Ablation Probe Deformable Member for Endoscopic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation systems, particularly those using RF or microwave energy, face challenges in accessing hard-to-reach disease locations due to their large diameter and insufficient length, leading to tissue damage and reduced effectiveness in delivering thermal ablation therapy, especially when used percutaneously or through endoscopic routes.
Innovation Solution
An ablation probe design featuring a deformable member that changes configuration from a compact insertion shape to a deployed shape, allowing for minimally invasive access and efficient cooling, with a needle portion for precise insertion and a catheter portion for energy delivery, optimized for use through endoscopic or lung navigation systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the ablation applicator is made large in diameter for effective energy delivery, then the ablation capability is improved, but the ability to access distant disease locations through endoscopic routes is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation system is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable endoscope with working channel and a disposable ablation catheter assembly. This segmentation allows the ablation applicator to be optimized for power delivery while the delivery system provides the necessary length and flexibility for accessing distant sites through the endoscope's working channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablation catheter assembly is designed to be inserted through the working channel of the endoscope, nesting the ablation function within the existing delivery infrastructure. This allows the large-diameter applicator to be delivered through a small-bore channel by collapsing the catheter during insertion and expanding it only at the target site.
2Length of moving object
If the ablation applicator is extended in length to reach distant locations, then the accessibility is improved, but the structural stability and energy delivery efficiency are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the long delivery function (endoscope working channel) from the short stable treatment function (ablation catheter). The endoscope provides the necessary length and flexibility to reach distant sites, while the ablation catheter remains relatively short and structurally stable for effective energy delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The endoscope working channel acts as an intermediary delivery pathway, allowing the ablation catheter to be transported to distant locations without compromising its structural integrity. The working channel provides a protected conduit that maintains the catheter's stability during delivery.
3Area of moving object
If the feeding cable is made narrow to reduce profile for endoscopic delivery, then the ease of insertion is improved, but the electrical losses and power delivery capability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery function is segmented from the delivery function. The endoscope provides the narrow delivery pathway, while the ablation catheter contains the power delivery components. The feeding cable within the catheter can be optimized for power delivery without being constrained by the need for minimal profile, as the overall delivery profile is determined by the endoscope working channel.
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
Enables effective delivery of thermal ablation therapy to previously inaccessible sites with reduced tissue damage and improved energy efficiency by maintaining a small profile during insertion and providing adequate cooling during treatment.
Implementation Method 1
Current ablation systems use applicators that deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy (or microwave energy) to the tissue surrounding the applicator tip. This causes localised heating and destruction of the malignant cells.
Implementation Method 2
Current ablation systems use applicators that deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy (or microwave energy) to the tissue surrounding the applicator tip.
Implementation Method 3
a first coolant flow path via which coolant is able to flow... a second coolant path, via which coolant is able to flow
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe (100; 200) suitable for insertion through the working channel of an intraluminal delivery device comprises an applicator (102; 202) arranged to apply radiation to heat surrounding tissue. The probe also comprises a feeding cable (104; 204) arranged to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator (102; 202). The probe further comprises a first coolant flow path (106). There is also a deformable member (110; 210) arranged to move between an insertion configuration in which insertion of the probe is facilitated and a deployed configuration. A second coolant path (108), via which coolant is able to flow, is provided by the deformable member (110; 210) when in the deployed configuration. The probe further comprises a tube arranged to house a distal portion of the feeding cable, and the deformable member surrounds at least part of the tube, and the tube is formed from an elastic material.