Cryoablation system

Abstract

Provided in the present invention is a cryoablation system, which comprises a gas source, a rewarming tubing, a freezing tubing, and an output connector. The rewarming tubing is connected in parallel to the freezing tubing, the freezing tubing comprises a heat exchanger, a working medium flows in from an inlet end of the heat exchanger and then flows out from an outlet end of the heat exchanger after being converted into a freezing working medium in the heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the heat exchanger is in communication with the output connector. The cryoablation system further comprises a check valve; an inlet end of the check valve is in communication with the output connector, and an outlet end of the check valve is in communication with the inlet end of the heat exchanger. When the pressure surges, the check valve opens, so that part of the freezing tubing is in communication with part of the rewarming tubing to form a gas-venting circuit, thereby relieving the pressure surge caused by the phase change of the freezing working medium within the tubings.

Description

A cryoablation system Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical devices, and more particularly to a cryoablation system. Background Technology

[0002] Cryoablation systems consist of cryoablation equipment and catheters. They utilize cryotechnology to freeze and destroy abnormal cells or diseased tissues, and are used to treat various cancers and arrhythmias. During cryoablation, the equipment is connected to ablation devices such as ablation needles or balloon catheters. By introducing working fluids such as nitrogen, argon, or carbon dioxide into the ablation devices, a low temperature is generated at the treatment site, thereby freezing the diseased tissue. Cryoablation is a common interventional treatment technique in surgery. Compared to thermal ablation, it is safer, causes less irritation and damage to the body's natural cavities, and is less likely to cause complications. Therefore, this technique is increasingly being used in clinical surgery.

[0003] There are two main methods for obtaining cryopropellants: one is through the Joule-Thomson throttling principle, and the other is through heat exchange. The former involves high operating pressure and insufficient safety, while the latter is more convenient, efficient, and safer. Taking heat exchange as an example, cryopropellants at a certain pressure are introduced into a heat exchanger, and after phase transformation, they are delivered to the ablation device for cryotherapy.

[0004] After the working fluid is condensed into cryogenic fluid through a heat exchanger, it is delivered to the cryo-end of the catheter, where it rapidly absorbs heat from the surrounding tissue, causing cryoablation. However, during transport through the tubing after the heat exchanger, the cryogenic fluid inevitably exchanges heat with the tubing and the external environment, causing some of the cryogenic fluid to vaporize. This results in a pressure surge in the tubing at the moment of fluid dispensing. This pressure surge can adversely affect the catheter, the delivery tubing, and its components, affecting their lifespan. In severe cases, it can lead to catheter balloon rupture, endangering the patient's life and health.

[0005] Therefore, how to solve the problem of pressure surge during pipeline transportation of refrigerant and manufacture a stable, reliable, and efficient cryogenic ablation device is an urgent problem to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a cryoablation system that, by setting a one-way valve between the cryo-pipeline and the reheating pipeline, forms a gas circulation to alleviate the pressure surge caused by the phase change of the refrigerant in the pipeline.

[0007] This invention provides a cryoablation system, including a gas source, a rewarming pipeline, a cryogenic pipeline, and an output connector; the rewarming pipeline is connected in parallel with the cryogenic pipeline; the cryogenic pipeline includes a heat exchanger, through which a working fluid flows in from the inlet end of the heat exchanger, is converted into a cryogenic working fluid in the heat exchanger, and then flows out from the outlet end of the heat exchanger; the outlet end of the heat exchanger is connected to the output connector; it also includes a one-way valve, the inlet end of which is connected to the output connector, and the outlet end of which is connected to the inlet end of the heat exchanger. When the pressure surges, the one-way valve opens, connecting part of the cryogenic pipeline and part of the rewarming pipeline to form a pressure-stabilizing path.

[0008] Furthermore, the rewarming pipeline includes a rewarming solenoid valve and a first pressure sensor connected in sequence; the refrigeration pipeline includes a refrigeration solenoid valve and the heat exchanger connected in sequence; the inlet end of the one-way valve is connected between the rewarming solenoid valve and the first pressure sensor, and the outlet end of the one-way valve is connected between the refrigeration solenoid valve and the heat exchanger.

[0009] Furthermore, a switching device is provided on the rewarming pipeline. When the switching device is opened, the rewarming pipeline is connected to the atmosphere to release pressure.

[0010] Furthermore, the output connector is connected between the rewarming pipeline and the refrigeration pipeline, and is also connected to an external device; the output connector is used to deliver the working fluid in the refrigeration pipeline or the rewarming pipeline to the external device.

[0011] Furthermore, the one-way valve is used to unidirectionally guide the working fluid in the refrigeration pipeline to the rewarming pipeline.

[0012] Furthermore, a high-pressure proportional valve is provided at the outlet of the gas source, and the high-pressure proportional valve is connected to a second pressure sensor.

[0013] Furthermore, a third pressure sensor is provided at the output connector.

[0014] Furthermore, the one-way valve is an electric ball valve or an electric needle valve.

[0015] Furthermore, the output connector can be connected to at least three pipelines, namely the rewarming pipeline, the refrigeration pipeline, and the pipeline of the external device.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention provides a cryoablation system, including a gas source, a rewarming pipeline, a cryoablation pipeline, and an output connector; the rewarming pipeline is connected in parallel with the cryoablation pipeline; the cryoablation pipeline includes a heat exchanger, the working fluid flows in from the inlet end of the heat exchanger, is converted into a cryoworking fluid in the heat exchanger, and then flows out from the outlet end of the heat exchanger; the outlet end of the heat exchanger is connected to the output connector; at least two pressure relief devices are connected to the rewarming pipeline, each pressure relief device including an unloading valve and a pressure relief solenoid valve, the unloading valve being connected to the atmosphere, and the pressure relief solenoid valve being disposed between the rewarming pipeline and the unloading valve, controlling the corresponding unloading valve to open according to the needs of the external equipment of the cryoablation system.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects:

[0018] 1. In existing technologies, the refrigeration pipeline and the rewarming pipeline function independently, each operating separately when the pipeline is open. During the phase change of the refrigerant, the pipeline pressure surges, requiring external pressure relief to ensure pipeline safety, and this method cannot effectively control the pressure surge. This invention incorporates a one-way valve between the refrigeration and rewarming pipelines, forming a gas-guiding loop within the system. This alleviates the pressure surge caused by the phase change of the refrigerant, stabilizes the system's operating pressure, and ensures pressure safety and operational efficiency within the system.

[0019] 2. Multiple pressure relief devices are set up, each corresponding to a specific type of conduit. After the system identifies the type of conduit, it controls the corresponding pressure relief device to open, making the system more selective. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions within the embodiments of this disclosure or the prior art, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of a cryoablation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the connection relationship of the cryoablation system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 shows the pressure-time curve of a cryoablation system without a check valve.

[0024] Figure 4 shows the pressure-time curve of a cryoablation system equipped with a check valve.

[0025] Reference numerals: Gas source 11, rewarming pipeline 12, refrigeration pipeline 13, output connector 14, rewarming solenoid valve 121, first pressure sensor 122, refrigeration solenoid valve 131, heat exchanger 132, check valve 16, pressure relief device 17, unloading valve 171, pressure relief solenoid valve 172, high-pressure proportional valve 18, second pressure sensor 19, third pressure sensor 20, external equipment 21, switching device 22. Detailed Implementation

[0026] Various embodiments and features of this disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] It should be understood that various modifications can be made to the embodiments described herein. Therefore, the above description should not be considered as limiting, but merely as an example of embodiments. Other modifications within the scope and spirit of this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0028] The accompanying drawings, which are included in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the general description of the disclosure given above and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.

[0029] These and other features of this disclosure will become apparent from the following description of preferred forms of embodiments given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] It should also be understood that although this disclosure has been described with reference to some specific examples, those skilled in the art can certainly implement many other equivalent forms of this disclosure, which have the features described in the claims and are therefore all within the scope of protection defined herein.

[0031] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and in view of the following detailed description.

[0032] Specific embodiments of this disclosure are described thereafter with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, it should be understood that the claimed embodiments are merely examples of this disclosure, which may be implemented in various ways. Well-known and / or repeated functions and structures are not described in detail to avoid unnecessary or redundant details that could obscure this disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details claimed herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely to serve as the basis and representative basis for the claims to teach those skilled in the art to use this disclosure in substantially any suitable and varied manner of detail.

[0033] This specification may use the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in another embodiment,” “in yet another embodiment,” or “in other embodiments,” all of which may refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to this disclosure.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, the present invention provides a cryoablation system, comprising, in sequence: a gas source 11, a rewarming pipeline 12 and a cryogenic pipeline 13 connected in parallel, and an output connector 14. The rewarming pipeline 12 includes a rewarming solenoid valve 121 and a first pressure sensor 122 connected in sequence; the cryogenic pipeline 13 includes a cryogenic solenoid valve 131 and a heat exchanger 132 connected in sequence; it also includes a one-way valve 16, the inlet end of which is connected between the rewarming solenoid valve 121 and the first pressure sensor 122, and the outlet end of which is connected between the cryogenic solenoid valve 131 and the heat exchanger 132, at which gas can be guided from the rewarming pipeline 12 to the cryogenic pipeline 13; the output connector 14 is at least a tee connector, the inlet end of which is connected to the rewarming pipeline 12, the outlet end of which is connected to the cryogenic pipeline 13, and the third end is used to connect external devices 21 such as cryogenic conduits or cryogenic probes.

[0036] When the cryoablation system is started, the working fluid is released from the gas source 11, opening the refrigeration solenoid valve 131 of the refrigeration pipeline 13 and closing the rewarming solenoid valve 121. The one-way valve 16 prevents the working fluid from flowing directly through the rewarming pipeline 12. After heat exchange in the heat exchanger 132, the working fluid condenses to form a cryogenic working fluid, which is then transported to the output connector 14 under pressure. Because the external device 21 of the output connector 14 is exposed to ambient temperature, some of the cryogenic working fluid evaporates during transport, causing a surge in the working pressure of the refrigeration pipeline 13. The one-way valve 16 connects a portion of the refrigeration pipeline 13 and a portion of the rewarming pipeline 12, forming a gas-conducting loop: the working fluid passes through the heat exchanger 132, the output connector 14, the first pressure sensor 122, the one-way valve 16, and the heat exchanger 132. This gas-conducting circuit can alleviate the pressure surge in the pipeline caused by the phase change of the cryogenic working fluid to gaseous state due to heat exchange with the environment, thereby achieving a pressure stabilization effect. When the cryoablation system is rewarming, the rewarming solenoid valve 121 at the rewarming pipeline 12 is opened, and the cryogenic solenoid valve 131 is closed. The working fluid directly reaches the output connector 14 through the rewarming pipeline 12. Since the working fluid does not pass through the heat exchanger 132 to become cryogenic, its temperature is higher than that of the working fluid that passes through the heat exchanger 132, which can achieve a rewarming effect, enhance the cryoablation effect of the surgery, and reduce complications.

[0037] The check valve 16 can be an integrated electromagnetic control device to remotely control the opening and closing of the check valve 16. The check valve 16 is preferably a low-temperature resistant electronic component with on / off function, such as an electric ball valve or an electric needle valve. When it is such an electronic component, the electronic component must be opened or closed simultaneously with the refrigeration solenoid valve 131 to achieve the same effect as the check valve 16.

[0038] A high-pressure proportional valve 18 and a second pressure sensor 19 are installed at the gas source 11. The second pressure sensor 19 works in conjunction with the high-pressure proportional valve 18. The second pressure sensor 19 is used to measure the outlet pressure of the working fluid when it comes out of the gas source 11. The high-pressure proportional valve 18 is used to achieve precise control of the outlet pressure and / or flow rate of the working fluid. After the second pressure sensor 19 feeds back the outlet pressure to the controller, the high-pressure proportional valve 18 adjusts the flow rate and / or pressure of the working fluid to ensure the freezing effect and safety of the cryoablation system.

[0039] A third pressure sensor 20 is installed at the output connector 14. The third pressure sensor 20 measures the pressure at the output connector 14 and can also feed the pressure data back to the controller, thereby controlling the high-pressure proportional valve 18 to make corresponding adjustments. Furthermore, when the value monitored by the third pressure sensor 20 exceeds a preset pressure threshold, the controller can also trigger an alarm via a connected alarm. On one hand, as the working fluid passes through the heat exchanger 132 to become the cryogenic working fluid, the pressure in the pipes and conduits will change. The third pressure sensor 20 can monitor these pressure changes and, based on the dynamic pressure changes, enable the system to issue alarms and control the flow rate of the working fluid. On the other hand, the third pressure sensor 20 is the connection point between the cryoablation system and the external device 21. Different types and specifications of cryoablation external devices 21 have different safe operating pressures; this arrangement ensures the safe use of the cryoablation external device 21. In addition, the output connector 14 can also be a four-way connector, with the third pressure sensor 20 integrated into the output connector 14 to improve system integration.

[0040] A switching device 22 is connected to the rewarming pipeline 12. The switching device 22 is connected to the atmosphere to release pressure. The switching device 22 can be a solenoid valve connected to the controller. The solenoid valve is opened or closed based on the pressure data feedback from the first pressure sensor 122 of the rewarming pipeline 12. Alternatively, the switching device 22 can be a switch device 22 that automatically releases pressure when the system's safety pressure threshold is set and exceeds the threshold.

[0041] Example 2:

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, unlike Embodiment 1, Embodiment 2 utilizes multiple unloading valves to stabilize pressure and balance pressure fluctuations within the pipeline. At least two pressure relief devices 17 are connected to the rewarming pipeline 12. Each pressure relief device 17 is a combination of an unloading valve 171 and a pressure relief solenoid valve 172. When a cryoablation system is used to match multiple types of conduits or probes (i.e., the conduits or probes connected to the output connector 14), multiple unloading valves 171 can be installed on the rewarming pipeline 12. Each unloading valve 171 corresponds to a specific type of conduit, and the threshold of each unloading valve 171 is determined by the working pressure of its corresponding conduit. A pressure relief solenoid valve 172 or other on / off component is installed between the unloading valve 171 and the rewarming pipeline 12. When the device identifies the conduit type, it controls the pressure relief solenoid valve 172 and the cryoablation solenoid valve 131 corresponding to that conduit to open simultaneously, while the other pressure relief solenoid valves 172 are closed. This configuration provides the system with high selectivity.

[0043] Figure 3 shows the working pressure variation with freezing time without the one-way valve 16. Figure 4 shows the variation with the one-way valve 16. Comparing the two figures, it can be seen that the system with the one-way valve 16 has a smaller working pressure fluctuation range and is closer to the system's set pressure compared to the system without the one-way valve 16. Therefore, the technical solution of the present invention has a better pressure stabilization effect.

[0044] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "on top of," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation beyond the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures were inverted, a device described as "above" or "on top of" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways, rotated 90 degrees, or in other orientations, and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0045] In addition to the above, it should be noted that the terms "one embodiment," "another embodiment," and "embodiment" used in this specification refer to specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment, which are included in at least one embodiment described in the general description of this application. The appearance of the same expression in multiple places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, the intention is to suggest that implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in conjunction with other embodiments also falls within the scope of this disclosure.

[0046] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions in other embodiments.

[0047] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A cryoablation system, comprising a gas source, a rewarming pipeline, a cryogenic pipeline, and an output connector; wherein the rewarming pipeline is connected in parallel with the cryogenic pipeline; The refrigeration piping includes a heat exchanger, with the working fluid flowing in from the inlet end of the heat exchanger, being converted into a refrigerant in the heat exchanger, and then flowing out from the outlet end of the heat exchanger; the outlet end of the heat exchanger is connected to the output connector; characterized in that It also includes a one-way valve, the inlet of which is connected to the output connector and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger. When the pressure surges, the one-way valve opens, connecting part of the refrigeration pipeline and part of the rewarming pipeline to form a pressure stabilizing path.

2. The cryoablation system of claim 1, wherein, The rewarming pipeline includes a rewarming solenoid valve and a first pressure sensor connected in sequence. The refrigeration piping includes a refrigeration solenoid valve and the heat exchanger connected in sequence. The inlet end of the one-way valve is connected between the rewarming solenoid valve and the first pressure sensor, and the outlet end of the one-way valve is connected between the refrigeration solenoid valve and the heat exchanger.

3. The cryoablation system of claim 1, wherein, The rewarming pipeline is equipped with a switch device. When the switch device is opened, the rewarming pipeline is connected to the atmosphere to release pressure.

4. The cryoablation system of claim 1, wherein, The output connector is connected between the rewarming pipeline and the refrigeration pipeline, and is also connected to an external device; the output connector is used to deliver the working fluid in the refrigeration pipeline or the rewarming pipeline to the external device.

5. The cryoablation system of claim 1, wherein, The one-way valve is used to unidirectionally guide the working fluid in the refrigeration pipeline to the reheating pipeline.

6. The cryoablation system of claim 1, wherein, The gas source is equipped with a high-pressure proportional valve at its outlet, and the high-pressure proportional valve is connected to a second pressure sensor.

7. The cryoablation system of claim 4, wherein, A third pressure sensor is installed at the output connector.

8. The cryoablation system of claim 1, wherein, The one-way valve is an electric ball valve or an electric needle valve.

9. The cryoablation system of claim 4, wherein, The output connector can be connected to at least three pipelines, namely the rewarming pipeline, the refrigeration pipeline, and the pipeline of the external device.

10. The cryoablation system according to claim 1, comprising a gas source, a rewarming pipeline, a cryogenic pipeline, and an output connector; wherein the rewarming pipeline is connected in parallel with the cryogenic pipeline; The freezing pipeline comprises a heat exchanger, the working medium flows into the heat exchanger from an inlet end, and flows out from an outlet end after being converted into freezing working medium in the heat exchanger; the outlet end of the heat exchanger is in communication with the output joint; characterized in that, At least two pressure relief devices are connected to the rewarming pipeline. Each pressure relief device includes an unloading valve and a pressure relief solenoid valve. The unloading valve is connected to the atmosphere. The pressure relief solenoid valve is located between the rewarming pipeline and the unloading valve. The corresponding unloading valve is controlled to open according to the needs of the external equipment of the cryoablation system.

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