Cooling systems for energy delivery devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical ablation devices face inefficiencies in cooling systems, particularly with the constant need for saline solutions and difficulty in monitoring fluid temperature, leading to potential tissue damage and waste.
Innovation Solution
A cooling system incorporating a reservoir with a thermochromic material that changes color in response to temperature changes, allowing visual indication of fluid suitability for cooling, and a recirculating fluid system using standard saline bags to conserve resources and ensure effective cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a peristaltic pump forces saline through tubing to cool the energy delivery device, then the device can be cooled to desired parameters, but the system requires constant supply of saline bags and is wasteful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a recirculating cooling system where saline solution is pumped from a reservoir through the energy delivery device and then returned to the same reservoir. This closed-loop system recovers and reuses the cooling fluid continuously, eliminating the need for constant saline bag replacement and reducing waste while maintaining effective cooling of the device.
2Temperature
If saline solution is used to cool the energy delivery device, then the device operates within desired parameters, but it is difficult to determine when the saline has warmed and is no longer suitable for cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a thermochromic material in the reservoir that changes color in response to temperature changes of the saline solution. When the saline warms up and is no longer suitable for cooling, the thermochromic material transitions color to provide a clear visual indicator to the clinician, making temperature monitoring simple and intuitive without requiring complex measurement devices.
3Temperature
If a peristaltic pump system is used for cooling, then the energy delivery device can be cooled, but the system is inefficient and requires constant monitoring and replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a continuous recirculating cooling system where the peristaltic pump continuously circulates saline solution from the reservoir through the energy delivery device and back to the reservoir. This continuous circulation maintains constant cooling effectiveness throughout the procedure without requiring intermittent replenishment or monitoring, thereby improving system efficiency and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating and self-monitoring through the thermochromic material that automatically indicates when the cooling fluid needs replacement. The closed-loop recirculating design eliminates the need for constant manual intervention, making the system more efficient and easier to operate throughout the procedure.
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 provides a visual temperature indicator for the clinician, ensuring the cooling fluid remains effective and reducing waste by recirculating the fluid, thus maintaining device temperature within safe limits and conserving resources.
Implementation Method 1
a thermochromic material thermally coupled to the cooling fluid. The thermochromic material is configured to exhibit a first color when the cooling fluid is below a threshold temperature, and a second color when the cooling fluid is above the threshold temperature
Implementation Method 2
The saline solution draws heat from the energy delivery device and is then pumped out into a receptacle or to a drain
Data Source
AI summary
A reservoir for supplying a cooling fluid to a medical ablation probe includes a wall defining a chamber therein, an outlet fluid port and an inlet fluid port each in fluid communication with the chamber, cooling fluid disposed within the chamber, and a thermochromic material thermally coupled to the cooling fluid. The thermochromic material is configured to exhibit a first color when the cooling fluid is below a threshold temperature, and a second color when the cooling fluid is above the threshold temperature.