Ablation Parameter Determination Using Multi-Position Probe Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle ablation procedures face challenges related to limited visualization of tumor boundaries during insertion, potential inaccuracies in probe placement due to tumor shifts, and the inability to monitor real-time tumor perfusion, which hinders the customization of ablation energy based on tumor vascularity and probe position.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing sensors strategically positioned along the ablation probe to capture real-time data, enabling precise determination of ablation parameters such as energy, position, and safety margin, based on sensor data from multiple sensors at different positions, and integrating advanced imaging techniques like dual-energy CT and MR perfusion to enhance precision and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging modalities (CT/X-ray) are used for probe placement guidance, then the procedure is simple and widely available, but tumor boundaries and real-time physiological properties cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (dual-energy CT, MR perfusion) and sensor types (temperature, oxygen, glucose sensors) into an integrated ablation probe system. This merging enables simultaneous acquisition of anatomical images and physiological data, resolving the contradiction by providing enhanced tumor boundary visualization and real-time monitoring without requiring separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablation probe is designed with multi-functionality, incorporating both ablation capabilities and multiple sensing functions (temperature, oxygen, glucose measurement) along with imaging integration. This universal design allows a single device to perform diagnostic, monitoring, and therapeutic functions, improving measurement precision while managing device complexity through consolidation.
2Reliability
If ablation energy is increased to ensure complete tumor destruction, then treatment effectiveness improves, but damage to surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through multiple sensors (temperature, oxygen, glucose) positioned along the ablation probe. These sensors continuously monitor physiological parameters during ablation, providing feedback that allows dynamic adjustment of ablation energy. This ensures complete tumor destruction while preventing excessive damage to healthy tissue by stopping or reducing energy delivery when sensor data indicates adequate ablation or proximity to healthy structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablation process is made dynamic through real-time monitoring and adjustment based on sensor feedback. Rather than using fixed energy levels, the system continuously adapts ablation parameters based on measured temperature gradients, oxygen consumption, and glucose levels, optimizing the balance between tumor destruction and healthy tissue protection throughout the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned along the ablation probe shaft, then real-time physiological monitoring is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple sensors (temperature, oxygen, glucose sensors) are positioned along the shaft of the ablation probe in a hierarchical arrangement. The sensors are integrated within the probe structure, with each sensor type placed at specific positions along the shaft. This nesting approach enables real-time physiological monitoring while managing manufacturing complexity through a structured, modular design where sensors are systematically integrated rather than randomly placed.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for determining an ablation parameter for an ablation treatment, comprising: - Receiving (100) sensor data acquired by at least two sensors (10), said sensors (10) being spatially arranged along a shaft (5) of an ablation probe (2), each sensor having a distinct sensor position (11, T1, T2, T3, T4), wherein the sensor data for at least one measurement parameter includes two measured values obtained at different sensor positions (11, T1, T2, T3, T4); - Determining (200) the ablation parameter based on the sensor data and/or the measured values of the same measurement parameter at different sensor positions (11, T1, T2, T3, T4); - Providing (300) the determined ablation parameter.