Ablation Probe Guidance Indicators for Precise Tissue Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation probes are difficult to position accurately relative to target tissue, often causing damage to surrounding healthy tissue due to a lack of suitable alignment features with guidance systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of guidance indicators on ablation probes, such as markings, optical sensors, and removable attachments, to facilitate precise alignment with guidance system references, ensuring accurate positioning of the probe's distal and proximal ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation probes without alignment features are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the positioning precision relative to target tissue deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guidance indicators as intermediary elements that mediate between the ablation probe and the guidance system. These indicators (marks, optical sensors, reflective elements) serve as communication interfaces that allow the guidance system to detect and track the probe's position and orientation without requiring complex integrated systems within the probe itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical sensors and reflective elements that create optical copies or signals detectable by the guidance system. The guidance indicators effectively create a visible representation of the probe's position that can be tracked by external imaging and guidance systems, enabling precise positioning without modifying the probe's core ablation function.
2Manufacturing precision
If ablation probes lack guidance indicators, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the ability to accurately position the probe deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the positioning function from the ablation function. The guidance indicators are separate, attachable components that can be added to standard ablation probes. This segmentation allows manufacturers to produce simple probe bodies while offering optional guidance indicator attachments for procedures requiring precise positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The guidance indicators are designed to be universally applicable across different ablation probe types. The same indicator designs can be attached to various probe configurations, and the indicators themselves serve multiple functions including visual alignment, optical detection, and integration with different guidance systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If ablation probes are positioned without alignment features, then the procedure is faster to set up, but the damage to surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions through guidance indicators that enable pre-positioning verification. Before the actual ablation procedure begins, the indicators allow the medical team to confirm correct probe positioning relative to the target tissue and surrounding structures, ensuring safe margins are maintained before activating the ablation energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensors and detectable indicators provide real-time feedback to the guidance system about probe position and orientation. This feedback loop allows continuous monitoring and adjustment during the positioning process, enabling rapid correction of alignment issues while maintaining precise control over the distance to surrounding healthy tissue.
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
Enhances the ability to accurately position ablation probes, reducing damage to surrounding tissues and improving treatment efficacy by ensuring the probe is correctly aligned with target tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The guidance indicator may include an array of optical sensors and at least one alignment notification, the at least one alignment notification configured to indicate alignment of the probe to a reference of a guidance system
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe includes an elongated needle portion comprising a distal end for positioning at a target tissue and a proximal end positioned away from the distal end and a guidance indicator positioned at the proximal end. The guidance indicator includes one or more markings or indicators to identify actual alignment of the probe relative to a preferred alignment.