Thermal energy treatment system and control method thereof

Abstract

The present application provides a thermal energy therapy system and a control method thereof. The thermal energy therapy system includes: a liquid water control module for controlling the flow rate of liquid water, wherein the liquid water has an initial temperature; a heat energy generation module for generating heat energy and transmitting the heat energy to a heat energy conversion module; a heat energy conversion module for being heated by heat energy so that when the liquid water enters the heat energy conversion module, the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water, wherein the temperatures of the target liquid water and the target vaporized water are both higher than the initial temperature of the liquid water; and a control module configured to: when the heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module reaches a preset temperature, control the liquid water control module so that the liquid water reaches a target flow rate and flows into the heat energy conversion module at the target flow rate. The present application can provide suitable thermal energy therapy systems for high-temperature liquefied water and high-temperature vaporized water according to the characteristics of the tissue to be subjected to high-temperature ablation, so as to achieve precise liquefaction and vaporization energy therapy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application mainly relates to the field of biomedical engineering, and in particular to a thermal energy therapy system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Thermal therapy involves using physical means to heat the target tissue, thereby inducing tissue apoptosis and necrosis. Current thermal therapy methods include ultrasonic heating, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, and photothermal therapy.

[0003] Ultrasonic heating uses the mechanical vibration frequency of ultrasound to induce movement of cellular particles, generating heat through friction. Radiofrequency ablation uses high-frequency current to induce high-frequency oscillations in tissue ions surrounding an electrode, generating heat through friction between the ions. Microwave ablation uses high-frequency electromagnetic waves released from the outside world to be absorbed by tissue, rapidly increasing its temperature. Photothermal therapy uses the insertion of laser fibers to increase the temperature of target tissue, causing tissue degeneration and necrosis.

[0004] Water is the source of life, accounting for 55-60% of the human body. Modulating the thermal energy of water in the body and transiently altering the cellular temperature microenvironment to achieve therapeutic goals is increasingly being used, such as cryoablation. Water molecules have excellent specific heat capacity and heat of vaporization. Heating water to a temperature exceeding the liquid state of the human body (e.g., above 40°C) can achieve the therapeutic purpose of hyperthermic chemotherapy. When water is heated to a gaseous state, the energy carried by water vapor is 4-5 times that of liquid water at 100°C, making it an effective medium for thermal therapy.

[0005] The Rezūm Thermal Steam Ablation System, developed by Boston Scientific Corporation in the United States, utilizes the high-energy properties of water vapor to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This treatment system heats sterile water to a vapor state using an induction coil heater. The vapor is then released through the urethra onto the site of BPH. The high-energy heat carried by the vapor acts directly on the prostatic hyperplasia tissue, causing immediate cell necrosis, followed by gradual shrinkage and absorption by the body, achieving the goal of treating BPH. However, this system's consumables are expensive, and it only utilizes water vapor, not the thermal energy of water. Currently, there is little in-depth research on the use of water's thermal energy to treat clinical conditions, including malignant tumors. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by the present application is to provide a thermal energy treatment system that provides suitable high-temperature liquefied water and high-temperature vaporized water according to the characteristics of the tissue to be subjected to high-temperature ablation, so as to achieve precise liquefaction and vaporization energy treatment.

[0007] To solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a thermal energy therapy system, comprising: a liquid water control module, for controlling the flow rate of liquid water, wherein the liquid water has an initial temperature; a heat energy generation module, for generating heat energy and transmitting the heat energy to a heat energy conversion module; a heat energy conversion module, for being heated by the heat energy so that when the liquid water enters the heat energy conversion module, the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water, wherein the temperatures of the target liquid water and the target vaporized water are both higher than the initial temperature of the liquid water; and a control module, configured to: when the heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module reaches a preset temperature, control the liquid water control module so that the liquid water reaches a target flow rate and flows into the heat energy conversion module at the target flow rate.

[0008] In one embodiment of the present application, the heat energy generation module includes a radio frequency generation circuit for generating a radio frequency signal, and the heat energy generation module is used to transmit the radio frequency signal to the heat energy conversion module to transmit the heat energy to the heat energy conversion module.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present application, the heat energy generation module further includes a radio frequency control power supply for adjusting the output power of the radio frequency generation circuit.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present application, the thermal energy conversion module includes a high-frequency coil and a conductive cavity, the high-frequency coil is arranged on the outer circumference of the conductive cavity, and the radio frequency generating circuit is used to transmit the radio frequency signal to the high-frequency coil, so that the high-frequency coil heats the conductive cavity.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present application, the thermal energy conversion module further includes an isolation sleeve, which is sleeved on the outer periphery of the conductive cavity, and the high-frequency coil is sleeved on the outer periphery of the isolation sleeve, and the isolation sleeve is used to electrically isolate the high-frequency coil and the conductive cavity.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present application, the conductive cavity includes a hollow spiral metal tube.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present application, a first temperature sensor is further included, which is arranged in the conductive cavity and is used to obtain the heating temperature of the conductive cavity in real time as the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present application, a radio frequency signal acquisition module is further included for acquiring the real-time power of the radio frequency signal in real time. The control module is further configured to control the current output power of the radio frequency generating circuit according to the real-time power, thereby controlling the amount of thermal energy.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present application, the liquid water control module includes a displacement control module and a liquid storage chamber, wherein the liquid storage chamber is used to accommodate the liquid water, the liquid storage chamber has a movable end and a liquid outlet end, and the displacement control module is used to control the movement of the movable end so that the liquid water inside the liquid storage chamber flows out from the liquid outlet end at the target flow rate, and the liquid outlet end is connected to the thermal energy conversion module.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present application, the liquid storage chamber is a medical syringe, the piston end of the medical syringe is the moving end, and the liquid outlet of the medical syringe is the liquid outlet end.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present application, the displacement control module includes a motor driver, a motor and a movable slide rod, the movable slide rod is connected to the movable end, and the motor driver is used to drive the motor to drive the movement of the movable slide rod and control the moving speed of the movable slide rod.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present application, the liquid water control module also includes a three-way valve, which has a first end, a second end and a third end, the first end is connected to the liquid outlet end, the second end is connected to the heat energy conversion module, and the third end is connected to the liquid water source. The liquid water control module is configured to: when the amount of liquid water in the liquid storage chamber reaches a preset water amount, control the first end and the second end of the three-way valve to be connected, and control the movable end to move toward the first end through the displacement control module; when the amount of liquid water in the liquid storage chamber does not reach the preset water amount, control the first end and the third end of the three-way valve to be connected, and control the movable end to move away from the first end through the displacement control module.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present application, a second temperature sensor is further included for detecting the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water, and the control module is further configured to control the flow rate of the liquid water by the liquid water control module according to the real-time temperature.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present application, a gas-liquid output module is further included, which is used to receive the target liquid water or target vaporized water from the thermal energy conversion module and transmit the target liquid water or target vaporized water to the tissue to be treated.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present application, an interactive module is further included for displaying and / or entering treatment parameters of the thermal energy treatment system, including any one of steam temperature, heating temperature, radio frequency power, radio frequency impedance, and treatment duration.

[0022] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present application also proposes a control method for a thermal energy therapy system, which is applied to the thermal energy therapy system as mentioned above, including: turning on the thermal energy generation module, the thermal energy generation module generates thermal energy; the thermal energy generation module transmits the thermal energy to the thermal energy conversion module; when the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module reaches a preset temperature, controlling the liquid water control module to control the flow rate of the liquid water to a target flow rate, and allowing the liquid water to enter the thermal energy conversion module, so that the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water; controlling the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module to be within a preset range, and adjusting the size of the thermal energy and the flow rate of the liquid water in real time to control the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water.

[0023] The thermal energy therapy system of the present application transfers thermal energy to the thermal energy conversion module through the thermal energy generation module, so that the thermal energy conversion module can be quickly heated to a preset temperature. At the same time, the flow rate of liquid water is controlled by the liquid water control module, thereby controlling the pressure of the liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module, which helps to quickly heat the liquid water to reach the target liquid water temperature and also helps to quickly form high-temperature target vaporized water. The use of the thermal energy therapy system of the present application can achieve relatively low-temperature warm therapy and higher-temperature steam therapy, and can be more widely used in various treatment scenarios. In addition, the thermal energy therapy system of the present application and its control method also have the advantages of simple operation and easy use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present application. They are incorporated into and constitute a part of this application. The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with this specification, serve to explain the principles of the present application. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a structural block diagram of a thermal energy treatment system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a structural block diagram of a thermal energy treatment system according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a structural block diagram of a thermal energy conversion module in a thermal energy treatment system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Figure 4 This is a schematic structural diagram of a three-way valve in a liquid water control module in a thermal energy treatment system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 5 This is an exemplary flow chart of a control method for a thermal energy treatment system according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the following is a brief introduction to the drawings required for describing the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely examples or embodiments of this application. Those skilled in the art can apply this application to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without inventive effort. Unless otherwise apparent from the context or otherwise noted, the same reference numerals in the figures represent the same structure or operation.

[0031] As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms "a," "an," "an," and / or "the" are not intended to refer to the singular but may include the plural. Generally speaking, the terms "include" and "comprise" only indicate the inclusion of the steps and elements specifically identified, and these steps and elements do not constitute an exclusive list. A method or apparatus may also include other steps or elements.

[0032] Unless otherwise specified, the relative arrangement of the parts and steps, numerical expressions and numerical values set forth in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the present application. Meanwhile, it should be understood that, for ease of description, the sizes of the various parts shown in the accompanying drawings are not drawn according to actual proportional relationships. Technology, methods and equipment known to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art may not be discussed in detail, but in appropriate cases, the technology, methods and equipment should be considered as a part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed here, any specific value should be interpreted as being merely exemplary, rather than as a limitation. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments can have different values. It should be noted that similar numbers and letters represent similar items in the following drawings, and therefore, once an item is defined in an accompanying drawing, it does not need to be further discussed in subsequent drawings.

[0033] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the directions or positional relationships indicated by directional words such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" are usually based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise specified, these directional words do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction or be constructed and operated in a specific direction. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limiting the scope of protection of this application; the directional words "inside and outside" refer to the inside and outside relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0034] For ease of description, spatially relative terms such as "above", "above", "on the upper surface of", "above", etc. may be used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature to other devices or features as shown in the figures. It should be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation described in the figures. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, the device described as "above other devices or structures" or "above other devices or structures" will be positioned as "below other devices or structures" or "below other devices or structures". Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below". The device can also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptions used here are interpreted accordingly.

[0035] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is solely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, while the terms used in this application are selected from commonly known and commonly used terms, some terms mentioned in this specification may have been selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, and their detailed meanings are explained in the relevant sections of this description. Furthermore, this application should be understood not only by the actual terms used, but also by the meaning implied by each term.

[0036] Flowcharts are used in this application to illustrate the operations performed by systems according to embodiments of the present application. It should be understood that the preceding or following operations are not necessarily performed in exact order. Instead, the various steps may be processed in reverse order or simultaneously. Furthermore, other operations may be added to these processes, or one or more operations may be removed from these processes.

[0037] The thermal energy treatment system of the present application is mainly used in application scenarios for thermal ablation of tissue, and the tissue can be living tissue, healthy tissue, diseased tissue, etc., and the present application does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the thermal energy treatment system according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1As shown, the thermal energy treatment system 100 includes a liquid water control module 110, a thermal energy generation module 120, a thermal energy conversion module 130, and a control module 140. The liquid water control module 110 is configured to control the flow rate of liquid water, wherein the liquid water has an initial temperature; the thermal energy generation module 120 is configured to generate thermal energy and transmit the thermal energy to the thermal energy conversion module 130; the thermal energy conversion module 130 is configured to be heated by the thermal energy so that when the liquid water enters the thermal energy conversion module 130, the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water, wherein the temperature of the target liquid water and the target vaporized water are both higher than the initial temperature of the liquid water; and the control module 140 is configured to, when the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module 130 reaches a preset temperature, control the liquid water control module 110 so that the liquid water reaches a target flow rate and flows into the thermal energy conversion module 130 at the target flow rate.

[0039] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the liquid water is distilled water. In other embodiments, the liquid water can be any other water suitable for thermal ablation, such as sterile water suitable for transfusion into living tissue. The initial temperature of the liquid water can be room temperature or ambient temperature, for example, approximately 20°C. The target liquid water temperature can be any temperature below 100°C, for example, between 40°C and 80°C, such as 45°C or 50°C. This temperature can be set based on the tissue to be thermally ablated, for example, by a physician based on experience or experimental results. The target vaporized water temperature is typically above 100°C. The target vaporized water is in a gaseous state, not a liquid state, such as water vapor. The preset temperature can also be set based on experience or experimental results and can be within a temperature range. When liquid water at a target flow rate enters the thermal energy conversion module 130, the higher heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module 130 allows the liquid water to be quickly heated to the desired temperature, thereby converting the liquid water into the target liquid water or target vaporized water. The target liquid water and target vaporized water can subsequently be transferred to the tissue to be treated for thermal ablation.

[0040] The thermal energy therapy system 100 of the present application transfers thermal energy to the thermal energy conversion module 130 via the thermal energy generation module 120, enabling the thermal energy conversion module 130 to be rapidly heated to a preset temperature. The thermal energy therapy system 100 of the present application also controls the flow rate of liquid water via the liquid water control module 110. The flow rate is related to pressure, thereby controlling the pressure of the liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 130. This not only facilitates rapid heating of the liquid water to a target liquid water temperature, but also facilitates the rapid formation of high-temperature steam, i.e., the target vaporized water. For example, when the temperature of the thermal energy conversion module 130 is constant, if a target liquid water having a temperature of A is to be output for thermal ablation, the liquid water control module 110 controls the liquid water flow rate to be a. Thus, liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 130 at flow rate a is heated to temperature A and output as the target liquid water. If a target vaporized water having a temperature of B is to be output for thermal ablation, the liquid water control module 110 controls the liquid water flow rate to be b. Thus, liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 130 at flow rate b is heated to temperature B and forms vapor, which is output as the target vaporized water. More specifically, a is greater than b. This is because when the temperature of the thermal energy conversion module 130 is constant, if the flow rate of the liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 130 is faster, the more liquid water needs to be heated within a certain period of time, and its thermal energy needs to act on more liquid water, so the heating temperature of the liquid water is lower; if the flow rate of the liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 130 is slower, the less liquid water needs to be heated within a certain period of time, and its thermal energy needs to act on less liquid water, so the heating temperature of the liquid water is higher, and it can be heated to form steam.

[0041] The thermal energy therapy system 100 of the present application realizes the conversion from liquid water to target liquid water or target vaporized water by controlling the flow rate of liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 130. Compared with the current thermal steam ablation system, it can be used for thermal energy treatment at both lower and higher temperatures, and can be more widely used in the treatment of various clinical diseases including malignant tumors, and has the advantages of minimally invasive, safe, precise, low consumables cost, and organ preservation.

[0042] Figure 2 This is a structural block diagram of a thermal energy treatment system according to another embodiment of the present application. Figure 2 The thermal energy treatment system 200 shown is a Figure 1The thermal therapy system 100 is further detailed in FIG. The control module 210 includes a main controller 211, which can be implemented as an MCU, CPU, or the like. The main controller 211 is configured to execute commands and control related modules according to a program including an algorithm. The main controller 211 may also include memory for data storage, including but not limited to ROM and RAM. In one embodiment, the main controller 211 may be a high-performance embedded single-chip microcomputer or a combination of an industrial computer and an embedded single-chip microcomputer.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 The heat energy generation module 220 includes a radio frequency generation circuit 221 for generating a radio frequency signal. The heat energy generation module 220 is used to transmit the radio frequency signal to the heat energy conversion module 230, thereby transferring heat energy to the heat energy conversion module 230. The radio frequency generation circuit 221 itself has the function of generating radio frequency signals, and the power level and transmission timing of the radio frequency signals to be generated can be controlled by the control module 210. Furthermore, the radio frequency generation circuit 221 includes a baseband radio frequency drive circuit, a radio frequency power amplifier circuit, and a radio frequency load matching circuit.

[0044] In some embodiments, the thermal energy generation module 220 further includes an RF control power supply 222 for adjusting the output power of the RF generation circuit 221. The thermal energy generation module 220 can convert controllable DC power into high-frequency RF energy, which is then transmitted to the liquefied water. Specifically, the RF generation circuit 221 converts the DC power output by the RF control power supply 222 into a high-frequency sinusoidal RF signal, which is then applied to the thermal energy conversion module 230, thereby converting the high-frequency RF energy into the liquefied water.

[0045] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the heat energy conversion module in the heat energy treatment system according to an embodiment of the present application, which is used to illustrate Figure 2 The specific structure of the heat energy conversion module 230 is therefore labeled the same. Figure 3 Shown are side or front cross-sections, see Figure 3 As shown, the heat energy conversion module 230 includes a high-frequency coil 231 and a conductive cavity 232. The high-frequency coil 231 is arranged on the outer periphery of the conductive cavity 232. The radio frequency generating circuit 221 transmits the radio frequency signal to the high-frequency coil 231, so that the high-frequency coil 231 heats the conductive cavity 232. Figure 3 The cross-sectional shape of the high-frequency coil 231 is represented by a rectangular frame. It can be imagined that the high-frequency coil 231 is a circular coil as a whole, and its cross-section is rectangular when cut from the middle. Figure 3 The shape shown is for illustration only and is not intended to limit the specific shape of the high-frequency coil 231. Similarly, the cross-section of the conductive cavity 232 is also substantially rectangular, but is not intended to limit the specific shape of the conductive cavity 232.

[0046] As mentioned above, the RF generating circuit 221 includes a RF load matching circuit for matching the rated output of the RF generating circuit 221 with the impedance of the high-frequency coil 231, thereby generating a high-frequency magnetic field inside the high-frequency coil 231, and the conductive cavity 232 inside the high-frequency coil 231 generates heat under the action of the electromagnetic field. More specifically, Figure 3 As shown, there are two RF signal transmission lines 246. The two ends of the high-frequency coil 231 are respectively connected to a RF signal transmission line 246. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The RF generating circuit 221 in the heat energy generating module 220 is connected to the high-frequency coil 231 via the two RF signal transmission lines 246, thereby transmitting RF energy to the high-frequency coil 231, causing the high-frequency coil 231 to generate a high-frequency magnetic field therein. In some embodiments, the high-frequency coil 231 of the present application is a silver-plated coil, which can improve current efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the conductive cavity 232 is specifically implemented as a hollow spiral metal tube. Figure 3 As shown, the conductive cavity 232 further includes an inlet section 233 and an outlet section 234. Both the inlet section 233 and the outlet section 234 can be hollow straight metal tubes. The portion of the conductive cavity 232 located within the high-frequency coil 231 is a hollow spiral metal tube. Liquid water can enter the conductive cavity 232 from the inlet section 233 and flow out of the conductive cavity 232 from the outlet section 234. According to these embodiments, by configuring the conductive cavity 232 as a hollow spiral metal tube, the area of magnetic induction can be increased, improving energy efficiency and making the liquid water heating process faster and more efficient.

[0048] In some embodiments, a micro gas booster valve 239 is further provided at the outlet section 234 to increase the pressure of the target vaporized water.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the thermal energy conversion module 230 further includes an isolation sleeve 235, which is disposed around the periphery of the conductive cavity 232. The high-frequency coil 231 is disposed around the isolation sleeve 235. The isolation sleeve 235 is used to electrically isolate the high-frequency coil 231 from the conductive cavity 232. The isolation sleeve 235 is made of a high-voltage and high-temperature resistant material, suitable for high-temperature heating environments. According to this embodiment, high-frequency energy can be transmitted to the interior of the conductive cavity 232 in a wireless and isolated manner, and the desired target liquid water or target vaporized water can be obtained through energy regulation.

[0050] According to the thermal energy conversion module 230 of the present application, the conductive cavity 232 of the hollow spiral metal tube can be heated to above 200° C. within 5 seconds.

[0051] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, a radio frequency signal acquisition module 212 is further included for obtaining the real-time power of the radio frequency signal in real time. The radio frequency signal acquisition module 212 may belong to the control module 210 or may be an independent module. This embodiment is described by taking the radio frequency signal acquisition module 212 as an example in which the control module 210 is included. The control module 210 is further configured to: control the current output power of the radio frequency generating circuit 221 according to the real-time power, thereby controlling the amount of heat energy. Figure 2 The arrow connecting from the RF generating circuit 221 to the RF signal acquisition module 212 indicates that the RF signal acquisition module 212 can acquire the current output power of the RF generating circuit 221. Specifically, the RF signal acquisition module 212 can acquire the voltage and current of the RF signal output by the RF generating circuit 221 in real time, thereby calculating the real-time RF power and sending the real-time RF power to the main controller 211. The main controller 211 then sends a control signal to the RF control power supply 222 based on the real-time RF power according to a preset algorithm, so that the RF control power supply 222 adjusts the output power to be output by the RF generating circuit 221.

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, a first temperature sensor 237 is further provided on the conductive cavity 232 for obtaining the heating temperature of the conductive cavity 232 in real time as the heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module 230. Specifically, when the conductive cavity 232 is a hollow spiral metal tube, the first temperature sensor 237 can be provided on the tube wall of the hollow spiral metal tube, for example, on the outer tube wall. Since the hollow spiral metal tube is a good conductor of heat and its tube wall is relatively thin, the temperature of its outer tube wall is equal to the temperature of its inner tube wall, which is equivalent to the internal temperature of the hollow spiral metal tube. In other embodiments, the first temperature sensor 237 can be provided inside the hollow spiral metal tube, for example, on the inner tube wall. The present application does not limit the specific position of the first temperature sensor 237 on the conductive cavity 232. Specifically, it can be located at a position of the conductive cavity 232 near the outlet section 234. The first temperature sensor 237 can be specifically implemented as a thermocouple.

[0053] like Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, the control module 210 further includes a temperature acquisition module 213 for obtaining the heating temperature from the heat energy conversion module 230. Figure 2 and Figure 3The first temperature sensor 237 can transmit the real-time acquired heating temperature of the conductive cavity 232 to the temperature acquisition module 213, which then sends the heating temperature to the main controller 211. The main controller 211 is configured to send a control signal to the RF control power supply 222 based on a preset algorithm and the heating temperature, so that the RF control power supply 222 adjusts the output power of the RF generating circuit 221, thereby further controlling the heat energy to be transmitted to the conductive cavity 232 and thus controlling the heating temperature of the conductive cavity 232.

[0054] In some embodiments, the main controller 211 controls the RF control power supply 222 based on the real-time RF power of the RF generating circuit 221 obtained by the RF signal acquisition module 212 and the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module 230 obtained by the temperature acquisition module 213 to adjust the amount and duration of thermal energy to be generated by the thermal energy generation module 220, thereby achieving real-time and precise control of liquid-to-vapor energy.

[0055] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the liquid water control module 240 includes a displacement control module 241 and a liquid storage chamber 242, wherein the liquid storage chamber 242 is used to accommodate liquid water, and the liquid storage chamber 242 has a moving end and a liquid outlet end. The displacement control module 240 is used to control the movement of the moving end, so that the liquid water inside the liquid storage chamber 242 flows out from the liquid outlet end at a target flow rate, and the liquid outlet end is connected to the thermal energy conversion module 230.

[0056] Specifically, the liquid storage chamber 242 can be embodied as a medical syringe, the piston end of the medical syringe is the moving end, and the liquid outlet of the medical syringe is the liquid outlet end. In this way, the displacement control module 241 can inject or absorb the liquid water in the medical syringe by pushing and pulling the piston end.

[0057] In some embodiments, the displacement control module 241 includes a motor driver, a motor and a movable slide rod, the movable slide rod is connected to the moving end, and the motor driver is used to drive the motor to drive the movement of the movable slide rod and control the movement speed of the movable slide rod.

[0058] The liquid water control module 240 of the present application controls the outflow rate of liquid water from the liquid storage chamber 242 via the displacement control module 241, thereby controlling the flow rate and pressure of the liquid water entering the thermal energy conversion module 230. This allows the thermal energy conversion module 230 to generate a certain pressure during the liquid water heating process, which is conducive to the formation of high-temperature steam. As previously mentioned, the flow rate of the liquid water is related to the specific form and temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water to be formed.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid water control module 240 further includes a three-way valve 243 . Figure 4Schematic diagram of the specific structure of a three-way valve 243 is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 4 As shown, the three-way valve 243 has a first end 411, a second end 412 and a third end 413, wherein the first end 411 is connected to the liquid outlet, the second end 412 is connected to the heat energy conversion module 230, and the third end 413 is connected to the liquid water source 244. The liquid water control module 240 is configured as follows: when the amount of liquid water in the liquid storage chamber 242 reaches a preset water amount, the first end 411 and the second end 412 of the three-way valve 243 are controlled to be connected, and the displacement control module 241 is used to control the moving end to move toward the first end 411; when the amount of liquid water in the liquid storage chamber 242 does not reach the preset water amount, the first end 411 and the third end 413 of the three-way valve 243 are controlled to be connected, and the displacement control module 241 is used to control the moving end to move away from the first end 411.

[0060] More specifically, if Figure 4 As shown, the three-way valve 243 has a spherical channel conversion chamber 420, and the channel conversion can be controlled by rotating the knob 430 so that two of the three terminals can be connected.

[0061] like Figure 2 As shown, the liquid water source 244 can be a container containing distilled water, or it can be connected to a distilled water generator to obtain distilled water from the distilled water generator. In some embodiments, the displacement control module 241 can also include a position sensor for detecting the moving position of the medical syringe and, based on the moving position, detecting whether the distilled water in the medical syringe is insufficient. The preset water volume can have a corresponding position threshold. When the moving position reaches the position, it indicates that the distilled water volume in the medical syringe is less than or equal to the preset water volume. At this time, the control module 210 can also obtain this moving position information and, if the water volume is insufficient, suspend the treatment process. The liquid water control module 240 can control the three-way valve 243 to connect the first end 411 and the third end 413. Once the medical syringe is connected to the liquid water source 244, the displacement control module 241 controls the piston of the medical syringe to draw a certain amount of distilled water from the liquid water source 244 into the medical syringe. During this process, the position sensor can also be used to detect the moving position. Alternatively, when the piston moves to a limited position and can no longer be pulled, the pumping action can be stopped. When the amount of water in the medical syringe is sufficient, the liquid water control module 240 controls the first end 411 and the second end 412 of the three-way valve 243 to remain in communication.

[0062] like Figure 3As shown, the thermal energy treatment system 200 of the present application further includes a second temperature sensor 238 for detecting the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water. The second temperature sensor 238 can be specifically implemented as a thermocouple and can be set at the outlet section 234 of the conductive cavity 232. Figure 2 The thermal energy treatment system 200 of the present application further includes a gas-liquid output module 250 for receiving target liquid water or target vaporized water from the thermal energy conversion module 230 and transmitting the target liquid water or target vaporized water to the tissue to be treated. Figure 3 The outlet section 234 shown in FIG may be included in the gas-liquid output module 250, and the gas-liquid output module 250 may be further connected to a remote device acting on the tissue to be treated, which is not limited in this application. Figure 2 In the embodiment, the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water collected by the second temperature sensor 238 is transmitted to the control module 210. According to these embodiments, the control module 210 can simultaneously control the current output power of the RF generating circuit based on the real-time power of the RF signal, the heating temperature of the conductive cavity, and the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water, and control the flow rate of the liquid water through the liquid water control module 240, thereby achieving real-time and precise control of the energy transmitted to the liquid water.

[0063] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the thermal energy therapy system 200 of the present application further includes an interactive module 214. The interactive module 214 may belong to the control module 210 or may be an independent module. The present application is described by taking an example in which the interactive module 214 belongs to the control module 210. The interactive module 214 is used to display and / or input the treatment parameters of the thermal energy therapy system 200, including any one of the treatment parameters steam temperature, heating temperature, radio frequency power, radio frequency impedance, and treatment duration. The interactive module 214 can be specifically implemented as a touch screen display, and can also be used to set the operating parameters of the system, set the preset temperature, preset water volume, etc. mentioned above, display the working status in real time, give an alarm signal, etc. When starting thermal energy therapy, the operator can set the treatment parameters for the treatment object through the interactive module 214 to achieve personalized regulation.

[0064] refer to Figure 2 This embodiment also includes a medical switching power supply 260, for example, connected to the control module 210 and the heat energy generating module 220, for powering the system.

[0065] Figure 5 This is an exemplary flow chart of a control method for a thermal energy therapy system according to an embodiment of the present application. This control method is applied to the thermal energy therapy system described above. Therefore, the above text can also be used to illustrate this control method. The same content will not be expanded here. The modules involved in each step adopt Figure 2 The same applies to the labels in Figure 1 The same modules as in the embodiment shown. Figure 5 As shown, the control method 500 of this embodiment includes:

[0066] Step S1: Turn on the heat energy generating module 220 to generate heat energy;

[0067] Step S2: The heat energy generation module 220 transmits heat energy to the heat energy conversion module 230;

[0068] Step S3: When the heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module 230 reaches a preset temperature, the liquid water control module 240 controls the flow rate of the liquid water to a target flow rate, and allows the liquid water to enter the heat energy conversion module 230, so that the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water;

[0069] Step S4: controlling the heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module 230 to be within a preset range, and adjusting the amount of heat energy and the flow rate of liquid water in real time to control the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water.

[0070] Steps S1 to S4 may all be executed by the control module 210 .

[0071] It should be noted that initially, the thermal energy conversion module 230 contains no liquid water. For example, the conductive cavity 232 is empty. In this state, heat energy is transferred to the thermal energy conversion module 130, which is equivalent to the heat energy being used only to heat the conductive cavity 232. When the first temperature sensor 237 detects that the heating temperature of the conductive cavity 232 has reached a preset temperature, the control module 210 controls the liquid water control module 240 to allow liquid water to enter the conductive cavity 232 at a target flow rate, rapidly heating the liquid water to the desired state and temperature. During the treatment process, the conductive cavity 232 can continue to contain liquid water. In this case, the heating temperature of the conductive cavity 232 detected by the first temperature sensor 237 is the heating temperature of the conductive cavity 232 containing the liquid water.

[0072] In some embodiments, before step S1, a step of entering treatment parameters may be included. For example, the treatment parameters may be entered via the interactive module 214. In step S1, the heat generating module 220 may be turned on by turning on the medical switching power supply 260. After step S4, the step of terminating the treatment when the treatment time has expired may also be included.

[0073] The thermal energy therapy system and control method of the present application can transmit high-frequency energy to liquid water in a wirelessly isolated manner. By regulating the energy of the target liquid water or target vaporized water, the amount of thermal energy reaching the tissue to be treated can be regulated, and the energy carried by the water molecules can be transmitted to each tissue through the diffusion ability of the water molecules, thereby causing thermal ablation of the tissue. Among them, the wireless isolation method improves the electrical safety and medical safety of the system. The thermal energy therapy system of the present application can achieve lower temperature warm therapy and higher temperature steam therapy, and can be more widely used in various treatment scenarios. In addition, the thermal energy therapy system and control method of the present application also have the advantages of simple operation and easy use.

[0074] The basic concepts have been described above. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the above disclosures are merely examples and do not limit the present application. Although not explicitly stated herein, those skilled in the art may make various modifications, improvements, and revisions to the present application. Such modifications, improvements, and revisions are suggested in the present application and remain within the spirit and scope of the exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0075] At the same time, this application uses specific terms to describe the embodiments of this application. For example, "one embodiment," "an embodiment," and / or "some embodiments" refer to a certain feature, structure, or characteristic related to at least one embodiment of this application. Therefore, it should be emphasized and noted that "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or "an alternative embodiment" mentioned twice or multiple times in different locations in this specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, certain features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments of this application may be appropriately combined.

[0076] Some aspects of the present application can be performed entirely by hardware, entirely by software (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or by a combination of hardware and software. The above hardware or software can be referred to as "data blocks", "modules", "engines", "units", "components" or "systems". The processor can be one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DAPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors or combinations thereof. In addition, various aspects of the present application may be expressed as computer products located in one or more computer-readable media, which include computer-readable program code. For example, computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, tapes...), optical disks (e.g., compact disks CDs, digital versatile disks DVDs...), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, key drives...).

[0077] A computer-readable medium may include a propagated data signal embodying computer program code, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. The propagated signal may be in a variety of forms, including electromagnetic, optical, etc., or a suitable combination thereof. A computer-readable medium may be any computer-readable medium other than a computer-readable storage medium that can be connected to an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device to communicate, propagate, or transmit the program for use. The program code on the computer-readable medium may be transmitted via any suitable medium, including radio, cable, fiber optic cable, radio frequency signal, or similar medium, or any combination of the above.

[0078] Similarly, it should be noted that, in order to simplify the presentation of this disclosure and thereby facilitate understanding of one or more embodiments of the invention, the foregoing descriptions of the embodiments of this application sometimes combine multiple features into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this disclosure method does not imply that the subject matter of this application requires more features than those mentioned. In fact, an embodiment may have fewer features than all of the features of a single embodiment disclosed above.

[0079] In some embodiments, numbers are used to describe the quantity of components and attributes. It should be understood that such numbers used in the description of the embodiments are modified by the modifiers "about", "approximately" or "substantially" in some examples. Unless otherwise stated, "about", "approximately" or "substantially" indicate that the numbers are allowed to vary by ±20%. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters used in this application are all approximate values, which may change according to the required characteristics of individual embodiments. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should take into account the specified significant digits and adopt the general method of retaining digits. Although the numerical domains and parameters used to confirm the breadth of their range in some embodiments of the present application are approximate values, in specific embodiments, the settings of such numerical values are as accurate as possible within the feasible range.

[0080] Although the present application has been described with reference to the current specific embodiments, ordinary technicians in this technical field should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present application, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of the present application. Therefore, as long as the changes and modifications to the above embodiments are within the scope of the essential spirit of the present application, they will fall within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A thermal energy treatment system, characterized in that: include: a liquid water control module, configured to control the flow rate of liquid water, wherein the liquid water has an initial temperature, and the liquid water control module comprises a displacement control module and a liquid storage chamber, wherein the liquid storage chamber is configured to accommodate the liquid water, the liquid storage chamber having a movable end and a liquid outlet end, the displacement control module being configured to control the movement of the movable end so that the liquid water in the liquid storage chamber flows out of the liquid outlet end at a target flow rate, and the liquid outlet end is connected to the thermal energy conversion module; A heat energy generation module, configured to generate heat energy and transmit the heat energy to a heat energy conversion module; The thermal energy conversion module is configured to be heated by the thermal energy, so that when the liquid water enters the thermal energy conversion module, the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water, wherein the temperature of the target liquid water and the target vaporized water are both higher than the initial temperature of the liquid water, wherein the target liquid water is used for thermotherapy; and The control module is configured to: when the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module reaches a preset temperature, control the liquid water control module so that the liquid water reaches the target flow rate and flows into the thermal energy conversion module at the target flow rate, wherein the higher the preset temperature, the slower the target flow rate.

2. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The heat energy generation module includes a radio frequency generation circuit for generating a radio frequency signal. The heat energy generation module is used to transmit the radio frequency signal to the heat energy conversion module to transmit the heat energy to the heat energy conversion module.

3. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: The heat energy generation module further includes a radio frequency control power supply for adjusting the output power of the radio frequency generation circuit.

4. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: The heat energy conversion module includes a high-frequency coil and a conductive cavity. The high-frequency coil is arranged on the outer circumference of the conductive cavity. The radio frequency generating circuit is used to transmit the radio frequency signal to the high-frequency coil so that the high-frequency coil heats the conductive cavity.

5. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 4, wherein: The heat energy conversion module further includes an isolation sleeve, which is sleeved around the outer periphery of the conductive cavity. The high-frequency coil is sleeved around the outer periphery of the isolation sleeve. The isolation sleeve is used to electrically isolate the high-frequency coil from the conductive cavity.

6. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 4, wherein: The conductive cavity includes a hollow spiral metal tube.

7. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 4, wherein: It also includes a first temperature sensor, which is arranged in the conductive cavity and is used to obtain the heating temperature of the conductive cavity in real time as the heating temperature of the thermal energy conversion module.

8. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 2, wherein: It also includes a radio frequency signal acquisition module for obtaining the real-time power of the radio frequency signal in real time. The control module is also configured to control the current output power of the radio frequency generating circuit according to the real-time power, thereby controlling the amount of thermal energy.

9. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid storage cavity is a medical syringe, the piston end of the medical syringe is the moving end, and the liquid outlet of the medical syringe is the liquid outlet end.

10. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The displacement control module includes a motor driver, a motor and a movable slide rod, the movable slide rod is connected to the movable end, and the motor driver is used to drive the motor to drive the movement of the movable slide rod and control the movement speed of the movable slide rod.

11. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: The liquid water control module also includes a three-way valve, which has a first end, a second end and a third end. The first end is connected to the liquid outlet end, the second end is connected to the heat energy conversion module, and the third end is connected to the liquid water source. The liquid water control module is configured to: when the amount of liquid water in the liquid storage chamber reaches a preset water amount, control the first end and the second end of the three-way valve to be connected, and control the movable end to move toward the first end through the displacement control module; when the amount of liquid water in the liquid storage chamber does not reach the preset water amount, control the first end and the third end of the three-way valve to be connected, and control the movable end to move away from the first end through the displacement control module.

12. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein It also includes a second temperature sensor for detecting the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water. The control module is further configured to control the flow rate of the liquid water by the liquid water control module according to the real-time temperature.

13. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a gas-liquid output module for receiving the target liquid water or target vaporized water from the thermal energy conversion module and transmitting the target liquid water or target vaporized water to the tissue to be treated.

14. The thermal energy treatment system according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes an interactive module for displaying and / or entering treatment parameters of the thermal energy treatment system, wherein the treatment parameters include any one of steam temperature, heating temperature, radio frequency power, radio frequency impedance, and treatment duration.

15. A control method for a thermal energy therapy system, applied to the thermal energy therapy system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: include: Turning on the heat energy generating module to generate heat energy; The heat energy generation module transmits the heat energy to the heat energy conversion module; When the heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module reaches a preset temperature, the liquid water control module is controlled to control the flow rate of the liquid water to a target flow rate, and the liquid water enters the heat energy conversion module, so that the liquid water is converted into target liquid water or target vaporized water; The heating temperature of the heat energy conversion module is controlled to be within a preset range, and the magnitude of the heat energy and the flow rate of the liquid water are adjusted in real time to control the real-time temperature of the target liquid water or target vaporized water.

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