Tissue Ablation Probe with Optical Sensing and Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tissue ablation devices using radiofrequency energy lack the ability to distinguish between treated and untreated tissue, provide inadequate illumination at the treatment site, and fail to communicate treatment progress directly to the practitioner, relying on external sources and manual estimation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a housing and handle, featuring light sources at the tips of extendable pipes to illuminate the treatment area, sensors to determine tissue thickness, and a progress indicator to notify the practitioner of treatment progress and completion, allowing for accurate and efficient delivery of radiofrequency energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tissue ablation devices are used, then the treatment can be performed, but the practitioner cannot distinguish between treated and untreated tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs light sources that emit light through the tissue, where the transmitted or reflected light properties change based on tissue characteristics. The sensor detects these optical property changes, enabling differentiation between treated and untreated tissue through optical contrast rather than color changes in the traditional sense.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual estimation and tactile assessment with an optical sensing system. Light sources and sensors work together to provide objective, real-time feedback on tissue state, substituting the practitioner's subjective mechanical assessment with precise optical measurement.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional tissue ablation devices are used, then the treatment can be performed, but inadequate illumination is provided at the treatment site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines illumination sources with the treatment device structure, integrating light-emitting components into the existing apparatus. This merging provides adequate illumination at the treatment site while avoiding the need for separate external lighting equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system serves multiple functions: it provides visibility at the treatment site and simultaneously enables optical sensing for tissue characterization. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining what could be separate systems into a unified apparatus.
3Loss of information
If conventional tissue ablation devices are used, then the treatment can be performed, but treatment progress cannot be communicated directly to the practitioner
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where sensors continuously monitor tissue properties during treatment and provide real-time information to the practitioner. This feedback loop enables the practitioner to directly observe treatment progress and make immediate adjustments, eliminating the need for external monitoring or delayed assessment.
4Illumination intensity
If external light sources and separate monitoring are used, then illumination and monitoring can be provided, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges illumination sources, sensors, and monitoring systems into a single integrated device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external equipment and reduces system complexity while maintaining all necessary functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device performs multiple functions simultaneously: illumination for visibility, optical sensing for tissue characterization, and real-time progress monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby simplifying the overall system.
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 practitioner's ability to accurately locate and treat tissues by providing real-time illumination and progress feedback, improving the precision and effectiveness of the treatment process.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting, by one or more light sources, one or more light paths into a tissue of a patient
Implementation Method 2
receiving, by one or more sensors, a portion of the one or more light paths
Implementation Method 3
receiving, by one or more sensors, a portion of the one or more light paths
Implementation Method 4
delivering, via a probe, radio-frequency energy to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for tissue ablation using radiofrequency energy comprises a housing extending from a first end to a second end. One or more pipes extend from the first end and each of the one or more pipes terminates at a tip. Each tip includes a light source operable to provide light. The apparatus further comprises a probe extending from some of the one or more pipes. Each probe is operable to deliver RF energy and to extend from or retract into the tip.