Simulated ablation treatment planning for energy delivery systems

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a method of planning a microwave ablation procedure, comprising: uploading a pre-treatment scan to a control system of an energy delivery system; displaying the pre-treatment scan on a display of the control system; and analyzing the pre-treatment scan and identifying a target tissue region comprising a condition. The method further comprises: creating and graphically displaying a digital target region on the pre-treatment scan; planning and graphically depicting a target path for one or more planned ablation probes on the pre-treatment scan; and creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation probe based on user-selected parameters. The method further comprises: placing one or more actual ablation probes in a subject patient; obtaining a probe scan of the subject patient detecting the actual ablation probes; and assigning the planned ablation zones of the planned ablation probes to actual probes.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Ablation is an important therapeutic strategy for treating certain tissues, such as benign and malignant tumors, arrhythmias, irregular heartbeats, and tachycardias. Some ablation systems utilize radiofrequency (RF) energy as the ablation energy source. However, RF energy has several limitations, including rapid dissipation of energy in surface tissues, resulting in superficial “burns” and an inability to penetrate deeper tumors or arrhythmic tissues. Another limitation of RF ablation systems is the tendency for eschar and clots to form on the energy-emitting electrodes, which limits further energy deposition.

[0002] Recently, microwave energy has been used as the ablation energy source in ablation systems. Microwave energy is an efficient energy source for heating biological tissues and is used in applications such as cancer treatment and preheating of blood before transfusion. One advantage of microwave energy over RF is its deeper penetration into tissues, insensitivity to carbonization, lack of need for grounding, more reliable energy deposition, faster tissue heating, and the ability to produce much greater thermal damage than RF, which greatly simplifies actual ablation procedures.

[0003] Improved systems and devices for delivering microwave energy to tissue regions are desired. Furthermore, since accurate placement of the energy delivery device within the patient is crucial for successful ablation procedures, systems and devices capable of pre-planning or simulating the percutaneous delivery of microwave energy to the subject's tissue are also desired, maximizing the ablation procedure's effectiveness. Attached Figure Description

[0004] The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of this disclosure and should not be considered as exclusive embodiments. The disclosed subject matter is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary energy delivery system that can be incorporated into the principles of this disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary energy delivery device according to one or more embodiments, which can be used in accordance with the principles of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 3 This is an exemplary display of an exemplary pre-treatment scan of a test patient.

[0008] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the pre-treatment scan in Figure 3.

[0009] Figure 5 It is an enlarged user interface that can form part of an ablation simulation platform according to one or more embodiments.

[0010] Figure 6A Figures 6 and 6B are magnified views of the pre-treatment scans in Figure 4, depicting the ablation zones for the 2D and 3D plans, respectively.

[0011] Figure 7 This is an enlarged view of an exemplary second scan according to one or more embodiments.

[0012] Figure 8 This is an updated version of the user interface shown in Figure 5.

[0013] Figure 9 According to one or more additional embodiments Figure 3 Another depiction of the monitor and pre-treatment scan. Detailed Implementation

[0014] This disclosure relates to systems and methods for delivering energy to tissue to perform ablation procedures, and more specifically, to systems and methods that allow physicians to simulate and plan the placement of one or more ablation probes prior to their physical placement.

[0015] The system and method described in this paper provide users (e.g., physicians, surgeons, etc.) with the ability to design and optimize simulated ablation treatment plans by graphically depicting what the planned ablation would look like based on suggested orientations / positioning of one or more probes, and estimating the size of the planned ablation zone on the target tissue region. Once the simulated ablation treatment plan is created, the physician can place physical probes in the patient body according to the simulated ablation treatment plan and pass the planned ablation parameters set for the simulated ablation probes to the actual ablation probes.

[0016] This disclosure relates to comprehensive systems, apparatus, and methods for delivering energy (e.g., microwave energy, radio frequency energy, laser, focused ultrasound, plasma, etc.) to tissues for various applications, including medical procedures (e.g., percutaneous or surgical procedures). Exemplary medical procedures that may benefit from the embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, tissue ablation, resection, cauterization, vascular thrombosis, endovascular ablation of hollow organs, cardiac ablation for the treatment of arrhythmias, electrosurgery, tissue harvesting, cosmetic surgery, intraocular use, or any combination thereof. More specifically, this disclosure describes systems and apparatus for pre-planned or simulated delivery of energy (e.g., microwave energy) to tissue regions (e.g., tumors, organs, blood vessels, feet, lungs, bones, etc.).

[0017] Figure 1This is a block diagram of an exemplary energy delivery system 100 that can be incorporated into the principles of this disclosure. As shown, the energy delivery system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "System 100") includes a control system 102 and one or more energy delivery devices or "ablation probes" 104 (two shown) designed to deliver (emit) energy to a target tissue area of ​​a patient. System 100 further includes a power source 106 communicatively coupled to the control system 102 and the ablation probes 104 to provide power thereto. In some applications, System 100 may further include a power divider 108 positioned between the ablation probes 104 and the power source 106 and configured to direct, control, and deliver power to the ablation probes 104.

[0018] The components of system 100 are connected via one or more cables or transmission lines 110. Furthermore, the ablation probe 104 is designed to operate within a sterile area, which is achieved by using a sterile area barrier 112 that separates the ablation probe 104 from the rest of the components of system 100. The sterile area barrier 112 forms a sterile area that includes any region that allows only access to sterile articles (e.g., sterile devices, sterile adjuvants, sterile body parts, etc.). The sterile area barrier 112 prevents non-sterile articles from entering the sterile area, and the ablation probe 104 is configured to operate within the sterile area.

[0019] Control system 102 is configured to monitor, control the operation of system 100, and provide feedback on the operation of the system. As shown, control system 102 includes at least processor 114, imaging system 116, and temperature control system 118. Control system 102 may further include a graphical user interface (GUI) 120, such as a touchscreen interface, which can be accessed by a user (e.g., surgeon, nurse, bedside assistant, etc.) to operate system 100. In some applications, control system 102 may be mounted to or otherwise formed as part of a portable trolley or "surgical cart," and GUI 120 may be arranged in a display area for operating and / or monitoring components of system 100.

[0020] Processor 114 may be provided within a computer system or module, and may include software or software instructions executable by processor 114 to perform the functions and operations of system 100. The software may be stored on computer memory or computer memory devices, including any storage medium readable by processor 114. Examples of computer memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), computer chips, optical discs (e.g., compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), etc.), magnetic disks (e.g., hard disk drives (HDDs), floppy disks, ZIP® disks, etc.), magnetic tapes, and solid-state storage devices (e.g., memory cards, “flash” media, etc.). As used herein, the term “computer-readable medium” means any means or system for storing and providing information (e.g., data and instructions) to processor 114. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, optical discs, magnetic disks, magnetic tapes, solid-state media, and servers for streaming media over a network.

[0021] Based on instructions provided by software, processor 114 can be configured to adjust the amount of energy (e.g., microwave energy) delivered to the tissue region by ablation probe 104 by monitoring characteristics of the tissue region, such as the size and shape of the target tissue, the temperature of the tissue region, etc. Processor 114 interacts with ablation probe 104 to increase or decrease (e.g., tune) the amount of energy delivered to the tissue region. Processor 114 can also be configured to pre-treat coolant for distribution to ablation probe 104 such that the coolant is delivered at a desired temperature. In some applications, the type of tissue to be treated is input into the software to allow processor 114 to adjust (e.g., tune) the delivery of microwave energy to the tissue region based on a pre-calibration method for that specific type of tissue or tissue region. However, in other embodiments, the probe type selected for a particular procedure can be specifically tuned for a particular tissue type, and the expected ablation size (as described in more detail herein) can be based on the tissue type. In such embodiments, processor 114 may control power delivery without being based on tissue type. In yet another embodiment, processor 114 generates charts or graphs based on a specific type of tissue or tissue region, displaying features useful to the user of the system. Processor 114 may allow the user to select power, treatment duration, different treatment algorithms for different tissue types, simultaneous application of power to multiple probes 104, coherent and incoherent phasing, etc. Processor 114 may also be configured to create a database of information related to ablation treatment of a specific tissue region (e.g., required energy levels, treatment duration for tissue regions based on specific patient characteristics) based on previous treatments with similar or dissimilar patient characteristics.

[0022] According to embodiments of this disclosure, and as described in more detail herein, the control system 102 may include software packages that are executable by the processor 114 to allow a user to input parameters of the tissue to be treated (e.g., the type, size, location, location of blood vessels or vulnerable structures, and blood flow information of the tumor or tissue slice to be ablated). The software may also allow the user to generate a desired or pre-planned ablation zone on a computed tomography (CT) or other image displayed on the GUI 120 to provide the desired result. Based on the pre-planned ablation zone, the ablation probe 104 may then be positioned at the tissue region, and the processor 114 implements the ablation zone based on the provided information. Such applications may also incorporate real-time feedback. For example, CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), or ultrasound imaging or thermometry may be used during the ablation procedure, and this data is fed to the control system 102, which may be configured to adjust various parameters to produce the desired result.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary probe 104 that can be used according to the principles of this disclosure based on one or more embodiments. As described above, the ablation probe 104 can be configured to deliver (emit) energy (e.g., microwave energy, radio frequency energy, radiation energy) to a target tissue region. As shown, the ablation probe 104 includes a handle 202 and an elongated shaft or probe sleeve 204 extending distally from the handle 202.

[0024] Cable or cable assembly 206 may be operatively coupled and configured to deliver power to handle 202. For example, cable assembly 206 may be connected to power source 106 ( Figure 1 The antenna 208 extends and can provide sufficient power to operate the ablation probe 104. It is positioned at the distal end of the probe sleeve 204 and receives power from the cable assembly 206 to deliver energy to the target tissue region, thereby creating an ablation zone 210. The antenna 208 is made of a durable material and provides a high dielectric constant. In some applications, the antenna 208 is made of zirconium and / or a functional equivalent of zirconium. In at least one application, the ablation probe 104 includes two or more separate antennas 208 attached to the same or different power sources.

[0025] In some applications, cooling tube 212 is operatively coupled to and configured to deliver cooling fluid to handle 202. Handle 202 may be configured to control the delivery of cooling fluid into and out of probe sleeve 204 to help regulate the temperature of antenna 208 and ablation zone 210. Exemplary cooling fluids include, but are not limited to, water, glycols, air, inert gases, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, helium, sulfur hexafluoride, ionic solutions (e.g., sodium chloride with or without potassium and other ions), aqueous glucose solutions, lactated Ringer's solution, organic chemical solutions (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, or propylene glycol), oils (e.g., mineral oil, silicone oil, fluorocarbon oil), liquid metals, Freon, halomethane, liquefied propane, other haloalkanes, anhydrous ammonia, sulfur dioxide, or any combination thereof.

[0026] In some applications, the ablation probe 104 may include a rod-shaped region 214, alternatively referred to as a "tissue positioning" region, disposed on or near the antenna 208 on the probe sheath. The rod-shaped region 214 is designed to reach and maintain a temperature suitable for adhesion of the tissue region to its surface. More specifically, the rod-shaped region 214 may operate as an anchoring element with a circulating agent or "coolant" (e.g., a gas delivered at or near its critical point; CO2) that freezes the interface between the rod-shaped region 214 and adjacent tissue, thereby adhering (holding, locking, etc.) the antenna 208 in place during operation. For example, a coolant may be supplied to the rod-shaped region 214 via a cooling tube 212. Once a predetermined low temperature is reached at the rod-shaped region 214, contact with adjacent tissue causes tissue to adhere to the rod-shaped region 214, thereby causing the energy delivery device 204 to attach to the tissue. During ablation, as the tissue warms, the antenna 208 remains fixed to the tissue region due to tissue drying and carbonization. The rod-shaped region 214 can be made of any material capable of reaching and maintaining a temperature such that tissue adheres to the rod-shaped region 214 upon contact with tissue. Exemplary materials for the rod-shaped region 214 include, but are not limited to, metals or any combination thereof.

[0027] In some applications, the ablation probe 104 may further include a plug region 216 disposed on or near the probe sleeve 204 at or near the antenna 208. In at least one application, as depicted, the plug region 216 may be disposed distal to the rod region 214 and otherwise situated between the rod region 214 and the antenna 208. The plug region 216 may be configured to prevent temperature reduction caused by the cooled probe sleeve 204 and rod region 214 from affecting (e.g., reducing) the temperature within the antenna 208. Thus, the plug region 216 partitions the internal portions of the ablation probe 104 to prevent cooling or heating of one or more portions of the device 104 while allowing cooling or heating of other portions. The plug region 216 may be made of an insulating material capable of contacting materials or areas with low temperatures without significantly reducing their temperature. Exemplary insulating materials for the plug region 216 include, but are not limited to, synthetic polymers (e.g., polystyrene, polyisocyanate foam, polyurethane, polyisocyanurate), aerogel, glass fiber, cork, or any combination thereof.

[0028] In some applications, the ablation probe 104 may further include a sharp needle tip or "needle" 218 positioned at the distal end of the antenna 208 and otherwise forming the distal end of the ablation probe 104. The needle 218 is designed to facilitate percutaneous insertion of the ablation probe 104. The needle 218 may be made of a variety of rigid or hardened materials, including but not limited to hardened resins, metals (e.g., titanium or titanium equivalents, stainless steel, etc.). In at least one application, the needle 218 may be brazed to zirconium oxide or zirconium oxide equivalents. In such applications, the needle 218 may include an extension of the metallic portion of the antenna 208 and may be electrically active.

[0029] In some applications, the ablation probe 104 may have a coaxial transmission line positioned within the antenna 208, and a coaxial transmission line connected to the antenna 208. In other embodiments, the ablation probe 104 may include a triaxial microwave probe with optimized tuning capabilities. The ablation probe 104 may be identical or similar to any energy delivery device described in U.S. Patent No. 11,638,607, issued May 2, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0030] Refer again Figure 1The control system 102 further includes an imaging system 116 that communicates with the processor 114 and includes one or more imaging devices. Exemplary imaging devices include, but are not limited to, endoscopic devices, stereotactic computer-aided neurosurgical navigation devices, thermal sensor positioning systems, motion rate sensors, manipulator line systems, intraoperative ultrasound, interstitial ultrasound, microwave imaging, acoustic computed tomography, dual-energy imaging, fluorescence fluoroscopy, computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine imaging devices, triangulation imaging, thermoacoustic imaging, infrared and / or laser imaging, or electromagnetic imaging. In some embodiments, the system 100 uses an endoscopic camera, imaging component, and / or navigation system that allows or assists in the placement, positioning, and / or monitoring of the ablation probe 104.

[0031] In some applications, system 100 provides software configured for use with imaging devices (such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound) of imaging system 116 and generates two-dimensional (2D) and / or three-dimensional (3D) images that can be viewed by the user on GUI 120. In some embodiments, the imaging device software allows the user to make predictions based on the known thermodynamic and electrical properties of the location of tissue, vascular system, and antenna 208 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, the imaging software allows the generation of 2D or 3D maps of the location of tissue regions (e.g., tumors, arrhythmias), the location of antenna 208, and a predicted map of ablation zone 210. Figure 2 ).

[0032] In some applications, the imaging system 116 can be configured to monitor ablation procedures, such as monitoring the amount of ablation occurring in a specific tissue area undergoing thermal ablation. Monitoring includes, but is not limited to, MRI imaging, CT imaging, ultrasound imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, and fluoroscopy. The software can be designed to automatically acquire images of the tissue area (e.g., MRI, CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, fluoroscopy), automatically detect any changes in the tissue area (e.g., blood perfusion, temperature, amount of necrotic tissue, etc.), and automatically adjust the amount of energy delivered to the tissue area via the ablation probe 104 based on this detection. Similarly, and as described in more detail herein, algorithms can be applied to predict the shape and size of the tissue area to be ablated (e.g., tumor shape), allowing the system to recommend the type, number, and location of ablation probes for effective treatment of the area.

[0033] Temperature regulation system 118 can be configured to use a coolant system and cooling fluid to help reduce unwanted heating within and along the ablation probe 104. Specifically, temperature regulation system 118 may include cooling pipe 212. Figure 2 ) and can be used with the handle 202 of each probe 104 ( Figure 2 ) communication to control the entry and exit of cooling fluid into and out of probe sleeve 204 ( Figure 2 The transmission of ) helps to regulate the antenna 208 ( Figure 2 The temperature of the ablation zone 210 (Figure 2) and the temperature of the ablation zone 210. In some applications, the temperature control system 118 may also be configured to communicate with the handle 202 to operate the rod-shaped region 214 to reach and maintain a temperature suitable for tissue adhesion to its surface.

[0034] The temperature control system 118 can also be configured to continuously or intermittently monitor the real-time temperature of the ablation probe 104. In such embodiments, the temperature control system 118 can be coupled to the probe sleeve 204 along the ablation probe 104. Figure 2 ) and / or antenna 208 ( Figure 2 The antenna 208 communicates with one or more temperature sensors (e.g., thermocouples) at various points along its length. Therefore, local temperatures can be monitored at several points along the antenna 208 to estimate ablation status, cooling status, or safety checks. In some applications, monitoring temperatures at several points along the antenna 208 can help determine the ablation zone 210 based on tissue type and the amount of power used in the ablation probe 104. Figure 2 The geographical features of the probe sleeve 204, such as diameter, depth, length, density, width, etc. In other embodiments, or in addition, the temperature can be measured not only at specific points along the probe sleeve 204, but also continuously along its entire length.

[0035] The temperature regulation system 118 can also be configured to monitor the temperature of a tissue area (e.g., the treated tissue, surrounding tissue). This can prove advantageous in helping to determine the status of the procedure (e.g., the completion of the procedure). The temperature regulation system 118 can communicate with the processor 114 to provide real-time temperature information to the user and display such measurements on the GUI 120. In at least one embodiment, based on the temperature data obtained by the temperature regulation system 118, the processor 114 can be configured to appropriately and autonomously regulate the operation of the system 100.

[0036] Power source 106 may be configured to supply the energy required by operating system 100. Power source 106 is also configured to supply energy, such as microwave energy, radio frequency energy, radiation, cryogenic energy, electroporation, high-intensity focused ultrasound, or any combination thereof, to ablation probe 104. According to the principles of this disclosure, power source 106 supplies microwave energy to ablation probe 104 for the purpose of tissue ablation. More specifically, power may be supplied to ablation probe 102, but the microwave energy is generated in a microwave generator and sent to antenna 208. In some applications, power source 106 may include one or more energy generators configured to provide up to 100 watts of microwave power at frequencies from 915 MHz to 5.8 GHz, although the invention is not limited thereto. Power divider 108 may include a power distribution system operable to distribute energy from power source 106 to ablation probe 104. Power divider 108 may be configured to provide different energy levels to different regions of ablation probe 104.

[0037] In short, a standard percutaneous ablation procedure requires obtaining or generating a pre-treatment scan of the patient. This scan can be obtained (generated) from a variety of scanning or imaging techniques, including but not limited to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), ultrasound, nuclear medicine imaging, fluoroscopy, or any combination thereof. During the examination of the pre-treatment scan, lesions or abnormalities located in the target tissue area can be identified, and a trained surgeon or physician can determine that the target tissue area should undergo ablation to treat the lesion. Exemplary lesions or abnormalities may include tumors or arrhythmias associated with tissues, organs, blood vessels, bones, glands, or any combination thereof.

[0038] In the past and present, physicians and surgeons perform ablation procedures by inserting one or more ablation probes into the patient and advancing the distal end of the probe toward the target tissue area where the lesion is located. Physicians place the probe based on their knowledge and experience, as well as their understanding of how to operate the ablation probe; that is, the optimal path to the target tissue area, the presence of vital organs or blood vessels in the expected pathway, the anticipated growth of the ablation zone, and the amount of surface area that the final ablation will cover. Once the target tissue area is located, the ablation probe can be manipulated to heat and kill the tissue located within that area.

[0039] According to embodiments of this disclosure, systems and methods are provided that allow physicians to simulate and plan the placement of one or more ablation probes prior to their physical placement. The systems and methods described herein provide users (e.g., physicians, surgeons, etc.) with the ability to design and optimize anticipated (simulated) ablation treatment plans by graphically depicting what the planned ablation would look like and estimating the size of the planned ablation zone on the target tissue region. Once the ablation treatment plan is created, the physician can place the physical probes in the patient body according to the ablation treatment plan and pass the planned ablation parameters set for the simulated ablation probes to the actual ablation probes. The orientation and spatial position of the physical probes can be automatically detected based on imaging. In plans requiring multiple probes, the spatial relationship between the planned probes and the physical probes is calculated. Ablation parameters are passed from the planned probes to the physical probes that best match their position and orientation.

[0040] Figure 3 The display 300 is an exemplary pre-treatment scan 302 of a patient being examined. As described above, the pre-treatment scan 302 can be obtained from various scanning or imaging techniques, including but not limited to MRI, PET, CT imaging, ultrasound imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, fluoroscopy imaging, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the pre-treatment scan 302 can be obtained in real time by subjecting the patient to a scanning and imaging process. In some applications, multiple pre-treatment scans 302 can be obtained and used simultaneously, and in such applications, the user can manually “lock” or “pair” them together to allow the user to scroll through the plane while maintaining their spatial relationship in the axial plane. However, in other embodiments, the pre-treatment scan 302 can be obtained in advance and stored in a picture archiving system (PACS), which includes a database or archiving system in which radiographic images are stored in a hospital database. In such embodiments, the pre-treatment scan 302 can be accessed from the PACS and otherwise downloaded.

[0041] Whether generated in real-time or obtained from PACS, the pre-treatment scan 302 can be transferred to an ablation simulation platform, which is programmed and otherwise configured to allow physicians to pre-plan and simulate ablation procedures. The ablation simulation platform may include a computer product comprising software instructions stored on memory or a computer-readable medium, which, when controlled by processor 114 (… Figure 1 When executed (running), the software instruction causes control system 102 ( Figure 1 The display 300 can be part of or shown on the GUI 120 (Figure 1).

[0042] In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the pre-treatment scan 302 may include multiple images depicting multiple orientations and depths of the pre-treatment scan 302 relative to the patient in a supine (parallel to the ground) position during the scanning and imaging process. The patient may be supine, prone, or lateral with feet or head facing forward relative to the scanner. As shown in the figures, the pre-treatment scan 302 may include at least an axial orientation 304a, a sagittal orientation 304b, a coronal orientation 304c, and a skeletal orientation 304d.

[0043] Axial orientation 304a includes an end view of the patient taken along a plane that extends vertically through the patient and is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the patient (e.g., from head to toes). Specifically, axial orientation 304a includes a vertical layer or "slice" view of the patient at a point between the head and toes. Sagittal orientation 304b includes a side view of the patient taken along a plane that extends vertically through the patient and is parallel to the longitudinal axis. Specifically, sagittal orientation 304b includes a vertical layer or "slice" view of the patient at a point between the left and right sides of the patient. Coronal orientation 304c includes a top view of the patient taken along a plane that extends horizontally through the patient and is parallel to the longitudinal axis. Specifically, coronal orientation 304c includes a horizontal layer or "slice" view of the patient at a point between the top (e.g., chest) and bottom (e.g., back) of the patient. Skeletal Orientation 304d includes a graphical depiction of the skeletal features of the subjects (e.g., the thoracic cavity and spine).

[0044] Using the ablation simulation platform, physicians can view the monitor 300 and scroll through views or “slices” of each orientation 304a-d by scrolling the mouse (user input device) wheel connected to the computer system running the ablation simulation platform (e.g., control system 102 of Figure 1). Physicians can scroll through these layers until they locate and identify lesions or abnormalities in the target tissue area of ​​the patient.

[0045] Figure 4 This is an enlarged view of the pre-treatment scan 302, and more specifically, an enlarged (close-up) view of a portion of the axial orientation 304a (Figure 3). Once uploaded to the ablation simulation platform, as described above, physicians can analyze the pre-treatment scan 302 to potentially locate and identify lesions or abnormalities in target tissue regions 400 present in the patient's body. As provided above, exemplary lesions and abnormalities may include tumors or arrhythmias associated with tissues, organs, blood vessels, bones, glands, or any combination thereof. The lesion or abnormality can be treated by ablation of the target tissue region using one or more ablation probes.

[0046] When identifying a symptom or abnormality and determining that a target tissue region 400 will undergo ablation, the user can instruct the ablation simulation platform to enter ablation planning or simulation mode. Once in ablation simulation mode, the user can define and graphically identify the target tissue region 400 on the pre-treatment scan 302. For example, as shown in the figure, the user can create a digital target region 402 that surrounds or otherwise encloses the target tissue region 400. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by using a mouse cursor overlaid on the pre-treatment scan 302 and digitally drawing the digital target region 402 on the pre-treatment scan 302. The digital target region 402 can be of any shape or size, depending on user input. However, in other embodiments, the physician may use more sophisticated tools to create the digital target region 402. In yet another embodiment, the creation of the digital target region 402 may be automated and based on software instructions programmed into the ablation simulation platform. Exemplary software instructions may include identifying the target tissue region 400, including the symptom, and creating a digital target region 402 surrounding (enclosing) the target tissue region 400.

[0047] Once the digital target area 402 is created (overlaid) on the pretreatment scan 302 and displayed on the monitor 300 ( Figure 3 As can be seen on the image, the user can then proceed with the placement or planning of one or more planned ablation probes 404 relative to the target tissue region 400, or the planning of pathways (“target paths”). Although only one planned ablation probe 404 is shown in Figure 4, the planning and simulated placement of more than one planned ablation probe 404 can be performed on the ablation simulation platform. As shown, a planned ablation probe 404 includes a first or “far” end 406a and a second or “proximal” end 406b opposite to the far end 406a. Simulating the planned ablation probe 404 effectively sets the target path of the planned ablation probe 404, which can be useful in the subsequent placement of the actual ablation probe. Thus, the far end 406a can represent the far end of the actual ablation probe, such as antenna 208 ( Figure 2 ) and / or needle 218 ( Figure 2 The location of the probe is indicated by the proximal end 406b, which can represent the proximal end of the actual ablation probe, such as the location of the handle 202 (Figure 2).

[0048] As shown in the figure, the user can set the target path of the planned ablation probe 404 by placing (setting) the distal end 406a of the planned ablation probe 404 at or within the digital target region 402 and fixing the distal end 406a in place. The proximal end 406b can then be selected at a location proximal to the digital target region 402 and outside the patient's body; for example, outside the patient's skin 408. However, in other embodiments, the user can alternatively place the proximal end 406b first, followed by the distal end 406a. The ablation simulation platform can be programmed to calculate (determine) which ends 406a, 406b are distal and which are proximal (i.e., the distal end 406a is closer to the center of the body) based on the orientation of the planned ablation probe 404 relative to the body. The ablation simulation platform can then generate a line extending between the distal end 406a and the proximal end 406b, representing the target path of the planned ablation probe 404. This line can also represent the simulated or virtual target path that the actual ablation probe can take to reach the digital target area 402.

[0049] Users may be able to move either end 406a, 406b after the planned ablation probe 404 has been placed, but may only have the ability to move one end 406a, 406b at a time. In some applications, users may adjust the position (orientation) of the proximal end 406b relative to the stationary distal end 406a. This can occur to obtain an optimized or more efficient target path for the planned ablation probe 404. In some embodiments, as shown in the figures, the planned ablation probe 404 may be depicted in 2D, but may alternatively be extrapolated in 3D by scrolling through layers or planes (“slices”) of the pre-treatment scan 302.

[0050] In some embodiments, distal 406a and proximal 406b do not need to be located in the same layer or plane (“slice”) of the pretreatment scan 302. For example, a portion of the planned ablation probe 404 may be broken 410 (e.g., dotted line, dashed line, etc.) and may represent a portion that is out of plane and otherwise not shown in the currently visible layer (“slice”) of the pretreatment scan 302 or otherwise shown after (or before) the currently visible layer. Furthermore, a portion of the planned ablation probe 404 may be solid 412 and represent a portion visible in the currently visible layer of the pretreatment scan 302. In some embodiments, a scan intersection 414 may be superimposed on the pretreatment scan 302 at the location where the planned ablation probe 404 intersects with the currently visible layer (“slice”). The scan intersection 414 may be represented graphically in various ways, including but not limited to small solid structures such as ellipses or other geometries.

[0051] In some embodiments, the ablation simulation platform may be configured to automatically provide a distance measurement 416 between the distal end 406a of the planned ablation probe 404 and the point where the planned ablation probe 404 exits the patient's skin 408. The distance measurement 416 may be useful in determining which actual ablation probe might be needed to perform the planned ablation procedure. In at least one embodiment, as shown, the distance measurement 416 may be depicted as a scale marking perpendicular to a line extending between the distal end 406a and the proximal end 406b, but may alternatively be depicted in any other perceptible (visible) manner.

[0052] In some embodiments, the ablation simulation platform may be configured and otherwise programmed to identify and display one or more critical pathway regions 418 along the planned target path of the ablation probe 404. The critical pathway region 418 may include locations or areas within the patient body that the ablation probe cannot penetrate, or would otherwise be discouraged from traversing (penetrating) when attempting to reach the digital target region 402. In other words, the critical pathway region 418 may include critical or high-density structures that may be present along the planned target path of the ablation probe 404.

[0053] One example of a critical pathway region 418 is a dense or high-density region, such as a segment or region of bone (e.g., the pleural cavity). In such applications, identifying the critical pathway region 418 warns the user that if the planned trajectory is followed, the actual ablation probe may have to penetrate the bone to reach the digital target region 402. Therefore, the user may expect to alter the target path of the planned ablation probe 404 to avoid the critical pathway region 418. Other examples of critical pathway regions 418 include, but are not limited to, the vascular system, major organs (e.g., the heart, kidneys, etc.), the collecting system in the kidneys, portions of the lungs, or any combination thereof.

[0054] When the target path of the planned ablation probe 404 crosses the critical pathway region 418, the ablation simulation platform can be configured to warn the user. In some embodiments, for example, the critical pathway region 418 may be represented graphically and otherwise overlaid on the pretreatment scan 302 via a visual alert or indication. One example of a visual alert includes changing the color of the portion of the target path that crosses the critical pathway region 418, thereby providing a visual indication of an area or region that may need to be avoided. In some embodiments, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, the portion of the target path that crosses the critical pathway region 418 may be changed to, for example, red, but other colors or patterns may be used alternatively. If the user decides to redirect the target path away from the critical pathway region 418, the visual alert is removed (e.g., the color or pattern of the target path is restored to a neutral color or pattern).

[0055] Another example of a visual alert includes magnifying the portion of the target path that crosses the critical pathway region 418 or overlaying a shape on the target path that crosses the critical pathway region 418. In some embodiments, instead of redirecting the target path of the planned ablation probe 404, the user can place and hold the planned ablation probe 404 that intersects the critical pathway region 418 and continue with the remaining steps of the planning process.

[0056] Figure 5 This is an enlarged user interface 500 that can form part of an ablation simulation platform according to one or more embodiments. Specifically, the user interface 500 can form part of or be visible on the display 300 of FIG. 3, and can allow the user to define and place (plan) one or more planned ablation probes, shown in FIG. 5 as a first planned ablation probe A, a second planned ablation probe B, and a third planned ablation probe C. By clicking the label 502a of probe A, the user can define the parameters (features) of the first planned ablation probe A; by clicking the label 502b of probe B, the user can define the parameters (features) of the second planned ablation probe B; and by clicking the label 502c of probe C, the user can define the parameters (features) of the third planned ablation probe C. The planned ablation probes A to C can be the same as or similar to the planned ablation probe 404 (FIG. 4), and the user interface 500 can be integrated with the pre-treatment scan 302 (FIG. 4). Figure 3 (4) Displayed side by side, allowing users to see the creation and visual representation of the target paths of each planned ablation probe A to C in real time based on the selected parameters (features).

[0057] User interface 500 may include various options and buttons that allow the user to select one or more parameters for each planned ablation probe A to C. Based on the selected parameters, the simulated (predicted) ablation size and effect will increase or decrease. For example, user interface 500 may include one or more buttons 504 that allow the user to select a specific length for each planned ablation probe A to C. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the user may select planned ablation probes A to C with a length of 15 cm or 20 cm. However, in other embodiments, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, user interface 500 may include additional options that allow the user to select planned ablation probes A to C with a length less than 15 cm or greater than 20 cm. Distance measurement 416 superimposed on pretreatment scan 302 (FIG. 4) Figure 4 This can help users determine the possible length to reach the digital target area 402 (Figure 4).

[0058] The user interface 500 may also include options or buttons 506 that allow the user to select a specific type or design of the planned ablation probes A through C. For example, button 506 may include a drop-down menu button that includes a variety of selectable probe designs (models), such as, but not limited to, PR = precision, LK = liver and kidney, LN = lung, and XT = smaller probe. PR type probes may include ablation probes designed for more precise ablation treatment, and LK type probes may include ablation probes designed for ablation treatment in the liver and / or kidney. LN type probes may include ablation probes designed for operation in the lung, and XT type probes may include thicker and / or harder ablation probes, and are therefore more robust than other probe designs (models).

[0059] The user interface 500 may also include one or more buttons 508 that allow the user to select or adjust the ablation time; that is, the time during which the ablation probe will deliver energy (e.g., microwaves). In particular, increasing the ablation time will correspondingly increase the amount of time that the planned ablation probes A through C will be active during the ablation procedure. A longer ablation time will result in a larger final ablation zone.

[0060] The user interface 500 may also include one or more buttons 510 that allow the user to adjust the power output (e.g., in watts) of the planned ablation probes A through C. A higher power output for the planned ablation probes A through C will result in a larger ablation zone and higher temperature more quickly during ablation, while a lower power output for the planned ablation probes A through C will result in a smaller ablation zone and lower temperature during ablation.

[0061] Figure 6A Figures 6A and 6B are enlarged views of the pretreatment scan 302 in Figure 4, depicting the planned ablation zones in 2D and 3D, respectively. More specifically, based on preferences, features, and parameters input into the user interface 500, the user can instruct the ablation simulation platform to generate planned ablation zones corresponding to ablation probes A through C for each plan. In Figure 6A, the digital target region 402, along with the first planned ablation zone 602a and the second planned ablation zone 602b, are superimposed in 2D on the pretreatment scan 302 and otherwise overlaid on it. In Figure 6B, the digital target region 402, along with the first planned ablation zone 602a and the second planned ablation zone 602b, are superimposed in 3D on the pretreatment scan 302 and otherwise overlaid on it. The planned ablation zones 602a and 602b represent estimated ablation corresponding to planned ablation probes A and B, respectively.

[0062] The estimated size and location (positioning) of the ablation zones 602a and 602b for each plan are determined by the user interface 500. Figure 5 The size of the ablation zone 602a, 602b is determined by user input parameters provided in the diagram; for example, the probe type, probe length, desired ablation time, and desired power output (watts). Furthermore, the estimated size of each planned ablation zone 602a, 602b can also be based on and otherwise depend on the type of tissue or organ in which the digital target region 402 is located (e.g., liver, lung, kidney, etc.). More specifically, the size of the ablation zone can depend on the type of tissue or organ in which the ablation probe operates. For example, when using the same ablation probe exhibiting the same parameters, the final ablation zone generated in the liver may be smaller than the final ablation zone generated in the lung. Based on ex vivo tissue testing of similar tissues and organs, the ablation simulation platform can be programmed and otherwise configured to generate planned ablation zones with sizes (orders of magnitude) corresponding to the type of tissue being ablated, based on user-input parameters.

[0063] Therefore, the ablation simulation platform can determine where the digital target region 402 is located within the subject's body, and thus the type of tissue or organ in which the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b are to be generated. In some applications, for example, the user can indicate the type of tissue and / or organ they are treating. However, in other applications, the ablation simulation platform can be programmed with an organ segmentation algorithm that automatically segments the tissue / organ and determines which tissue / organ the probe is in. Based on the type of tissue or organ, and further based on ex vivo tissue testing, planned ablation zones 602a, 602b are generated with a size corresponding to the tissue type and based on user-provided parameters input via the user interface 500 (Figure 5).

[0064] Referring to Figure 6B, as described above, the planned ablation probes A and B can be the same as or similar to the planned ablation probe 404 in Figure 4. The planned ablation regions 602a and 602b can be positioned such that the ablation probe 404 passes through the center or long axis of the planned ablation regions 602a and 602b. The positioning or location of the planned ablation regions 602a and 602b along the length of the ablation probe 404 can be determined based on the emission region of the ablation probe 404.

[0065] In the illustrated embodiments, each planned ablation zone 602a, 602b is generally elliptical or ellipsoidal in shape, but the shape is not limited to elliptical or ellipsoidal. Rather, the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b may alternatively present any geometry or shape without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, in some embodiments, one or both of the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b may extend through multiple tissue types, organs, or solid structures (e.g., bone). In such embodiments, the geometry and size of the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b may vary. In such embodiments, the ablation simulation platform may be programmed and otherwise configured to take into account multiple tissue characteristics (e.g., perfusion, conductivity, dielectric, impedance, etc.), organs, or solid structures, thereby automatically adjusting the size and geometry of the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b.

[0066] The planned ablation zones 602a and 602b allow the user to visualize the spatial relationship between the estimated ablation of each planned ablation probe A and B and the digital target region 402. Based on this comparison, the user can assess the potential (predicted) ablation coverage of the digital target region 402 based on the orientation and placement of probes A and B. If either or both of the planned ablation zones 602a and 602b do not completely cover (enclose) a portion of the digital target region, plus the desired margin 402, the user can adjust the orientation and / or parameters of one or both of probes A and B. This can be achieved by returning to the display 300 (Figure 3) and the user interface 500 (Figure 5), where the orientation of probes A and B (probe 404 in Figure 4) can be changed, and / or probe parameters such as, but not limited to, probe type, ablation time, and power can be adjusted.

[0067] Once one or more of the planned ablation probes A through C have been planned and superimposed on the pretreatment scan 302 (Figures 3, 4, 6A through 6B), the user (e.g., physician, surgeon, trained technician, etc.) can then proceed to physically place one or more actual ablation probes into the patient. The actual ablation probes can be placed using any known or conventional placement technique, such as ultrasound or CT or fluoroscopic image guidance, to bring the actual ablation probes to the desired location (e.g., at or near the digital target area 402).

[0068] After the actual ablation probe is placed in the patient, a second scan showing the probe location (image) in the patient can be obtained using any of the aforementioned imaging techniques; for example, MRI, CT imaging, PET imaging, ultrasound imaging, nuclear medicine imaging, fluorescence microscopy imaging, or any combination thereof. This second scan, alternatively referred to as a surgical scan or “probe” scan, detects and displays the presence of the actual ablation probe, and can then be passed to the ablation simulation program. In at least one embodiment, the probe scan can be uploaded to a PACS system, and the user can then import the probe scan from the PACS system into the ablation simulation program. Once uploaded to the ablation simulation program, the actual placement of the actual ablation probe can be automatically detected and overlaid on the pretreatment scan 302 (Figures 3, 4, and 6A-6B) for comparison with the digital target area (Figures 4 and 6A-6B) and the planned trajectory of the planned ablation probes A-C (e.g., the planned ablation probe 404 in Figure 4).

[0069] Figure 7This is an enlarged view of a pretreatment scan 302, according to one or more embodiments, overlaid with features detected in a probe scan of a test patient. More specifically, the probe scan detects two actual ablation probes placed within the test patient, shown as a first actual ablation probe 702a and a second actual ablation probe 702b. The first actual ablation probe 702a and the second actual ablation probe 702b can be overlaid on the pretreatment scan 302 and displayed in comparison with a digital target region 402 and a first planned ablation probe A and a second planned ablation probe B. In Figure 7, the pretreatment scan 302 and the overlapping first actual ablation probe 702a and the second actual ablation probe 702b are shown in 3D, but can be depicted in 2D without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0070] The ablation simulation program can be programmed and otherwise configured to match actual ablation probes 702a, 702b with planned ablation probes A, B primarily based on their proximity to each other. More specifically, based on the proximity of planned ablation probes A, B with actual ablation probes 702a, 702b, the ablation simulation program can be programmed with a matching algorithm that determines (registers) which actual ablation probe 702a, 702b (if more than one is used) is physically closest to each of the planned ablation probes A, B. If multiple probes are present, each planned ablation probe A, B is compared with each detected actual ablation probe 702a, 702b, and a match is selected based on the minimum value calculated by the matching algorithm. If only one actual ablation probe and only one planned ablation probe are present, the planned and actual ablation probes can be automatically matched.

[0071] In some embodiments, the ablation simulation procedure may apply weighting based on the distance from the distal end of each probe, since the distal end of the probe should be closest to the treatment target. Therefore, when the distal end of a probe is closer to the distal end of the probe being compared, the weighting applied in the matching algorithm can be greater.

[0072] The matching algorithm programmed into the ablation simulation program and used to match planned ablation probes A and B with actual ablation probes 702a and 702b can also be configured to compare the target paths of planned ablation probes A and B with the detection paths of actual ablation probes 702a and 702b. Sampling points are taken along each planned and actual ablation probe, and the distances to adjacent probes are calculated. Smaller distances indicate better matching. Because planned ablation probes A and B are defined in the pre-treatment scan 302, while actual ablation probes 702a and 702b are in probe scans (i.e., different scans), the coordinates of planned ablation probes A and B can be moved to the same coordinate system as actual ablation probes 702a and 702b. This can be achieved, for example, by registering one scan to the other and using the registration information to transfer planned ablation probes A and B to the probe scan.

[0073] Briefly referring to Figure 8, which depicts an updated version of the user interface 500, once each planned ablation probe A, B successfully matches with its corresponding actual ablation probe 702a, 702b, the user interface 500 may display or include a legend 802 to indicate to the user which planned ablation probe A, B has matched with which actual ablation probe 702a, 702b. In some embodiments, for example, legend 802 may include color-coded shapes (e.g., triangles, circles, etc.). The specific color of the shape may correspond to the color of the planned ablation probe A, B and the actual ablation probe 702a, 702b as depicted in pretreatment scan 302 (Figure 7). This provides the user with a visual indication of the matched plans and actual ablation probes.

[0074] Refer again Figure 7 Continue to refer to Figure 8 Once the actual ablation probes 702a and 702b are matched with the corresponding planned ablation probes A and B, the ablation simulation program can then be programmed and otherwise configured to transfer the planned ablation zones 602a and 602b corresponding to the planned ablation probes A and B to the matched actual ablation probes 702a and 702b. Therefore, ablation settings and parameters (e.g., ablation time, power, length, etc.) input by the user into the user interface 500 can then be transferred to the actual ablation probes 702a and 702b, thereby matching the planned ablation zones 602a and 602b with the corresponding actual ablation probes 702a and 702b.

[0075] As will be understood, passing the parameters of the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b to the actual ablation probes 702a, 702b allows the user to see the planned (estimated) ablation zone relative to the digital target area 402 while using the actual ablation probes 702a, 702b. Based on this comparison, the user can evaluate the potential ablation coverage of the digital target area 402 based on the orientation and placement of the actual ablation probes 702a, 702b. For example, if either (or both) of the planned ablation zones 602a, 602b does not completely cover (encircle) a portion of the digital target area plus the desired margin 402, the user can adjust the parameters of one or both of the actual ablation probes 702a, 702b. This can be achieved by returning to the user interface 500 and adjusting probe parameters such as ablation time and power (wattage). Based on parameter changes, the size and orientation of the planned ablation zones 602a and 602b can then be updated in real time on the display 300 (Figure 3), allowing the user to verify whether the digital target region 402 will be adequately ablated during the procedure. As will be understood, this will allow the user to obtain the desired ablation results.

[0076] Figure 9 This is another depiction of the display 300 and pre-treatment scan 302 according to one or more additional embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, the pre-treatment scan 302 is depicted as a periscope view 902a and a needle view 902b. The periscope view 902a includes a series of images that have been resampled such that the probe represents the central axis of the image. The needle view 902b includes a series of images that have been resampled such that they are perpendicular to the periscope view images and the probe is perpendicular to the central axis. The periscope view 902a and needle view 902b can be used to allow physicians to view the anatomy of the subject patient from both views simultaneously. The periscope view 902a and needle view 902b help users observe the orientation of the probe relative to the target tissue, and these views can help determine the location of organs and other structures in the subject patient's body that they want to avoid when placing the actual ablation probe. In some embodiments, the periscope view 902a and needle view 902b may be accessible and otherwise available in the ablation simulation procedure.

[0077] The embodiments disclosed herein include:

[0078] A. A method for planning microwave ablation surgery, comprising the steps of: uploading a pre-treatment scan to a control system of an energy delivery system; displaying the pre-treatment scan on a display of the control system; analyzing the pre-treatment scan and identifying a target tissue region including a lesion; creating and graphically displaying a digital target region on the pre-treatment scan and relative to the target tissue region; planning and graphically depicting target paths of one or more planned ablation probes relative to the target tissue region on the pre-treatment scan; creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation probe based on one or more user-selected parameters; placing one or more actual ablation probes relative to the target tissue region in a patient; obtaining probe scans of the patient detecting the one or more actual ablation probes; and assigning the planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes to the one or more actual probes.

[0079] B. A non-transitory medium readable by a processor and storing instructions for execution by the processor to perform a method comprising the steps of: uploading a pre-treatment scan to a control system of an energy delivery system; displaying the pre-treatment scan on a display of the control system; creating and graphically displaying a digital target region on and relative to the pre-treatment scan, the target tissue region including lesions identified in the pre-treatment scan; planning and graphically depicting target paths of one or more planned ablation probes relative to the target tissue region on the pre-treatment scan; creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation probe based on one or more user-selected parameters; obtaining a probe scan of a patient after placing one or more actual ablation probes relative to the target tissue region, the probe scan detecting the one or more actual ablation probes; and assigning the planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes to the one or more actual probes.

[0080] Each of Examples A and B may have one or more of the following additional elements in any combination: Element 1: wherein the condition includes at least one of a tumor or arrhythmia associated with tissue, organ, gland, blood vessel, bone, or any combination thereof. Element 2: wherein creating the digital target region includes digitally plotting the digital target region on the pre-treatment scan. Element 3: wherein planning the target path of the one or more planned ablation probes includes: positioning the distal end of the one or more planned ablation probes at or within the digital target region; positioning the proximal end of the one or more planned ablation probes proximal to the digital target region and at a location outside the body of the subject; and generating and graphically depicting a line extending between the distal and proximal ends. Element 4: further includes graphically depicting a broken portion of the line corresponding to the portion of the target path located behind or in front of the plane of the pre-treatment scan, and graphically depicting a solid portion of the line corresponding to the portion of the target path located in the plane of the pre-treatment scan. Element 5: Further includes identifying and displaying one or more key pathway regions along the target path of at least one of the one or more planned ablation probes. Element 6: Wherein the one or more key pathway regions are selected from the group consisting of dense or high-density regions, vascular systems, major organs, collecting systems in the kidneys, portions of the lungs, and any combination thereof. Element 7: Wherein the one or more user-selected parameters are selected from the group consisting of: the length of the one or more planned ablation probes, the model of the one or more planned ablation probes, the desired ablation time, and the desired power output of the one or more planned ablation probes. Element 8: Further includes adjusting the one or more user-selected parameters of at least one of the one or more planned ablation probes to change the size of the planned ablation zone. Element 9: Further includes creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation based on the type of tissue or organ in which the digital target region is located. Element 10: Obtaining the probe scan of the subject patient includes: uploading the probe scan to the control system; overlaying the placement of one or more actual ablation probes onto the pre-treatment scan; and comparing the placement of one or more actual ablation probes with the digital target region and the target path of the one or more planned ablation probes. Element 11: Assigning the planned ablation area of ​​the one or more planned ablation probes to the one or more actual probes includes: matching the one or more actual ablation probes with the one or more planned ablation probes based on a matching algorithm; and passing the one or more user-selected parameters of the planned ablation area to the one or more actual ablation probes. Element 12: Further includes adjusting the one or more user-selected parameters to change the size of the planned ablation area relative to the digital target region.

[0081] Element 13: The target path of the planned one or more planned ablation probes includes: positioning the distal end of the planned one or more planned ablation probes at or within the digital target region; positioning the proximal end of the planned one or more planned ablation probes proximal to the digital target region and at a location outside the body of the subject patient; and generating and graphically depicting a line extending between the distal end and the proximal end. Element 14: Further includes graphically depicting a broken portion of the line corresponding to the portion of the target path located behind or in front of the plane of the pretreatment scan, and graphically depicting a solid portion of the line corresponding to the portion of the target path located in the plane of the pretreatment scan. Element 15: Further includes calculating the distance from the distal end to the point where the target path exits the skin of the subject patient, and displaying a numerical value of the distance on the pretreatment scan. Element 16: Further includes identifying and displaying one or more key pathway regions along the target path of at least one of the planned one or more ablation probes. Element 17: Further includes creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation based on the type of tissue or organ in which the digital target region is located. Element 18: Wherein obtaining the probe scan of the subject patient includes: uploading the probe scan to the control system; overlaying the placement of the one or more actual ablation probes onto the pre-treatment scan; and comparing the placement of the one or more actual ablation probes with the digital target region and the target path of the one or more planned ablation probes. Element 19: Wherein assigning the planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes to the one or more actual probes includes: matching the one or more actual ablation probes with the one or more planned ablation probes based on proximity; and passing the one or more user-selected parameters of the planned ablation zone to the one or more actual ablation probes.

[0082] As a non-limiting example, exemplary combinations applicable to A and B include: element 3 and element 4; element 5 and element 6; element 7 and element 8; element 11 and element 12; element 13 and element 14; and element 14 and element 15.

[0083] Therefore, the disclosed systems and methods are well-suited to achieving the stated purposes and advantages, as well as those inherent therein. The specific embodiments disclosed above are merely illustrative, as the teachings of this disclosure can be modified and practiced in different but equivalent ways that will be apparent to those skilled in the art who benefit from the teachings herein. Furthermore, the details of the constructions or designs shown herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, except as described in the following claims. Therefore, it will be apparent that the specific illustrative embodiments disclosed above can be altered, combined, or modified, and all such changes are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure. The systems and methods illustratively disclosed herein can be suitably practiced without any elements not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional elements disclosed herein. While compositions and methods are described as “comprising,” “containing,” or “including” various components or steps, compositions and methods may also be described as “substantially composed of various components and steps” or “composed of various components and steps.” All figures and ranges disclosed above can vary by a certain amount. Whenever a numerical range with a lower and upper limit is disclosed, any numerical value falling within that range and any included range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the range of each value disclosed herein (in the form of “from about a to about b”, or equivalently, “from about a to b (ato b)”, or equivalently, “from about a to b (ab)”) should be understood to describe each numerical value and range covered by a wider range of values. Furthermore, the terms in the claims have their simple, general meanings unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Additionally, the indefinite articles “a” or “an” used in the claims are defined herein as referring to one or more of the elements they introduce. In the event of any conflict between the use of words or terms in this specification and in one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the definitions consistent with this specification shall prevail.

[0084] As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” preceding a series of items, separated by the terms “and” or “or”, modifies the list as a whole rather than each member of the list (i.e., each item). The phrase “at least one of” allows for the inclusion of the meaning of at least one of any one of the items and / or at least one of any combination of items and / or at least one of each of the items. For example, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of A, B, or C” respectively refer to only A, only B, or only C; any combination of A, B, and C; and / or at least one of each of A, B, and C.

[0085] The use of directional terms such as above, below, upper part, lower part, upward, downward, left, right, above well, below well, etc., is for use in illustrative embodiments, as they are depicted in the accompanying drawings, with the upward direction pointing towards the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction pointing towards the bottom of the corresponding figure.

Claims

1. A method for planning microwave ablation surgery, comprising: The pre-treatment scan is uploaded to the control system of the energy delivery system; The pre-treatment scan is displayed on the monitor of the control system; Analyze the pre-treatment scan and identify the target tissue area, including the lesion; A digital target region is created and displayed graphically on the pre-treatment scan and relative to the target tissue region; On the pre-treatment scan, the target path of one or more planned ablation probes relative to the target tissue region is planned and graphically depicted. A planned ablation zone is created for each planned ablation probe based on one or more user-selected parameters; One or more actual ablation probes are placed in the patient body relative to the target tissue region; Obtain probe scans of the one or more actual ablation probes from the test patient; as well as The planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes is assigned to one or more actual probes.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the condition includes at least one of a tumor or arrhythmia associated with tissue, organ, gland, blood vessel, bone, or any combination thereof.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein creating the digital target region comprises digitally plotting the digital target region on the pre-treatment scan.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein planning the target path of the one or more planned ablation probes comprises: The distal end of one or more planned ablation probes is positioned at or within the digital target area; The proximal end of one or more planned ablation probes is positioned proximal to the digital target area and outside the body of the subject patient; as well as Generate and graphically depict a line extending between the distal end and the proximal end.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising: The broken portion of the line is depicted graphically, corresponding to the portion of the target path located behind or in front of the plane of the pre-treatment scan. as well as The solid portion of the line is depicted graphically, corresponding to the portion of the target path located in the plane of the pre-treatment scan.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising identifying and displaying one or more key pathway regions along the target path of at least one of the one or more planned ablation probes.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more key pathway regions are selected from the group consisting of dense or high-density regions, vascular systems, major organs, collecting systems in the kidneys, portions of the lungs, and any combination thereof.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more user-selected parameters are selected from the group consisting of: the length of the one or more planned ablation probes, the model of the one or more planned ablation probes, the desired ablation time, and the desired power output for the one or more planned ablation probes.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising adjusting one or more user-selected parameters of at least one of the one or more planned ablation probes to change the size of the planned ablation zone.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation based on the type of tissue or organ in which the digital target region is located.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein obtaining the probe scan of the subject patient comprises: The probe scan is uploaded to the control system; The placement of the one or more actual ablation probes is superimposed on the pre-treatment scan; as well as The placement of the one or more actual ablation probes is compared with the digital target region and the target path of the one or more planned ablation probes.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein assigning the planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes to the one or more actual probes comprises: The matching algorithm is used to match the one or more actual ablation probes with the one or more planned ablation probes; as well as The one or more user-selected parameters of the planned ablation zone are passed to the one or more actual ablation probes.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising adjusting the one or more user-selected parameters to change the size of the planned ablation zone relative to the digital target region.

14. A non-transitory medium that can be read by a processor and stores instructions for execution by said processor to perform a method comprising: The pre-treatment scan is uploaded to the control system of the energy delivery system; The pre-treatment scan is displayed on the monitor of the control system; A digital target region is created and graphically displayed on the pre-treatment scan and relative to the target tissue region, the target tissue region including the lesion identified in the pre-treatment scan; On the pre-treatment scan, the target path of one or more planned ablation probes relative to the target tissue region is planned and graphically depicted. A planned ablation zone is created for each planned ablation probe based on one or more user-selected parameters; After placing one or more actual ablation probes relative to the target tissue region in a patient, a probe scan of the patient is obtained, the probe scan detecting the one or more actual ablation probes; as well as The planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes is assigned to one or more actual probes.

15. The non-temporary medium of claim 14, wherein the target path of the planned one or more planned ablation probes comprises: The distal end of one or more planned ablation probes is positioned at or within the digital target area; The proximal end of one or more planned ablation probes is positioned proximal to the digital target area and outside the body of the subject patient; as well as Generate and graphically depict a line extending between the distal end and the proximal end.

16. The non-transitory medium according to claim 15, further comprising: The broken portion of the line is depicted graphically, corresponding to the portion of the target path located behind or in front of the plane of the pre-treatment scan. as well as The solid portion of the line is depicted graphically, corresponding to the portion of the target path located in the plane of the pre-treatment scan.

17. The non-transitory medium according to claim 16, further comprising: Calculate the distance from the distal end to the point on the target path that exits the skin of the subject patient; as well as The distance value is displayed on the pre-treatment scan.

18. The non-temporary medium of claim 14, further comprising identifying and displaying one or more critical pathway regions along the target path of at least one of the one or more planned ablation probes.

19. The non-temporary medium of claim 14, further comprising creating a planned ablation zone for each planned ablation based on the type of tissue or organ in which the digital target region is located.

20. The non-transient medium of claim 14, wherein obtaining the probe scan of the subject patient comprises: The probe scan is uploaded to the control system; The placement of the one or more actual ablation probes is superimposed on the pre-treatment scan; as well as The placement of the one or more actual ablation probes is compared with the digital target region and the target path of the one or more planned ablation probes.

21. The non-temporary medium of claim 14, wherein assigning the planned ablation zone of the one or more planned ablation probes to the one or more actual probes comprises: The one or more actual ablation probes are matched with the one or more planned ablation probes based on proximity. as well as The one or more user-selected parameters of the planned ablation zone are passed to the one or more actual ablation probes.

Images