Microwave Ablation Needle Head With Cooling Channels for Shape Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave ablation needles face uncontrollable ablation areas due to induced currents from the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, leading to non-ideal ellipsoid shapes.
Innovation Solution
A microwave ablation needle head with a sleeve structure comprising an outer tube, cooling tube, and coaxial cable, which forms cooling flow channels to consume induced currents and dissipate heat through cooling liquid, ensuring a more controlled and spherical ablation shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the outer conductor of the coaxial cable is used for microwave ablation, then the ablation function is achieved, but induced current forms uncontrollable ellipsoid ablation shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The outer conductor is segmented into multiple sections: a first outer conductor section, a second outer conductor section, and an isolation section between them. This segmentation prevents induced current from forming continuous ellipsoid patterns, enabling better control over ablation shape and allowing the formation of multiple spherical ablation zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful induced current effect is extracted and isolated by introducing an isolation section that specifically targets and prevents induced current formation. This separates the useful microwave ablation function from the harmful induced current effect, allowing controlled spherical ablation.
2Shape
If cooling flow channels are added to suppress induced current, then ablation shape control is improved, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling flow channels are merged with the existing coaxial cable structure. The isolation section serves dual purposes: it prevents induced current formation and acts as part of the cooling system. The first and second outer conductor sections are integrated with cooling channels, combining thermal management with electromagnetic isolation in a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolation section is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electromagnetic isolator to prevent induced current, provides structural support, and serves as a cooling channel. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution effectively suppresses induced currents, concentrating heating in the intended area, achieving a more ideal spherical ablation shape that meets clinical needs.
Implementation Method 1
the outer conductor of the coaxial cable forms an induced current
Implementation Method 2
forms cooling flow channels to consume induced currents and dissipate heat through cooling liquid
Implementation Method 3
Microwave ablation uses an antenna to radiate microwaves
Implementation Method 4
the microwaves cause the ions and polar water molecules in a tissue to rotate and vibrate, and rub against each other, to produce a thermal effect
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave ablation needle head and a microwave ablation needle are provided. The microwave ablation needle head comprises an outer tube, a cooling tube provided within and spaced apart from the outer tube, a coaxial cable, and an electrode. The outer tube comprises a first and a second branch tube sequentially provided from the outer tube's distal end to proximal end. The first branch tube has an end away from the second branch tube that forms the distal end of the outer tube, and is made of a ceramic material or a polymer material. A first cooling flow channel is formed between the cooling tube and the outer tube, the cooling tube is made of a polymer material, and the distal end of the cooling tube is located inside the distal end of the first branch tube, forming a mounting space in a distal end region of the cooling tube.