Cooling liquid for thermal ablation and ablation system

Abstract

The invention relates to a cooling liquid for thermal ablation and an ablation system, the cooling liquid comprises a cooling medium and a developing agent dissolved in the cooling medium, and the developing agent can be developed in a medical image. The cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve in the thermal ablation process, can be developed under a medical image to assist in positioning the position of the optical fiber, leaks when the cooling sleeve is broken, and assists in recognizing breakage of the cooling sleeve. For different imaging modes, the developing agent can be selected from superparamagnetic iron oxide, a gadolinium-based contrast agent, a perfluorinated carbon nanoemulsion, a manganese-based contrast agent, an iodine-based contrast agent or bubbles and the like. The solute content in the cooling medium enables the osmotic pressure of the cooling liquid added with the developing agent to be in a range of 280-310mmol / L. The laser interstitial substance thermal therapy system further comprises a processing module which is used for processing magnetic resonance images collected in the thermal ablation process, determining the position of the optical fiber and / or prompting the fracture of the cooling sleeve. According to the invention, the safety and accuracy of thermal ablation treatment are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical devices, and in particular to a cooling liquid and an ablation system for thermal ablation. Background Art

[0002] Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive treatment method widely used in the treatment of diseases such as tumors and epilepsy. During thermal ablation, target tissue is heated to a sufficiently high temperature using energy sources such as laser, radiofrequency, and ultrasound, resulting in coagulation and necrosis of target cells. For example, laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a commonly used thermal ablation technique that uses laser energy delivered to the target area via optical fiber to achieve precise ablation of diseased tissue.

[0003] In laser interstitial thermotherapy systems, the cooling system is a key component to ensure safe and effective treatment. Existing laser interstitial thermotherapy systems typically include components such as a laser generator, optical fiber, cooling sleeve, and cooling medium. For example, the magnetic resonance-guided laser thermotherapy system disclosed in CN110464454B includes a laser ablation component and a tissue cooling component, which includes a peristaltic pump, cooling sleeve, connecting tubing, and cooling medium. The cooling sleeve typically utilizes a coaxial double-tube structure, with coolant circulating in an annular channel formed between the inner and outer tubes to remove heat and prevent overheating of the optical fiber and surrounding tissue.

[0004] Laser interstitial thermal therapy performed under magnetic resonance guidance has the advantages of real-time monitoring and precise positioning. For example, the magnetic resonance-guided laser thermal therapy device and system disclosed in CN108836477B can use magnetic resonance temperature imaging technology to generate a real-time temperature image of the lesion area during surgery. By monitoring the temperature values ​​of the lesion and surrounding healthy tissue, the laser power and cooling power can be adjusted in real time. The magnetic resonance-guided laser ablation treatment system provided by CN216652443U includes a fiber optic cooling component, a laser ablation device, a stereotactic system, and a workstation. It can use magnetic resonance temperature imaging technology to generate and display ablation information of the target area during the ablation process.

[0005] The structural design of the cooling sleeve is crucial to the safety and effectiveness of thermal ablation therapy. CN116407271A discloses a laser ablation assembly comprising an ablation optical fiber and a cooling sleeve. The cooling sleeve comprises a base, an inner tube, and an outer tube. A first support structure is disposed between the outer and inner tubes, and a second support structure is disposed inside the inner tube. The space between the outer and inner tubes forms a first channel, and the space between the inner tube and the optical fiber forms a second channel. The first and second channels are in fluid communication at the distal end. This design ensures that the coolant circulates effectively within the cooling sleeve, removing heat.

[0006] During thermal ablation, accurately monitoring the temperature of the target area is crucial for evaluating treatment efficacy and ensuring safety. WO2024060314A1 discloses a medical treatment device comprising a magnetic resonance imaging device and a laser interstitial thermal therapy device. The laser interstitial thermal therapy device integrates a probe with a temperature measurement element to measure the temperature of the target object.

[0007] However, there are still many problems that can be improved in the existing technology: how to accurately locate the actual position of the optical fiber after implantation, and how to accurately segment it on the image; and the cooling sleeve may rupture during use, causing leakage of coolant, which not only affects the treatment effect, but may also cause harm to the patient. The current method of monitoring the health status of the cooling sleeve mainly relies on the provision of colored materials or wires that change color when exposed to water inside the tube wall of the cooling sleeve. When the cooling sleeve ruptures, these materials or wires will change, thereby indicating that the sleeve has ruptured. However, these solutions all require the design of dedicated sleeves, which greatly increases the manufacturing complexity and cost, and lacks practicality. In addition, these methods cannot be seamlessly integrated with existing medical imaging technologies (such as magnetic resonance imaging), making it difficult to monitor the status of the cooling sleeve in real time during treatment.

[0008] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a technical solution that can effectively monitor the health status of the cooling sleeve without increasing the complexity of the cooling sleeve structure. This solution should be compatible with existing medical imaging technology, realize real-time monitoring of the cooling sleeve status, and provide timely prompts when the cooling sleeve ruptures to ensure the safety and effectiveness of thermal ablation treatment. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In order to solve the problem in the prior art that monitoring the health status of the cooling sleeve requires setting special materials or wires in the tube wall, which leads to high costs, and to achieve the purpose of detecting the status of the cooling sleeve efficiently at a lower cost, the present invention provides a cooling liquid and ablation system for thermal ablation.

[0010] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problems is: providing a cooling liquid for thermal ablation, including a cooling medium, and a developer dissolved in the cooling medium and capable of being developed in medical images; the cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component during the thermal ablation process, and can be developed under medical images to assist in locating the position of the optical fiber. The cooling liquid can also leak in the event of a rupture of the cooling circulation pipeline, thereby assisting in identifying leakage of the ablation component.

[0011] Preferably, for magnetic resonance imaging, the contrast agent comprises at least one of the following components: superparamagnetic iron oxide, gadolinium-based contrast agent, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion, manganese-based contrast agent; for ultrasound imaging, the contrast agent is a bubble formed by an inert gas wrapped in a degradable shell; for CT imaging, the contrast agent is an iodine-based contrast agent.

[0012] Furthermore, for magnetic resonance imaging, the imaging agent includes perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion.

[0013] Optionally, the solute content in the cooling medium is such that the osmotic pressure of the cooling liquid after the developer is added is within the range of 280-310 mmol / L.

[0014] Optionally, the cooling medium is physiological saline or Ringer's solution.

[0015] The present invention also provides an ablation system that uses the above-mentioned cooling liquid for thermal ablation when performing an ablation procedure.

[0016] Optionally, the ablation system is used to perform laser interstitial thermal therapy, and the ablation system includes: a processing module, a laser, an optical fiber, and a cooling sleeve; during the thermal ablation process, the optical fiber is inserted into the cooling sleeve, the laser inputs laser energy to the target area through the optical fiber, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve; the processing module is used to process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the optical fiber, and / or prompt the rupture of the cooling sleeve.

[0017] Optionally, the ablation system is used to perform video ablation, the ablation system comprising: a processing module, a radiofrequency module, and a radiofrequency ablation needle;

[0018] During the thermal ablation process, the radio frequency module generates and inputs radio frequency energy to the target area through the radio frequency ablation needle. A cooling circulation pipeline is provided in the radio frequency ablation needle, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline;

[0019] The processing module can process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the radiofrequency ablation needle, and / or prompt leakage of the radiofrequency ablation needle.

[0020] Optionally, the ablation system is used to perform ultrasonic ablation, and the ablation system further comprises: a processing module, an ultrasonic signal generating module, and an ultrasonic ablation catheter;

[0021] During the thermal ablation process, the ultrasonic signal generating module generates an ultrasonic signal and inputs ultrasonic energy to the target area through the ultrasonic ablation catheter. The ultrasonic ablation catheter has a cooling circulation pipeline, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline. The coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve;

[0022] The processing module is used to process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the ultrasonic ablation catheter, and / or prompt leakage of the ultrasonic ablation catheter.

[0023] Furthermore, the processing module prompts leakage of the ablation component according to the following steps: obtaining a medical image to be processed; if there is a high-signal connected area expanded based on the ablation component area in the magnetic medical image to be processed, it is determined that the ablation component is leaking.

[0024] Optionally, the processing module prompts leakage of the ablation component according to the following steps: obtaining the medical image to be processed; extracting the high-signal connected domain in the medical image to be processed based on the ablation component area in the medical image to be processed; and determining that the ablation component is leaking if the number or proportion of pixels in the high-signal connected domain that exceeds the ablation component area is greater than a preset threshold.

[0025] Preferably, the processing module determines the ablation component area in the medical image to be processed according to the following steps:

[0026] Obtain medical images collected before ablation;

[0027] Performing threshold segmentation on the medical image collected before ablation, or inputting it into a pre-selected and trained deep learning model to segment the ablation component area;

[0028] The ablation component region in the medical image to be processed is determined according to the ablation component region in the medical image acquired before ablation.

[0029] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: by adding a developer to the cooling medium, the cooling liquid can be developed under medical imaging, thereby assisting in accurately locating the implantation position of the ablation component. The implantation position of the ablation component can also be further used to assist in correcting the ablation plan and improving the safety of the operation. When the cooling sleeve ruptures, the developer in the leaked cooling liquid is intuitively presented as an expanded high-signal area on the medical image, allowing the user to intuitively understand the rupture situation and location of the cooling circulation pipeline. Since the user originally needs to observe the medical image in real time to understand the ablation status, the present invention also provides information prompts based on medical applications, which improves the information density. The user does not need to turn his head to observe specific components to confirm whether the cooling circulation pipeline is ruptured, which improves the convenience of use. In addition, the present invention does not require modification of the system hardware, effectively reducing the product cost. Compared with the prior art solution that requires the provision of colored materials or wires that change color when exposed to water in the tube wall of the cooling sleeve, it has obvious cost advantages. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The technical solutions of the present invention will be described clearly and completely below with the aid of embodiments. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of them. All other embodiments derived by persons of ordinary skill in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are also within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] A cooling liquid for thermal ablation includes a cooling medium and a developer that dissolves in the cooling medium and can be visualized in medical images. During the thermal ablation process, the cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component, enabling visualization and assistance in locating the ablation component on medical images. The cooling liquid can also leak if the cooling circulation pipeline ruptures, assisting in identifying leakage from the ablation component.

[0033] In this embodiment, deionized water is used as the base liquid for the cooling medium, which has excellent thermal conductivity and fluidity, effectively removing heat generated during the thermal ablation process. The developer is selected to produce a clear signal in medical images, allowing the cooling liquid to be clearly identified by medical imaging equipment.

[0034] For magnetic resonance imaging, the imaging agent includes at least one of the following components: superparamagnetic iron oxide, gadolinium-based contrast agents, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions, and manganese-based contrast agents. Gadolinium-based contrast agents include gadodiamide, gadoteridol, gadopentetate dimeglumine, gadodiamide, gadobenatedimeglumine, gadoteric acid, and the like, and manganese-based contrast agents include Mn-DPDP. These imaging agents can produce significant signal changes in magnetic resonance imaging, allowing the location of the cooling liquid to be accurately determined. In particular, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions have good biocompatibility and stability as imaging agents and can produce significant signal enhancement effects in magnetic resonance imaging.

[0035] For ultrasound imaging, the contrast agent is a bubble of inert gas encased in a degradable shell. These tiny bubbles produce a distinct echo signal when exposed to ultrasound, allowing the coolant to be clearly displayed in ultrasound images. The bubble shell is made of a degradable material to ensure safe metabolism in the body. The shell is made of a degradable, biocompatible material (such as phospholipids or proteins), and the interior is filled with an inert gas (such as sulfur hexafluoride or perfluoropropane).

[0036] For CT imaging, the developer is an iodine-based contrast agent, such as diatrizoate, iohexol, etc. Iodine-based contrast agents have a high X-ray absorption coefficient and can produce obvious high-density images in CT imaging, making it easier to identify the location and distribution of the coolant.

[0037] The solute content in the cooling medium is precisely adjusted to maintain an osmotic pressure of 280-310 mmol / L after the developer is added. This osmotic pressure is close to that of human tissue fluid, minimizing damage to tissues if the coolant leaks into the tissue.

[0038] The cooling medium can be normal saline or Ringer's solution. Normal saline is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution with an osmotic pressure of approximately 308 mmol / L. Ringer's solution contains various electrolytes, including sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride, and its composition is closer to that of human body fluids, with an osmotic pressure of approximately 294 mmol / L. Both solutions have excellent biocompatibility, reducing irritation and damage to surrounding tissues in the event of a coolant leak due to a rupture in the cooling circuit.

[0039] In some practical applications, coolant is injected into the ablation component through a cooling circulation line and continuously circulates during the thermal ablation process, removing heat. Because the coolant contains a developer, the position of the ablation component can be clearly displayed under medical imaging equipment, thereby assisting doctors in accurately locating the ablation component. When the cooling circulation line ruptures, the coolant containing the developer will leak into the surrounding tissue, appearing as an expansion of the abnormal signal area in medical imaging, thus alerting doctors to leakage from the ablation component and requiring prompt treatment.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] A cooling liquid for thermal ablation includes a cooling medium and a developer that dissolves in the cooling medium and can be visualized in medical images. During the thermal ablation process, the cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component, enabling visualization and assistance in locating the ablation component on medical images. The cooling liquid can also leak if the cooling circulation pipeline ruptures, assisting in identifying leakage from the ablation component.

[0042] In this embodiment, deionized water is selected as the base liquid for the cooling medium. For magnetic resonance imaging, the developer is particularly selected as perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion. Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion is a nanoscale emulsion composed of perfluorocarbon droplets with a particle size between 100-300nm, which can produce a significant signal enhancement effect in magnetic resonance imaging. Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion has good biocompatibility and stability, does not cause significant toxicity to human tissue, and has a long residence time in the body, and can continuously provide a development effect. More importantly, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion has good light transmittance and will not cause energy attenuation in magnetic resonance-guided laser ablation therapy.

[0043] The preparation method for a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion is as follows: a perfluorocarbon (such as perfluorooctyl bromide) is first mixed with a surfactant (such as lecithin). The mixture is then homogenized or ultrasonically emulsified to form a nanoemulsion with uniform particle size. The prepared perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion is sterilized by filtration and then added to a cooling medium in a specific proportion to form a cooling liquid with developing properties.

[0044] The concentration of the perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion in the cooling liquid is 0.5-5% (volume ratio). This concentration range can produce sufficient signal enhancement effect in magnetic resonance imaging without significantly affecting the rheological properties and thermal conductivity of the cooling liquid.

[0045] The solute content in the cooling medium is precisely adjusted to ensure that the osmotic pressure of the cooling liquid after adding the perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion is within the range of 280-310mmol / L. This osmotic pressure range is close to the osmotic pressure of human tissue fluid, which can reduce the damage caused by the cooling liquid leaking into the tissue.

[0046] The cooling medium used is either normal saline or Ringer's solution. Normal saline is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution with an osmotic pressure of approximately 308 mmol / L. Ringer's solution, containing various electrolytes such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride, is more similar to human body fluids, with an osmotic pressure of approximately 294 mmol / L. Both solutions have excellent biocompatibility, reducing irritation and damage to surrounding tissues in the event of a coolant leak due to a rupture in the cooling circuit.

[0047] In actual applications, a coolant containing perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion is injected into the cooling sleeve through a cooling circulation line and continuously circulates during the thermal ablation process, removing heat. Because perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion produces a significant signal enhancement effect in magnetic resonance imaging, it can clearly display the position of the ablation component, thereby assisting doctors in accurately locating the optical fiber. When the cooling circulation line ruptures, the coolant containing perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion will leak into the surrounding tissue, appearing as an expansion of the high-signal area in magnetic resonance imaging, thus alerting doctors that the ablation component is leaking and requires timely treatment.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] A cooling liquid for thermal ablation includes a cooling medium and a developer that dissolves in the cooling medium and can be visualized in medical images. During the thermal ablation process, the cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component, enabling visualization and assistance in locating the ablation component on medical images. The cooling liquid can also leak if the cooling circulation pipeline ruptures, assisting in identifying leakage from the ablation component.

[0050] In this embodiment, deionized water is used as the base liquid for the cooling medium. For magnetic resonance imaging, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are used as the developer. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are iron oxide particles with a diameter between 10 and 50 nm. They exhibit superparamagnetism and produce a significant T2-weighted signal reduction effect in magnetic resonance imaging, appearing as low-signal areas.

[0051] The surface of the superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles has been modified and coated with a hydrophilic polymer (such as polyethylene glycol) to improve their dispersion stability and biocompatibility in aqueous solutions. The concentration of these surface-modified superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles in the coolant is 0.1-1 mg / mL, a concentration range that produces sufficient signal changes in magnetic resonance imaging without significantly affecting the rheological and thermal conductivity properties of the coolant.

[0052] The solute content in the cooling medium is precisely adjusted to ensure that the osmotic pressure of the coolant after adding superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles is within the range of 280-310mmol / L. This osmotic pressure range is close to the osmotic pressure of human tissue fluid, which can reduce tissue damage caused by coolant leakage.

[0053] The cooling medium is physiological saline. Physiological saline is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution with an osmotic pressure of approximately 308 mmol / L. It has good biocompatibility and can reduce irritation and damage to surrounding tissues when the cooling sleeve ruptures and causes coolant leakage.

[0054] In actual applications, a coolant containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles is injected into the ablation component through a cooling circulation line and continuously circulates during the thermal ablation process, removing heat. Because superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles produce a significant signal reduction effect in magnetic resonance imaging, the cooling sleeve appears as a low-signal area on the magnetic resonance image, which can form a sharp contrast with the surrounding tissue, thereby assisting doctors in accurately locating the position of the ablation component. When the cooling circulation line ruptures, the coolant containing superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles will leak into the surrounding tissue, appearing as an expansion of the low-signal area on magnetic resonance imaging, thus prompting doctors that the ablation component is leaking and needs to be treated promptly.

[0055] Example 4

[0056] A cooling liquid for thermal ablation includes a cooling medium and a developer that dissolves in the cooling medium and can be visualized in medical images. During the thermal ablation process, the cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component, enabling visualization and assistance in locating the ablation component on medical images. The cooling liquid can also leak if the cooling circulation pipeline ruptures, assisting in identifying leakage from the ablation component.

[0057] In this embodiment, deionized water is used as the base liquid for the cooling medium. For ultrasound imaging, the contrast agent is composed of bubbles of inert gas encapsulated in a biodegradable shell. These tiny bubbles have a diameter between 1 and 5 μm. The shell is made of a biodegradable, biocompatible material (such as phospholipids or proteins) and is filled with an inert gas (such as sulfur hexafluoride or perfluoropropane).

[0058] This microbubble contrast agent produces a distinct echo signal under ultrasound irradiation, allowing the coolant to be clearly displayed in ultrasound imaging. The bubble shell is made of a biodegradable material to ensure safe metabolism in the body and no long-term residue.

[0059] The concentration of the microbubble contrast agent in the coolant is 1-5×10^8 / mL. This concentration range can produce sufficient echo enhancement effect in ultrasound imaging without significantly affecting the rheological properties and thermal conductivity of the coolant.

[0060] The solute content in the cooling medium is precisely adjusted to ensure that the osmotic pressure of the cooling liquid after adding the microbubble contrast agent is within the range of 280-310mmol / L. This osmotic pressure range is close to the osmotic pressure of human tissue fluid, which can reduce tissue damage caused by leakage of the cooling liquid.

[0061] The cooling medium used is Ringer's solution. This solution contains multiple electrolytes, including sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride. Its composition is closer to that of human body fluids, with an osmotic pressure of approximately 294 mmol / L. It has good biocompatibility and can reduce irritation and damage to surrounding tissues in the event of a rupture in the cooling sleeve and coolant leakage.

[0062] In actual application, a cooling liquid containing microbubble contrast agent is injected into the ablation component through a cooling circulation line and continuously circulates during the thermal ablation process, removing heat. Because the microbubble contrast agent produces a significant echo enhancement effect in ultrasound imaging, the cooling liquid appears as a high-echo area on the ultrasound image, which can form a sharp contrast with the surrounding tissue, thereby assisting doctors in accurately locating the position of the optical fiber. When the supercooling circulation line ruptures, the cooling liquid containing the microbubble contrast agent will leak into the surrounding tissue, appearing as an expansion of the high-echo area in ultrasound imaging, thus alerting doctors that the ablation component is leaking and requires timely treatment.

[0063] Example 5

[0064] A cooling liquid for thermal ablation includes a cooling medium and a developer that dissolves in the cooling medium and can be visualized in medical images. During the thermal ablation process, the cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component, enabling visualization and assistance in locating the ablation component on medical images. The cooling liquid can also leak if the cooling circulation pipeline ruptures, assisting in identifying leakage from the ablation component.

[0065] In this embodiment, deionized water is used as the base liquid for the cooling medium. For CT imaging, the developer is an iodine-based contrast agent. Iodine-based contrast agents are organic compounds containing iodine atoms that have a high X-ray absorption coefficient and can produce a distinct high-density image in CT imaging.

[0066] The iodine-based contrast agent used in this example is iohexol, a non-ionic iodine contrast agent with low osmotic pressure, good biocompatibility, and a low risk of allergic reactions. The concentration of iohexol in the coolant is 150-350 mgI / mL, a concentration range that produces sufficient density enhancement in CT imaging without significantly affecting the coolant's rheological and thermal conductivity.

[0067] The solute content in the cooling medium is precisely adjusted to maintain an osmotic pressure of 280-310 mmol / L after the addition of iohexol. This osmotic pressure is similar to that of human tissue fluid, minimizing damage to tissues when the coolant leaks into the body.

[0068] The cooling medium is physiological saline. Physiological saline is a 0.9% sodium chloride solution with an osmotic pressure of approximately 308mmol / L. It has good biocompatibility and can reduce irritation and damage to surrounding tissues when the cooling circulation pipeline ruptures and causes coolant leakage.

[0069] In actual application, a coolant containing iohexol is injected into the ablation component through a cooling circulation line and continuously circulates during the thermal ablation process, removing heat. Because iohexol produces a significant density enhancement effect in CT imaging, the cooling sleeve appears as a high-density area on the CT image, which can form a sharp contrast with the surrounding tissue, thereby assisting the doctor in accurately locating the position of the ablation component. When the cooling circulation line ruptures, the coolant containing iohexol will leak into the surrounding tissue, appearing as an expansion of the high-density area in CT imaging, thus alerting the doctor that the ablation component is leaking and requires timely treatment.

[0070] Example 6

[0071] A laser interstitial thermal therapy system includes the cooling liquid for thermal ablation in the above embodiment, as well as a processing module, a laser, an optical fiber, and a cooling sleeve.

[0072] During laser interstitial thermal therapy, an optical fiber is inserted into a cooling sleeve (the two together form the ablation component). The laser delivers laser energy to the target area through the optical fiber, while coolant is injected into the cooling circuit of the cooling sleeve, cooling nearby target tissue and preventing local overheating and tissue carbonization. A processing module processes magnetic resonance images collected during the thermal ablation process to determine the position of the optical fiber and / or indicate any rupture of the cooling sleeve.

[0073] The laser in this interstitial thermal therapy system utilizes one or more semiconductor lasers with wavelengths of 980 nm and / or 1064 nm and a maximum output power of 15 W, capable of generating sufficient thermal energy for tissue ablation. The laser energy is transmitted to the target area via an optical fiber. The optical fiber, made of quartz with a diameter of 600 μm, offers excellent laser transmission efficiency and flexibility, facilitating precise positioning within the body.

[0074] The cooling jacket is made of biocompatible material, with an outer diameter of 1.6-2.8mm and an inner diameter of 0.8-1.2mm, forming an annular channel for coolant circulation. The front end of the cooling jacket is sealed, and the rear end is connected to the cooling circulation pipeline, forming a closed cooling circulation system. A fiber optic channel is provided within the cooling jacket, allowing the optical fiber to pass through the channel and transmit laser energy to the target area.

[0075] The processing module includes an image acquisition unit, an image processing unit, and a display unit. The image acquisition unit is connected to the medical imaging device to receive medical images collected during the thermal ablation process; the image processing unit processes the received images, identifies the distribution of the coolant, and determines the position of the optical fiber. The position of the optical fiber can be used to assist in determining whether there is an implantation deviation of the optical fiber, determine whether the ablation planning scheme needs to be adjusted, and determine whether the position of the optical fiber has drifted during the operation. The distribution of the coolant can also be used to detect whether the cooling sleeve is ruptured; the display unit displays the processing results to the operator in the form of images and / or text, such as displaying the rupture location in a special color, covering the leakage area with a shadow, or providing a related text prompt such as "leakage occurs at an implantation depth of XX mm."

[0076] The processing module prompts the rupture of the cooling sleeve according to the following steps: first, the magnetic resonance image to be processed is obtained; then, it is determined whether there is a high-signal connected domain that expands based on the cooling sleeve area in the magnetic resonance image to be processed. If so, it is determined that the cooling sleeve is ruptured. This method is based on the fact that after the cooling sleeve is ruptured, the coolant containing the developer will leak into the surrounding tissue, which appears as an expansion of the high-signal area on the magnetic resonance image. It can be understood that the high signal here is a signal with a higher brightness than the background tissue caused by the "developer" in the medical image. For medical images of different modalities (such as magnetic resonance imaging, CT imaging, and ultrasound imaging), for different background tissues, the high signal judgment criteria here are different. For details, reference can be made to the existing technology of medical imaging, and no specific limitation is made here.

[0077] The processing module can also indicate cooling sleeve rupture using another method: first, acquire the MRI image to be processed; then, extract a high-signal connected region within the MRI image based on the cooling sleeve region; finally, compare the number or proportion of pixels in the high-signal connected region that extend beyond the cooling sleeve region to a preset threshold. If the number or proportion exceeds the threshold, the cooling sleeve is confirmed to be ruptured. The preset thresholds include, for example, 25, 35, or 45 pixels, and 10%, 15%, or 20%. The specific thresholds can be empirically determined for different sleeve specifications and image quality distributions. This method, by quantitatively analyzing the extent of the high-signal region expansion, can more accurately determine whether the cooling sleeve is ruptured.

[0078] The processing module determines the cooling sleeve region in the MRI image to be processed according to the following steps: first, an MRI image acquired before ablation is obtained; then, the MRI image acquired before ablation is segmented by thresholding or inputting it into a pre-trained deep learning model to segment the cooling sleeve region; finally, the cooling sleeve region in the MRI image is determined based on the cooling sleeve region in the MRI image acquired before ablation. This method can accurately locate the cooling sleeve, providing a basis for subsequent rupture detection.

[0079] In practice, the workflow of the laser interstitial thermal therapy system is as follows: First, the doctor inserts the cooling sleeve into the patient's body and positions it near the target area; then, the optical fiber is inserted into the cooling sleeve so that the front end of the optical fiber is located at the target area; then, the cooling system is activated and a coolant containing a developer is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve; finally, the laser is activated and laser energy is input into the target area through the optical fiber to perform thermal ablation treatment.

[0080] During the thermal ablation process, medical imaging equipment continuously captures images, which are processed in real time by the processing module to determine the position of the optical fiber and monitor for ruptures in the cooling sleeve. If a rupture is detected, the processing module immediately issues an alarm, prompting the doctor to stop treatment and prevent further damage.

[0081] This laser interstitial thermal therapy system achieves precise control and safe monitoring of the thermal ablation process by combining special cooling fluid and intelligent processing modules, greatly improving the safety and effectiveness of thermal ablation treatment.

[0082] Example 7

[0083] A radiofrequency ablation system includes the cooling liquid for thermal ablation in the above embodiment, as well as a processing module, a radiofrequency module, and a radiofrequency ablation needle;

[0084] During the radiofrequency ablation process, the radiofrequency module generates and inputs radiofrequency energy to the target area through the radiofrequency ablation needle. A cooling circulation pipeline is provided in the radiofrequency ablation needle, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline; the processing module is used to process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the radiofrequency ablation needle, and / or prompt leakage of the radiofrequency ablation needle.

[0085] Specifically, the RF module (RF ablation device) controls the generation of RF signals, such as their frequency and power. It is connected to the RF ablation needle, through which RF energy is delivered to the target area. The RF ablation needle (ablation component) also contains a cooling circuit, which injects coolant to cool the ablation site.

[0086] The processing module includes an image acquisition unit, an image processing unit and a display unit. The image acquisition unit is connected to the medical imaging device to receive medical images collected during the radiofrequency ablation process, such as CT images and B-ultrasound images; the image processing unit processes the received images, identifies the distribution of the coolant, and determines the position of the radiofrequency ablation needle. The position of the radiofrequency ablation needle can be used for surgical plan comparison to assist in determining whether there is an implantation deviation and whether the ablation plan needs to be adjusted. The distribution of the coolant can also be used to detect whether the cooling circulation pipeline is ruptured; the display unit displays the processing results to the operator in the form of images and / or text, such as displaying the rupture location in a special color, covering the leakage area with a shadow, and providing a related text prompt of "leakage occurs at an implantation depth of XX mm". For more processing content of the processing module, please refer to the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0087] Example 8

[0088] An ultrasonic ablation system includes the cooling liquid for thermal ablation in the above embodiment, as well as a processing module, an ultrasonic signal generating module, and an ultrasonic ablation catheter;

[0089] During the ultrasonic ablation process, the ultrasonic signal generating module generates an ultrasonic signal and inputs ultrasonic energy to the target area through the ultrasonic ablation catheter. There is a cooling circulation pipeline in the ultrasonic ablation catheter, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline. The coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve; the processing module is used to process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the ultrasonic ablation catheter, and / or prompt leakage of the ultrasonic ablation catheter.

[0090] Specifically, the ultrasonic signal generation module controls the generation of electrical signals, which are transmitted to the ultrasonic transducer within the ultrasonic ablation catheter and converted into ultrasonic signals. These ultrasonic signals act on the target area to achieve ablation. The ultrasonic ablation catheter (ablation component) also includes a cooling circuit, which injects coolant to cool the ablation site.

[0091] The processing module includes an image acquisition unit, an image processing unit and a display unit. The image acquisition unit is connected to the medical imaging device to receive medical images collected during the radiofrequency ablation process, such as B-ultrasound images; the image processing unit processes the received images, identifies the distribution of the coolant, and determines the position of the ultrasonic ablation catheter. The position of the ultrasonic ablation catheter can be used for surgical plan comparison, to assist in determining whether there is an implantation deviation, and to determine whether the ablation plan needs to be adjusted. The distribution of the coolant can also be used to detect whether the cooling circulation pipeline is ruptured; the display unit displays the processing results to the operator in the form of images and / or text, for example, displaying the rupture location in a special color, covering the leakage area with a shadow, or providing a related text prompt of "leakage occurs at an implantation depth of XX mm". For more processing content of the processing module, please refer to the previous embodiment and will not be repeated here.

[0092] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, rather than to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not deviate the essence of the corresponding technical solutions from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cooling liquid for thermal ablation, characterized in that: include: a cooling medium, and a developer dissolved in the cooling medium and capable of being developed in a medical image; The cooling liquid is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the ablation component during the thermal ablation process, which can assist in locating the position of the ablation component under medical imaging. The cooling liquid can also leak when the cooling circulation pipeline is ruptured, assisting in identifying leakage of the ablation component.

2. The cooling liquid for thermal ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that For magnetic resonance imaging, the contrast agent includes at least one of the following components: superparamagnetic iron oxide, gadolinium-based contrast agent, perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion, manganese-based contrast agent; for ultrasound imaging, the contrast agent is a bubble formed by an inert gas wrapped in a degradable shell; for CT imaging, the contrast agent is an iodine-based contrast agent.

3. The cooling liquid for thermal ablation according to claim 2, characterized in that: For magnetic resonance imaging, the imaging agent includes a perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion.

4. The cooling liquid for thermal ablation according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: The solute content in the cooling medium is such that the osmotic pressure of the cooling liquid after the developer is added is within the range of 280-310 mmol / L.

5. The cooling liquid for thermal ablation according to claim 4, characterized in that: Also includes: The cooling medium is physiological saline or Ringer's solution.

6. An ablation system, characterized in that: The cooling liquid for thermal ablation according to any one of claims 1 to 5 is used when performing an ablation procedure.

7. The ablation system according to claim 6, wherein: The ablation system is used to perform laser interstitial thermal therapy, and the ablation system includes: a processing module, a laser, an optical fiber, and a cooling sleeve; During the thermal ablation process, the optical fiber is inserted into the cooling sleeve, the laser inputs laser energy to the target area through the optical fiber, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve; The processing module is used to process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the optical fiber, and / or prompt the rupture of the cooling sleeve.

8. The ablation system according to claim 6, wherein: The ablation system is used to perform video ablation, and the ablation system includes: a processing module, a radiofrequency module, and a radiofrequency ablation needle; During the thermal ablation process, the radio frequency module generates and inputs radio frequency energy to the target area through the radio frequency ablation needle. A cooling circulation pipeline is provided in the radio frequency ablation needle, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline; The processing module can process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the radiofrequency ablation needle, and / or prompt leakage of the radiofrequency ablation needle.

9. The ablation system according to claim 6, wherein: The ablation system is used to perform ultrasonic ablation, and the ablation system further comprises: a processing module, an ultrasonic signal generating module, and an ultrasonic ablation catheter; During the thermal ablation process, the ultrasonic signal generating module generates an ultrasonic signal and inputs ultrasonic energy to the target area through the ultrasonic ablation catheter. The ultrasonic ablation catheter has a cooling circulation pipeline, and the coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline. The coolant is injected into the cooling circulation pipeline of the cooling sleeve; The processing module is used to process the medical images collected during the thermal ablation process, determine the position of the ultrasonic ablation catheter, and / or prompt leakage of the ultrasonic ablation catheter.

10. The ablation system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that: The processing module prompts the leakage according to the following steps: Obtaining medical images to be processed; extracting a high signal connected area in the medical image to be processed based on the ablation component area in the medical image to be processed; If the number or ratio of pixels in the high-signal connected area that exceeds the ablation component area is greater than a preset threshold, it is determined that the ablation component is leaking.

11. The ablation system according to claim 10, wherein: The processing module determines the ablation component area in the medical image to be processed according to the following steps: Obtain medical images collected before ablation; Performing threshold segmentation on the medical image collected before ablation, or inputting it into a pre-selected and trained deep learning model to segment the ablation component area; The ablation component region in the medical image to be processed is determined according to the ablation component region in the medical image acquired before ablation.