Ablation Probe Handle PCB for Accurate Digital Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave ablation probes suffer from poor signal strength, measurement accuracy, high cost, and susceptibility to damage, particularly due to the use of analog temperature signals that are prone to noise and interference.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) with an analog to digital converter and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) in the handle of the microwave ablation probe, which converts analog temperature signals from thermocouples to digital signals and stores probe information for improved accuracy and reliability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If analog temperature signals are used for temperature measurement, then the measurement system is simple, but the signal strength and measurement accuracy deteriorate due to noise and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsignal processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the analog signal transmission system with a digital signal system by incorporating an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) in the handle. The thermocouple generates an analog temperature signal that is converted to a digital signal before transmission to the console, eliminating noise and interference associated with analog transmission over long distances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The ADC acts as an intermediary device between the thermocouple and the console. It receives the analog signal from the thermocouple, converts it to digital format, and transmits the digital signal to the console, thereby improving signal quality while managing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple temperature measurement points are implemented, then the temperature monitoring coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring reliabilityVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature measurement function into multiple independent measurement points by incorporating multiple thermocouples at different locations (needle tip, handle, etc.). Each thermocouple independently measures temperature at its specific location, providing comprehensive temperature monitoring while maintaining modular simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The handle serves multiple functions: it houses the ADC for signal conversion, contains the EEPROM for data storage, and accommodates multiple thermocouple connections. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive temperature monitoring without proportionally increasing overall probe complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If digital signal conversion is implemented in the handle, then the signal quality and measurement accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidprobe manufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ADC is pre-installed in the handle during probe manufacturing, performing the analog-to-digital conversion before signal transmission. This preliminary action ensures high measurement precision from the start and simplifies the console design, as the signal arrives in digital format ready for processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The handle becomes self-sufficient by incorporating the ADC, performing signal conversion locally without requiring complex external processing equipment. This self-service capability improves measurement precision while keeping the overall system manufacturable through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 signal quality, accuracy, and reliability of temperature measurements, reduces the risk of human error by ensuring correct probe usage, and decreases the likelihood of damage through digital signal transmission and stored probe information.

Implementation Method 1

analog temperature signals from thermocouples

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20260020907A1Apparatuses and methods for temperature measurement at ablation probe handle

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A microwave ablation probe includes a handle configured to operably couple a supply cable to a needle and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) positioned in the handle. The PCBA includes an analog to digital converter and an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) device.