Computational Model for Ablation Treatment Guidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation technologies face challenges in accurately evaluating the adequacy of tissue treatment due to limitations in imaging modalities, which can lead to inadequate treatment of malignant tissues and local recurrence of tumors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize computational models to simulate the ablation process, providing predictive models of necrotized tissue volumes and visualizations to guide physicians in optimizing probe placement and energy settings, enabling more accurate treatment planning and intraoperative guidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If image-guided ablation procedures are used to treat tissues, then the ability to visualize target tissues is improved, but the measurement precision of treated tissue adequacy deteriorates due to imaging modality limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces computational models as an intermediary between the ablation procedure and evaluation. These models simulate thermal diffusion and predict necrotic tissue volumes, serving as a mediator that translates imaging data into accurate treatment adequacy assessments, overcoming the limitations of direct imaging modality evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the ablation process through computational simulation. By modeling thermal diffusion and predicting necrotic tissue volumes in a virtual environment, the system provides an accurate representation of treatment outcomes that can be evaluated without relying on limited imaging modality visualization
2Measurement precision
If computational models are used to simulate ablation processes, then the precision of treatment prediction is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs computational simulations and generates treatment predictions in advance of the actual ablation procedure. By pre-calculating thermal diffusion patterns and necrotic tissue volumes based on planned probe positions and energy settings, the system reduces intraoperative complexity while maintaining high prediction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where computational model predictions are compared with actual imaging data during the procedure. This allows real-time validation and adjustment of treatment parameters, improving accuracy while managing system complexity through iterative refinement rather than overly complex real-time simulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for precise prediction and visualization of treated tissues, minimizing complications and ensuring complete treatment of target tissues, thereby improving the effectiveness of ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
determining a heat distribution at the ablation site as a function of the deposited power density
Implementation Method 2
heating up tissues to a temperature high enough to cause tissue necrosis
Implementation Method 3
Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) is based on the application of Radio Frequency (RF) energy to the tissues by means of one or multiple contacting electrodes, and on heating up tissues to a temperature high enough to cause tissue necrosis
Implementation Method 4
Microwave Ablation (MWA) is based on the application of Microwave (MW) energy to the tissues by means of one or more contacting antennas, and on heating up tissues to a temperature high enough to cause tissue necrosis
Implementation Method 5
Cryoablation (CRYO) is based on removing heat from the tissues with one or multiple contacting probes, freezing tissues and causing necrosis
Implementation Method 6
IRE is defined for the purposes of this disclosure, as a non-thermal tumor ablation modality that delivers ultra-short high-voltage electrical impulses to a target volume through contacting electrodes. Resultant strong electric field causes electroporation, or in other words causes permeable nanoscale pores to form in the cell membrane
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of modeling a necrotized tissue in an ablation procedure, the method comprising providing, at a computational component, a computer model of a volume of human tissue, simulating, by the computational component, an ablation site in the computer model, determining, by the computational component, a deposited power density relating to at least an ablation parameter using at least an ablation mode, determining, by the computational component, a heat distribution at the ablation site as a function of the deposited power density, and identifying, by the computational component, a volume of tissue necrotized during an ablation procedure performed at the ablation site.