Ablation Probe Inner Cooling via Nested Fluid Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation probes face challenges in reducing diameter while maintaining effective cooling and ablation performance, particularly as smaller diameters lead to increased current density and the need for enhanced cooling without compromising tissue moisture and treatment quality.
Innovation Solution
The ablation probe features flexible electrodes that extend around the hose circumference, connected to a high-frequency current source, with a fluid supply line having lateral openings for localized cooling, minimizing pressure loss and preventing tissue drying, and a traction wire for safe retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the probe diameter is reduced to make the probe slimmer, then the probe can access smaller tissue sections and is less invasive, but the current density at the electrode surface increases and the cooling requirement becomes more demanding
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply line is nested inside the lumen of the hose, with lateral openings positioned to deliver coolant directly to the electrode surfaces. This nested configuration allows the cooling system to be integrated within the slim probe structure without increasing the external diameter, while still providing effective cooling to maintain reliable electrode-tissue contact
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply line is equipped with lateral openings that deliver coolant locally and directly to the electrode surfaces where heat generation occurs. This localized cooling approach ensures that the cooling effectiveness is concentrated exactly where needed, maintaining reliable electrode performance even in the reduced probe diameter
2Volume of moving object
If the probe diameter is reduced, then the electrode surface area decreases, but the current density increases requiring enhanced cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid supply line is positioned and configured to deliver coolant to the electrode surfaces before excessive heat buildup occurs. The lateral openings are strategically placed to ensure coolant reaches the electrodes during the ablation process, preventing temperature rise that would compromise treatment quality
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system is nested within the probe structure, with the fluid supply line running through the lumen and delivering coolant directly to the electrodes. This integrated nested design provides efficient cooling without increasing the probe diameter, managing electrode temperature despite reduced surface area
3Volume of moving object
If the electrode surface is made smaller to reduce probe diameter, then the probe is slimmer, but the tissue contact quality may deteriorate due to increased current density
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral openings in the fluid supply line deliver coolant locally to the electrode-tissue interface, ensuring that the contact quality is maintained through effective cooling. This localized cooling keeps the tissue moist and low-ohmic at the exact location where electrode contact occurs, despite the smaller electrode surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The coolant acts as an intermediary substance delivered through the lateral openings, mediating the thermal interaction between the electrode and tissue. This intermediary cooling mechanism prevents tissue drying and maintains optimal electrical contact properties, ensuring ease of operation with the smaller electrode surface
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
This design allows for a further reduction in probe diameter while maintaining effective cooling and ablation performance, ensuring uniform electrode cooling and preventing tissue drying, thus enhancing treatment quality and safety.
Implementation Method 1
the electrodes are to be connected with the output of an electrical generator... in order to pass current through the tissue and heat it in this manner
Implementation Method 2
the lumen enclosed by the hose is supplied with a coolant, so that the electrode temperature is maintained within limits
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe according to the invention comprises at least one electrode, which is held on a hose. The ablation probe is provided with a closure piece from which a wire extends over the entire length and through the hose. A fluid supply line is attached to the wire and has lateral openings for cooling the electrode, the wire being closed at the terminal end. An axial alignment of the openings relative to the electrodes can be achieved due to the fixation of the fluid supply line to the wire, and a misplacement can be avoided.