] As a preferred embodiment, the head of the ablation needle is provided with a marking ring.

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, a gap is formed between the endoscope and the cavity wall of the second cavity to allow the flushing saline solution to flow through the gap.

[0041] A steam ablation system, comprising:

[0042] Steam apparatus;

[0043] A sterile water delivery device is configured to supply sterile water to the steam device at a constant flow rate, so that the steam device discharges steam; and

[0044] The ablation needle has a steam hole on its cavity wall, and the ablation needle can be pushed out or retracted relative to the steam device. When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the steam device, the steam device opens the steam hole so that the steam discharged by the steam device can be discharged through the steam hole. When the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam device, the steam device blocks the steam hole.

[0045] As a preferred embodiment, the steam device includes:

[0046] A steam generating coil, one end of which is connected to the sterile water delivery device, and the other end of which is connected to the ablation needle;

[0047] A heating coil, disposed around the outer periphery of the steam generating coil, is configured to heat the steam generating coil to cause the steam to be discharged from the steam generating coil; and

[0048] A sealing ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the ablation needle;

[0049] When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the sealing ring, the sealing ring opens the vapor hole; when the ablation needle is retracted relative to the sealing ring, the sealing ring seals the vapor hole.

[0050] As a preferred embodiment, the steam device includes:

[0051] A steam generating coil, one end of which is connected to the sterile water delivery device;

[0052] The steam delivery pipe has an open head and passes through the cavity inside the ablation needle. The heating coil is arranged around the outer periphery of the steam generating coil and is configured to heat the steam generating coil so that the steam generating coil generates steam and passes it into the steam delivery pipe.

[0053] When the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the steam delivery pipe, the steam delivery pipe opens the steam hole; when the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe, the steam delivery pipe blocks the steam hole.

[0054] A control method for a steam ablation system, comprising a steam device, a sterile water delivery device, a pressure relief device, and an ablation needle, wherein the control method includes the following steps:

[0055] After the steam ablation system is started, the sterile water delivery device introduces sterile water into the steam device at a constant flow rate so that the steam device can discharge steam.

[0056] When the ablation needle performs thermal ablation on the tissue, the ablation needle is pushed out relative to the steam device, and the steam discharged from the steam device is discharged through the ablation needle; when the ablation needle is in the treatment interval, the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam device, and all the steam discharged from the steam device is discharged through the pressure relief device or part of the steam discharged from the steam device is discharged through the pressure relief device.

[0057] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0058] The steam ablation system provided by this invention, by connecting a pressure relief device to the steam device, allows steam to be discharged through the ablation needle when the ablation needle is extended relative to the steam device (during the treatment period), achieving thermal ablation of the tissue. When the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam device (during the treatment interval), steam can be discharged through the pressure relief device, preventing excessive steam from escaping through the ablation needle and scalding the patient. Furthermore, the pressure relief device ensures that the sterile water delivery device continuously supplies sterile water to the steam device at a constant flow rate during and between treatment periods, preventing negative pressure at the ablation needle site during the treatment interval and reducing the steam response time for the next treatment. This allows the ablation needle to instantly generate steam for ablation during the next treatment, improving treatment efficiency.

[0059] The steam ablation system provided by this invention allows the steam device to open its steam port during the treatment phase (when the ablation needle is extended relative to the steam device), enabling the steam emitted from the steam device to be discharged through the steam port for thermal ablation of the tissue. During the treatment interval (when the ablation needle is retracted relative to the steam device), the steam device seals the steam port to prevent excessive steam from being discharged through the ablation needle and scalding the patient. Furthermore, the pressure relief device ensures that the sterile water delivery device continuously supplies sterile water to the steam device at a constant flow rate during and between treatment phases. This avoids negative pressure at the ablation needle site during the treatment interval and reduces the steam response time for the next treatment, allowing the ablation needle to instantly generate steam for ablation during the next treatment, thus improving treatment efficiency.

[0060] The steam ablation system control method provided by this invention allows for thermal ablation of tissue by the ablation needle discharging steam during treatment. During treatment intervals, it prevents excessive steam from being discharged through the ablation needle and potentially scalding the patient. Furthermore, the pressure relief device ensures that the sterile water delivery device maintains a constant flow rate to the steam device during and between treatments, preventing negative pressure at the ablation needle site during treatment intervals and reducing the steam response time for the next treatment. This allows the ablation needle to instantly generate steam for ablation during the next treatment, improving treatment efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steam ablation system with the ablation needle in the extended state, as provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the steam ablation system with the ablation needle in the retracted state, provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a partial steam ablation system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0064] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the main body of the inlet tube provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a partial steam ablation system provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figure 2 ;

[0066] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ablation needle and steam delivery pipe provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0067] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the steam ablation system with the ablation needle in the extended state, provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the steam ablation system with the ablation needle in the retracted state, provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0069] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ablation needle and occlusion ring provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0070] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ablation needle and steam delivery pipe provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0071] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ablation needle and steam delivery pipe provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0072] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ablation needle and steam delivery pipe provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 1 ;

[0073] Figure 13 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the ablation needle and steam delivery pipe provided in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. Figure 2 .

[0074] In the picture:

[0075] 1. Ablation needle; 11. Ablation needle body; 111. Vapor port; 12. Ablation needle tip; 121. Vent hole;

[0076] 2. Steam device; 21. Steam generating coil; 22. Steam delivery pipe; 221. First exhaust port; 222. Second exhaust port; 23. Heating coil; 24. Flexible connecting pipe; 25. Sealing ring; 26. Sealing ring;

[0077] 3. Sterile water delivery device; 4. Pressure relief device; 5. Waste liquid recovery device;

[0078] 6. Drive unit; 61. Permanent magnet; 62. Drive coil;

[0079] 7. Inlet tube; 71. Inlet tube body; 711. First cavity; 712. Second cavity; 713. Through hole; 72. Inlet tube tip; 8. Endoscope. Detailed Implementation

[0080] To make the technical problems solved by the present invention, the technical solutions adopted, and the technical effects achieved clearer, the technical solutions of the present invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0081] In the description of this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0082] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0083] In the description of this embodiment, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," and "right," etc., refer to the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for ease of description and simplification of operation, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used only for distinction in description and have no special meaning.

[0084] Example 1

[0085] This embodiment provides a steam ablation system that can be inserted into a patient's urethra to perform thermal ablation on the hyperplastic tissue of the prostate, thereby achieving the purpose of treating benign prostatic hyperplasia.

[0086] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the steam ablation system provided in this embodiment includes an inlet tube 7, a steam device 2, a sterile water delivery device 3, and an ablation needle 1. The inlet tube 7 can be inserted into the patient's urethra. A first cavity 711 is formed inside the inlet tube 7. The ablation needle 1 is movably inserted through the first cavity 711, and its head can extend out of the inlet tube 7. The sterile water delivery device 3 is connected to the steam device 2, allowing sterile water to be supplied to the steam device 2. The steam device 2 heats the supplied sterile water and converts it into steam. The steam discharged from the steam device 2 can enter the cavity inside the ablation needle 1, and the ablation needle 1 can be pushed out or retracted relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7. Figure 1 As shown, when the ablation needle 1 is needed to perform thermal ablation on the patient's prostatic hyperplasia tissue, the ablation needle 1 is extended relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7. The head of the ablation needle 1 can extend out of the inlet tube 7, and the steam in the cavity of the ablation needle 1 can be discharged through the head of the ablation needle 1 to the patient's prostatic hyperplasia tissue. After the thermal ablation is completed, or during the treatment interval, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the ablation needle 1 can retract relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7, so that the head of the ablation needle 1 retracts into the first cavity 711 of the inlet tube 7.

[0087] To facilitate the insertion of the inlet tube 7 into the patient's urethra, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the inlet tube 7 includes an inlet tube body 71 and an inlet tube tip 72. The inlet tube body 71 and the inlet tube tip 72 are screwed together, and the inlet tube tip 72 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the inlet tube body 71. A first cavity 711 is formed inside the inlet tube body 71. By threading the inlet tube tip 72 onto the inlet tube body 71, the resistance to insertion of the inlet tube 7 into the patient's urethra is reduced, avoiding damage to the patient's urethra caused by the inlet tube 7. Preferably, the inlet tube body 71 and the inlet tube tip 72 are interference-fitted, and the fitting length of the inlet tube body 71 and the inlet tube tip 72 is approximately 6 mm, further improving the stability of the fixation of the inlet tube body 71 and the inlet tube tip 72, and also improving the sealing performance at the connection between the inlet tube body 71 and the inlet tube tip 72. In this embodiment, it should be noted that the inlet tube 7 is made of a biocompatible material and is inserted parallel to the patient's urethra during treatment. The inlet tube tip 72 can be a conical structure, and the tip of the conical structure has a smooth rounded transition.

[0088] In addition, such as Figures 1-4As shown, the steam ablation system also includes an endoscope 8 and a handle (not shown in the figure). The inlet tube body 71 is fixed to the handle, and a second cavity 712 is formed inside the inlet tube body 71. The second cavity 712 is spaced apart from the first cavity 711. The endoscope 8 includes a mounting part and a working part connected to each other. The mounting part is mounted on the handle, and the working part can pass through the second cavity 712. A lens is provided on the working part, allowing the head of the ablation needle 1 to pass through the first cavity 711 and the second cavity 712 and extend out of the inlet tube 7. The lens on the working part is directly opposite the head of the ablation needle 1, facilitating observation of the extension and retraction of the ablation needle 1 relative to the inlet tube 7 and the steam device 2 by the lens of the endoscope 8. In this embodiment, the lens angle can be 30°. Before the mounting part is inserted into the handle, a certain amount of lubricant needs to be applied. After insertion, the handle's outer shell is used to axially limit the mounting part, and the two sides of the light source interface on the endoscope 8 are used to circumferentially limit the endoscope 8 relative to the handle.

[0089] Preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, a gap is formed between the outer wall of the working part of the endoscope 8 and the cavity wall of the second cavity 712, allowing the rinsing saline solution to flow through the gap. This ensures that the rinsing saline solution can be introduced into the inlet tube 7 through the gap, providing cleaning and rinsing effects to the tissue during insertion of the steam ablation system and during the delivery of steam to the tissue. It should be noted that, in this embodiment, since the second cavity 712 and the first cavity 711 are arranged at intervals, almost no steam can leak from the gap in the second cavity 712.

[0090] In addition, such as Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the steam ablation system also includes a drive device 6, which drives the ablation needle 1 to extend or retract relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7. Specifically, the drive device 6 includes a permanent magnet 61 and a drive coil 62. The permanent magnet 61 is fixed to the outer wall of the ablation needle 1, and the drive coil 62 surrounds the permanent magnet 61, enabling the permanent magnet 61 to move relative to the drive coil 62. Specifically, when the drive coil 62 is energized in the forward direction, the permanent magnet 61, under the action of the magnetic field, drives the ablation needle 1 to extend relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7. When the drive coil 62 is energized in the reverse direction, the permanent magnet 61, under the action of the magnetic field, drives the ablation needle 1 to retract relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7.

[0091] Specifically, in this embodiment, the drive coil 62 is a single winding with approximately 800 turns of AWG#30 magnetic wire. Under the action of the drive coil 62, the ablation needle 1 is pushed out / retracted within its complete stroke of approximately 11 mm in 0.02 seconds. The permanent magnet 61 is made of N48 grade neodymium iron boron with a Br of approximately 1.4T, a highly coercive oriented material, and the entire permanent magnet 61 is uniformly magnetized along its axis. The force on the permanent magnet 61 is proportional to its volume. Increasing the length of the drive coil 62 and the permanent magnet 61 can increase the driving force of the drive device 6 to a certain extent, or increasing the number of turns of the drive coil 62 and the coil current can achieve the same effect. The outer wall of the ablation needle 1 can be fixed to the permanent magnet 61 by adhesive, fasteners such as bolts, or snap-fit ​​connections. This embodiment does not specifically limit the form in which the outer wall of the ablation needle 1 is fixed to the permanent magnet 61. Preferably, a position sensor is mounted on the permanent magnet 61, which can sense the specific position of the ablation needle 1 by detecting the electromotive force of the drive coil 62 under different states. Specifically, the position sensor can be a magnetic field sensor or a Hall sensor.

[0092] In existing technology, during the intervals between ablation treatments, the sterile water delivery device 3 stops supplying sterile water to the steam device 2, and the steam device 2 ceases to generate steam. This inevitably leads to some condensation in the tubing within the steam device 2. Because the volume of steam decreases to the volume of water, a vacuum is created in the ablation needle 1. This vacuum can draw blood, tissue, or other substances from the injection site through the urethra into the needle tip via the steam delivery port. When treatment is restarted, these substances are ejected from the needle before new steam is delivered to the tissue, affecting the treatment outcome. Furthermore, these substances may clog the steam delivery points, leading to uneven steam distribution and further impacting the treatment effect. To address the aforementioned issues, existing technologies employ a steam ablation system where a sterile water delivery device 3 supplies sterile water to a steam device 2 at a low speed during the treatment interval. This causes the steam device 2 to emit a small amount of steam, maintaining a positive pressure on the ablation needle 1 during the treatment interval to prevent substances from being drawn into the needle. Consequently, the sterile water delivery device 3 needs to inject sterile water at different flow rates during treatment and between treatment intervals. Due to the different flow rates of the injected sterile water, the time for steam to regenerate is significantly increased, prolonging the steam response time for the next treatment and reducing treatment efficiency.

[0093] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the steam ablation system provided in this embodiment also includes a pressure relief device 4. The sterile water delivery device 3 can supply sterile water to the steam device 2 at a constant flow rate. When the ablation needle 1 is pushed out relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7 under the drive of the drive device 6, the steam discharged from the steam device 2 is discharged through the ablation needle 1 to the patient's prostatic hyperplasia tissue, achieving thermal ablation of the tissue. During the treatment interval, the ablation needle 1 is retracted relative to the steam device 2 and the inlet tube 7 under the drive of the drive device 6, and the steam discharged from the steam device 2 can be discharged through the pressure relief device 4, preventing excessive steam from still being discharged through the ablation needle 1 and scalding the patient. Furthermore, the pressure relief device 4 ensures that the sterile water delivery device 3 can consistently supply sterile water to the steam device 2 at a constant flow rate during treatment and between treatment intervals, avoiding negative pressure at the ablation needle 1 site during treatment intervals and reducing the steam response time for the next treatment. This allows the ablation needle 1 to instantly generate steam for ablation during the next treatment, improving treatment efficiency.

[0094] Specifically, in this embodiment, the sterile water delivery device 3 continuously supplies sterile water to the steam device 2 at a flow rate of 3.0 ml / min, and the pressure relief device 4 can be a pressure relief valve with a pressure of approximately 10 psi. Furthermore, as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the steam ablation system also includes a waste liquid recovery device 5, which is connected to the pressure relief device 4. During the treatment interval, when the steam inside the steam device 2 is continuously generated and reaches the pressure relief value of the pressure relief valve, the steam inside the steam device 2 can flow into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief valve.

[0095] Now combined Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The specific structure of ablation needle 1 is explained, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the ablation needle 1 is a single-lumen tube, comprising a main body 11 and a tip 12 connected to each other. The tip 12 facilitates puncture operations. Specifically, the ablation needle 1 can be made of PEEK material. The length of the ablation needle 1 is approximately 220 mm, and the inner and outer diameters are 0.76 mm and 1.27 mm, respectively.

[0096] To facilitate the extension of the ablation needle 1 into the inlet tube 7, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a through hole 713 is provided on the cavity wall of the inlet tube body 71. The through hole 713 is located at the connection and mating point between the inlet tube body 71 and the inlet tube tip 72. The head of the ablation needle 1 is designed to be curved, with a bending angle of approximately 90°, so that the head of the ablation needle 1 can extend out of the inlet tube 7 through the through hole 713 in the pushed-out state. Specifically, in this embodiment, the extension length of the curved part of the head of the ablation needle 1 is approximately 12mm. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the diameter of the through hole 713 is larger than the outer diameter of the head of the ablation needle 1, thereby ensuring that the ablation needle 1 can be pushed out and retracted relative to the through hole 713.

[0097] Since the through hole 713 is located at the connection point between the guide tube body 71 and the guide tube tip 72, the lens of the endoscope 8 is also located at this connection point. This ensures that the lens of the endoscope 8 is directly opposite the head of the ablation needle 1, and also ensures that the endoscope 8 has sufficient space to observe the movement of the ablation needle 1. Preferably, in this embodiment, the head of the ablation needle 1 is provided with a marking ring, which facilitates observation of the specific position of the head of the ablation needle 1 through the lens of the endoscope 8.

[0098] In addition, a steam hole 111 is provided on the cavity wall of the ablation needle body 11. When the ablation needle 1 is pushed out relative to the steam device 2, the steam device 2 opens the steam hole 111 so that the steam discharged by the steam device 2 can be discharged through the steam hole 111. When the ablation needle 1 is retracted relative to the steam device 2, the steam device 2 seals the steam hole 111 so that the steam discharged by the steam device 2 can be discharged to the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4.

[0099] Now combined Figure 1 and Figure 2 The specific structure of steam device 2 will be described, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the steam device 2 includes a steam generating coil 21, a steam delivery pipe 22, and a heating coil 23. One end of the steam generating coil 21 is connected to the sterile water delivery device 3. The head of the steam delivery pipe 22 is open and passes through the cavity inside the ablation needle 1. The heating coil 23 surrounds the outer periphery of the steam generating coil 21 and is used to heat the steam generating coil 21 so that the sterile water in the steam generating coil 21 is heated to generate steam and is introduced into the steam delivery pipe 22. When the ablation needle 1 is needed to perform thermal ablation on the patient's prostatic hyperplasia tissue, the ablation needle 1 is extended relative to the steam delivery tube 22. At this time, the part of the ablation needle body 11 with the steam hole 111 is away from the steam delivery tube 22, so that the steam delivery tube 22 opens the steam hole 111, and the steam in the steam delivery tube 22 can be discharged through the head opening and then through the steam hole 111. When the ablation needle 1 is retracted relative to the steam delivery tube 22, the steam delivery tube 22 is located at the cavity wall of the ablation needle body 11 with the steam hole 111, so that the steam delivery tube 22 blocks the steam hole 111. At this time, the ablation needle 1 will not discharge steam, the pressure relief device 4 is opened, and the steam inside the steam delivery tube 22 can be completely discharged into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4.

[0100] Specifically, the head of the steam delivery pipe 22 adopts a sloped isosceles trapezoidal structure with a slope angle of approximately 45°. When the ablation needle 1 retracts relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, the head of the steam delivery pipe 22 is precisely located at the connection point between the ablation needle body 11 and the ablation needle tip 12. Furthermore, the steam delivery pipe 22 is a single-lumen straight pipe made of PEEK capillary tube, with inner and outer diameters of 0.50 mm and 0.73 mm respectively, and a length of approximately 230 mm. The heating coil 23 is an RF coil with a heating power between 10 W and 1000 W. The steam generating coil 21 is made of RW Inconel 625 or TW Inconel 625 tubing, with an inner diameter ranging from 0.75 mm to 0.95 mm. Adjacent coils of the steam generating coil 21 have good electrical contact.

[0101] Preferably, such as Figure 6As shown, the cavity wall of the ablation needle body 11 is provided with multiple steam holes 111 spaced apart. When the ablation needle 1 retracts relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, the steam delivery pipe 22 blocks each steam hole 111. Specifically, three rows of steam hole groups are arranged circumferentially on the cavity wall of the ablation needle body 11, and four steam holes 111 are arranged axially in each row of steam hole groups, so that a total of 12 steam holes 111 are provided on the cavity wall of the ablation needle body 11. The diameter of each steam hole 111 is about 0.6 mm, which ensures the steam emission of the ablation needle 1 and also ensures the treatment effect. It should be noted that in other embodiments, the specific design number and arrangement of the steam holes 111 can be limited according to specific needs.

[0102] Preferably, a temperature sensor is installed on the steam generating coil 21. The temperature sensor is used to detect the temperature at which the steam generating coil 21 is heated by the heating coil 23. In principle, the temperature of the steam generated in the steam generating coil 21 should be greater than 100°C, so that the temperature of the steam discharged from the steam hole of the ablation needle is 80-110°C, so as to quickly heat the tissue to 60-80°C for ablation, thereby achieving a therapeutic effect. Specifically, the heating coil 23 heats according to the temperature value detected by the temperature sensor, thereby avoiding the patient from being burned by excessively high steam temperature. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the temperature measuring probe of the temperature sensor is electromagnetically shielded with a metal foil to prevent the temperature sensor probe from self-heating under the action of the heating coil 23.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the steam delivery pipe 22 and the cavity wall of the ablation needle 1 are in clearance fit, ensuring that the ablation needle 1 can be pushed out or retracted more smoothly relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, reducing the friction between the cavity wall of the ablation needle 1 and the outer wall of the steam delivery pipe 22. Specifically, the bilateral clearance between the steam delivery pipe 22 and the cavity wall of the ablation needle 1 is 0.03 mm.

[0104] In addition, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the steam device 2 also includes a flexible connecting pipe 24. One end of the flexible connecting pipe 24 is connected to the steam generating coil 21, and the other end is connected to the steam delivery pipe 22. This allows the sterile water supplied by the sterile water delivery device 3 to be converted into steam in the steam generating coil 21 and then fed into the steam delivery pipe 22 through the flexible connecting pipe 24. The flexible connecting pipe 24 connects the steam generating coil 21 and the steam delivery pipe 22, preventing leakage at the connection point during the operation of the ablation needle 1, ensuring the sealing of each connection, and reducing the difference in the inner diameter of each pipe, thereby avoiding condensation caused by changes in pipe volume.

[0105] In this embodiment, the steam device 2 further includes a sealing ring 25, which is fixed to the cavity wall at the tail of the ablation needle 1 and sandwiched between the cavity wall of the ablation needle 1 and the outer wall of the steam delivery pipe 22. By providing the sealing ring 25, steam entering the cavity wall of the ablation needle 1 through the steam delivery pipe 22 is prevented from escaping from the tail of the ablation needle 1. Specifically, the sealing ring 25 can be a silicone sealing ring, and the silicone sealing ring and the outer wall of the steam delivery pipe 22 are interference-fitted.

[0106] Example 2

[0107] The steam ablation system provided in this embodiment has a basically the same structure as that in Embodiment 1. The difference between the steam ablation system provided in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 1 is that the specific structure of the steam device 2 is different.

[0108] like Figures 7-9 As shown, the steam device 2 provided in this embodiment does not have a steam delivery pipe 22, but it has a sealing ring 26. One end of the steam generating coil 21 is connected to the sterile water delivery device 3, and the other end of the steam generating coil 21 is connected to the ablation needle 1. A heating coil 23 is arranged around the outer periphery of the steam generating coil 21. The heating coil 23 is used to heat the steam generating coil 21 so that steam is discharged from the steam generating coil 21, thereby allowing the steam in the steam generating coil 21 to be introduced into the cavity of the ablation needle 1. The sealing ring 26 is fixed inside the inlet tube 7 and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the ablation needle 1. Figure 7 As shown, when the ablation needle 1 is pushed out relative to the sealing ring 26, the portion of the ablation needle body 11 with the steam holes 111 moves away from the sealing ring 26. Opening the steam holes 111 allows steam inside the cavity of the ablation needle 1 to escape through each steam hole 111; Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, when the ablation needle 1 retracts relative to the sealing ring 26, the sealing ring 26 is located at the cavity wall of the ablation needle body 11 where the steam holes 111 are opened, so that the sealing ring 26 blocks each steam hole 111. At this time, the ablation needle 1 will not discharge steam, and the ablation needle 1 can be connected to the pressure relief device 4. When the pressure relief device 4 is opened, the steam in the cavity of the ablation needle 1 can be completely discharged into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4.

[0109] Example 3

[0110] The steam ablation system provided in this embodiment is basically the same as that in embodiment one. The difference between the steam ablation system provided in this embodiment and embodiment one is that when the ablation needle 1 retracts relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, a large amount of steam in the steam delivery pipe 22 is still discharged into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4, and a small amount of steam in the steam delivery pipe 22 can be discharged through the head of the ablation needle 1.

[0111] Specifically, such as Figure 10 As shown, a vent hole 121 is provided on the cavity wall of the ablation needle tip 12. The diameter of the vent hole 121 is smaller than the diameter of the steam hole 111. When the ablation needle 1 is pushed out or retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, the vent hole 121 is connected to the steam delivery pipe 22, so that the steam in the steam delivery pipe 22 can be discharged through the head opening, and a small amount of steam can be discharged through the vent hole 121. It should be noted that when the ablation needle 1 is retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, since the head of the steam delivery pipe 22 is exactly located at the connection between the ablation needle body 11 and the ablation needle tip 12, the steam delivery pipe 22 will not block the vent hole 121. A large amount of steam in the steam delivery pipe 22 is still discharged into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4. In this embodiment, the diameter range of the vent hole 121 is 0.2mm to 0.6mm.

[0112] Example 4

[0113] The steam ablation system provided in this embodiment has a basically the same structure as that in Embodiment 1. The difference between the steam ablation system provided in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 1 is:

[0114] like Figure 11 As shown, a first vent hole 221 is provided on the wall of the steam conveying pipe 22. When the ablation needle 1 retracts relative to the steam conveying pipe 22, one of the steam holes 111 is directly connected to the first vent hole 221, and the remaining steam holes 111 are blocked by the steam conveying pipe 22. This allows a small amount of steam in the steam conveying pipe 22 to be discharged through the first vent hole 221 and the steam hole 111 connected to the first vent hole 221. A large amount of steam in the steam conveying pipe 22 is still discharged into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4.

[0115] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the steam hole 111 that is directly connected to the first vent hole 221 is the steam hole 111 closest to the tip of the ablation needle 12. In other embodiments, the first vent hole 221 may also be directly connected to the steam hole 111 in other parts.

[0116] Example 5

[0117] The steam ablation system provided in this embodiment has a basically the same structure as that in Embodiment 1. The difference between the steam ablation system provided in this embodiment and that in Embodiment 1 is:

[0118] like Figure 12As shown, a vent hole 121 is provided on the cavity wall at the connection between the ablation needle body 11 and the ablation needle tip 12, and a second vent hole 222 is provided on the cavity wall at the head of the steam delivery pipe 22. When the ablation needle 1 retracts relative to the steam delivery pipe 22, the second vent hole 222 is directly connected to the vent hole 121, so that a small amount of steam in the steam delivery pipe 22 can be discharged through the second vent hole 222 and the vent hole 121 in sequence, while a large amount of steam in the steam delivery pipe 22 is still discharged into the waste liquid recovery device 5 through the pressure relief device 4.

[0119] Preferably, such as Figure 13 As shown, the cavity wall at the connection between the ablation needle body 11 and the ablation needle tip 12 is provided with a plurality of vent holes 121 spaced apart along its circumference. Each vent hole 121 is provided with a corresponding second exhaust hole 222. In this embodiment, there are two vent holes 121 spaced apart.

[0120] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A steam ablation system, characterized in that, include: Steam device (2); A sterile water delivery device (3) is configured to supply sterile water to the steam device (2) at a constant flow rate so that the steam device (2) discharges steam; and The ablation needle (1) has a steam hole (111) on its cavity wall. The ablation needle (1) can be pushed out or retracted relative to the steam device (2). When the ablation needle (1) is pushed out relative to the steam device (2), the steam device (2) opens the steam hole (111) so that the steam discharged by the steam device (2) can be discharged through the steam hole (111). When the ablation needle (1) is retracted relative to the steam device (2), the steam device (2) blocks the steam hole (111).

2. The steam ablation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam device (2) includes: Steam generating coil (21), one end of which is connected to the sterile water delivery device (3), and the other end is connected to the ablation needle (1); A heating coil (23), surrounding the outer periphery of the steam generating coil (21), is configured to heat the steam generating coil (21) to cause the steam to be discharged from the steam generating coil (21); and A sealing ring (26) is fitted around the outer periphery of the ablation needle (1); When the ablation needle (1) is pushed out relative to the sealing ring (26), the sealing ring (26) opens the steam hole (111); when the ablation needle (1) is retracted relative to the sealing ring (26), the sealing ring (26) seals the steam hole (111).

3. The steam ablation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steam device (2) includes: A steam generating coil (21) is provided, one end of which is connected to the sterile water delivery device (3). The steam delivery pipe (22) and heating coil (23) are provided. The head of the steam delivery pipe (22) is open. The steam delivery pipe (22) passes through the cavity inside the ablation needle (1). The heating coil (23) is arranged around the outer periphery of the steam generating coil (21) and is configured to heat the steam generating coil (21) so that the steam generating coil (21) generates steam and passes it into the steam delivery pipe (22). When the ablation needle (1) is pushed out relative to the steam delivery pipe (22), the steam delivery pipe (22) opens the steam hole (111); when the ablation needle (1) is retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe (22), the steam delivery pipe (22) blocks the steam hole (111).

4. The steam ablation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steam delivery pipe (22) and the cavity wall of the ablation needle (1) are in clearance fit.

5. The steam ablation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steam device (2) also includes: A flexible connecting pipe (24) is provided, with one end connected to the steam generating coil (21) and the other end connected to the steam conveying pipe (22).

6. The steam ablation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The steam device (2) also includes: A sealing ring (25) is fixed on the cavity wall at the tail of the ablation needle (1) and sandwiched between the cavity wall of the ablation needle (1) and the outer wall of the steam delivery pipe (22).

7. The steam ablation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The cavity wall of the ablation needle (1) is provided with a plurality of steam holes (111) spaced apart. When the ablation needle (1) retracts relative to the steam device (2), the steam device (2) blocks each of the steam holes (111).

8. The steam ablation system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The ablation needle (1) has a plurality of steam holes (111) spaced apart on its cavity wall, and the steam delivery pipe (22) has a first vent hole (221) on its pipe wall. When the ablation needle (1) retracts relative to the steam delivery pipe (22), at least one of the steam holes (111) is directly connected to the first vent hole (221), and the remaining steam holes (111) are blocked by the steam delivery pipe (22).

9. The steam ablation system according to any one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that, The cavity wall of the ablation needle (1) is also provided with a vent hole (121). When the ablation needle (1) is pushed out or retracted relative to the steam delivery pipe (22), the vent hole (121) is connected to the steam delivery pipe (22).

10. The steam ablation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The steam ablation system also includes: The pressure relief device (4) allows the steam discharged from the steam device (2) to be discharged when the ablation needle (1) retracts relative to the steam device (2).

11. The steam ablation system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The steam ablation system also includes: Waste liquid recovery device (5), connected to the pressure relief device (4), is configured to collect the steam discharged by the pressure relief device (4).

12. The steam ablation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The steam ablation system also includes: The drive unit (6) is configured to drive the ablation needle (1) to extend or retract relative to the steam device (2).

13. The steam ablation system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The driving device (6) includes: A permanent magnet (61) is fixed to the outer wall of the ablation needle (1); and A drive coil (62) is disposed outside the permanent magnet (61), and the drive coil (62) is capable of driving the permanent magnet (61) to move relative to the drive coil (62).

14. The steam ablation system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, The steam ablation system also includes: An inlet tube (7) is provided with a first cavity (711) and a second cavity (712) spaced apart inside the inlet tube (7). The ablation needle (1) is movably inserted into the first cavity (711), and the head of the ablation needle (1) can extend out of the inlet tube (7) through the first cavity (711) and the second cavity (712). An endoscope (8) is inserted into the second cavity (712), and the lens of the endoscope (8) is positioned directly opposite the head of the ablation needle (1).

15. The steam ablation system according to claim 14, characterized in that, The head of the ablation needle (1) is provided with a marking ring.

16. The steam ablation system according to claim 14, characterized in that, A gap is formed between the endoscope (8) and the cavity wall of the second cavity (712) to allow the flushing saline solution to flow through the gap.

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