Ablation Probe Handle Layout for Stable Catheter Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation probe handles are unwieldy due to thick and heavy lead cables, making it difficult to accurately position the ablation probe during procedures, and lack ergonomic design for comfortable grip and ease of use, particularly for pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.
Innovation Solution
The ablation probe handle features parallel and offset lead cable and working channel connection axes, a sliding catheter mechanism, ergonomic grip design, and integrated coolant and electrical connections, allowing for improved weight distribution and ease of manipulation, with tactile feedback and visual indicators for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick and heavy lead cable is used to connect the handle to the ablation console, then reliable electrical and cooling connections are achieved, but the handle becomes unwieldy and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the lead cable connection interface at a location offset from the working channel connection interface, creating a spatial separation that changes the dimensional arrangement of connections. This offset arrangement allows the lead cable to be routed in a different spatial plane, reducing its lever arm effect on the handle and improving controllability while maintaining connection reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the lead cable is connected to the handle, then electrical power and cooling supply are provided, but the lead cable creates a levering effect that makes positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By offsetting the lead cable connection interface from the working channel connection interface along the longitudinal axis, the patent changes the spatial dimension of the connection arrangement. This reduces the lever arm created by the lead cable, minimizing its interfering effect on positioning accuracy while still providing necessary power and cooling supplies.
3Ease of operation
If the handle is designed with a natural comfortable grip, then ease of operation is improved, but the connection interfaces become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the lead cable connection interface and working channel connection interface are positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis. This asymmetric design allows for a natural ergonomic grip while managing the complexity of connection interfaces through spatial separation rather than symmetric duplication.
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe handle for use with an ablation probe, the ablation probe being suitable for use with an internal anatomy access system the ablation probe handle comprising: a housing adapted to be gripped by the user; a lead cable connection interface adapted for connection to a lead cable for supplying a source of microwaves, the lead cable connection interface defining a lead cable connection axis (X); an ablation probe mounting adapted to mount the catheter of an ablation probe within the housing; a working channel connection interface adapted for connection to a working channel of an internal anatomy access system, wherein the catheter of the ablation probe is arranged to extend from the housing along the working channel when the working channel is connected to the handle, the working channel connection interface defining a working channel connection axis (Y), and wherein the lead cable and working channel connection axes are parallel and offset relative to each other and the connection interfaces are arranged such that when the working channel and the lead cable are connected to the handle the working channel extends from the housing in the same direction relative to the housing as the lead cable. Also disclosed is a handle system and an ablation system.