Ablation Zone Overlay Imaging for Real-Time Boundary Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging modalities struggle to provide real-time monitoring of ablation zone progression during microwave ablation procedures, with ultrasound showing bubbles and CT providing only static images of the ablation zone.
Innovation Solution
An ablation system that includes an imaging device for real-time image capture, a computing device for displaying a user interface, and a simulation of ablation growth overlayed onto the images, with dimensions based on expected ablation zone sizes at different energy application durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If ultrasound imaging is used to monitor ablation zone progression, then real-time imaging capability is provided, but the ablation zone edge becomes difficult to determine due to bubbles and ground glass opacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a simulation overlay as an intermediary layer that mediates between the ultrasound imaging data and the clinician's interpretation. This simulation, generated based on ablation parameters and tissue properties, serves as a reference model that helps distinguish the actual ablation zone boundary from the confusing ultrasound artifacts like bubbles and ground glass opacity, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing real-time capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual differentiation through color coding and contrast enhancement in the simulation overlay. By representing the simulated ablation zone with distinct visual characteristics (such as color gradients or intensity variations), the system enables clinicians to easily distinguish the true ablation boundary from ultrasound artifacts, resolving the contradiction between real-time imaging and accurate boundary determination
2Measurement precision
If CT imaging is used to monitor ablation zone progression, then ablation zone size is clearly visualized, but the imaging is not real-time and reflects only the last scan captured
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculation of the expected ablation zone growth based on the delivered energy parameters and tissue properties before displaying the simulation. This pre-computed simulation overlay is then superimposed on the real-time ultrasound images, providing clinicians with predictive information about the ablation zone progression without requiring actual real-time CT scans, thus achieving near-real-time monitoring with CT-level precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the ablation zone based on physical models and delivered energy parameters. This simulated copy reproduces the expected ablation zone characteristics and is overlaid on the real-time ultrasound images, providing CT-level visualization accuracy without the time delay and radiation exposure associated with actual CT scanning
3Loss of information
If simulation of ablation growth is overlayed on real-time images, then ablation zone progression is clearly visualized, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computing device performs multiple functions: it controls the ablation device, processes imaging data, calculates simulation parameters, and generates the overlay display. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive ablation zone visualization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically calculates and updates the simulation overlay based on real-time ablation parameters and imaging data without requiring manual intervention. The computing device self-adjusts the simulation parameters and maintains the overlay dynamically throughout the procedure, reducing operational complexity while providing continuous accurate visualization
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation system includes an ablation device configured to ablate a target, an imaging device, and a computing device. The imaging device is configured to capture images of a surgical site, in real time, including the target and the ablation device positioned relative to the target. The computing device includes a display configured to display a user interface. The user interface includes the images of the surgical site in real time and a simulation of ablation growth overlayed onto the images of the surgical site. Dimensions of the simulation of ablation growth may be based on expected ablation zone sizes for a fixed power setting at different energy application durations.