Ablation Controller with Pre-Test for Predictable Tissue Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation devices struggle to consistently produce predictably sized and shaped ablation volumes, which complicates surgical procedures and increases the risk of medical complications.
Innovation Solution
A tissue ablation system that includes an ablation device configured to provide energy to a target area, an ablation generator to provide power, and a controller to initiate a pre-ablation procedure. The controller monitors temperature and power data to determine the ablation device's condition and provides coolant to maintain optimal operating temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If microwave ablation is used to treat tumors in difficult-to-reach locations, then surgical invasiveness is reduced, but ablation volume predictability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a pre-ablation test before the actual treatment to characterize the ablation device's thermal response and power delivery in the specific tissue environment. This preliminary characterization enables prediction of the actual ablation volume shape and size, allowing surgeons to plan more accurately while maintaining the minimally invasive benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature data during both pre-ablation testing and actual ablation procedures. This real-time feedback allows the control system to adjust power delivery to achieve the desired ablation volume with high precision, resolving the unpredictability issue while maintaining minimal invasiveness
2Loss of time
If ablation procedures are performed without pre-testing, then procedure time is reduced, but ablation effectiveness and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A pre-ablation test is conducted before the main procedure to validate device performance and predict ablation outcomes. This preliminary step ensures reliability by characterizing the specific tissue-device interaction, while the overall time loss is minimized through efficient automated testing and integration into the surgical workflow
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-ablation test uses partial power delivery (excessive compared to what would be needed for complete treatment but insufficient for full ablation) to safely characterize device performance without causing complete tissue destruction. This allows validation of the system while maintaining patient safety and acceptable procedure timing
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
The system enables the creation of consistently sized and shaped ablation volumes, simplifying surgical procedures and reducing medical complications by ensuring efficient and predictable tissue ablation.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave ablation is one of such treatments utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue
Implementation Method 2
These types of treatments, known generally as hyperthermia therapies, typically utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat cancerous tissue to temperatures above 60°C
Implementation Method 3
The controller is further configured to cause a coolant to be provided to the ablation device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present invention are directed towards apparatuses, systems, and method that may include a tissue ablation system. The tissue ablation system may include an ablation device, an ablation generator, and a controller configured to initiate a pre-ablation procedure in a medium, and during the pre-ablation procedure monitor temperature data and/or power data.