Ablation System Probe Navigation and Real-Time Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for planning and performing irreversible electroporation (IRE) procedures are inefficient due to complex and time-consuming probe placement processes, requiring significant expertise and often resulting in improper ablation or collateral damage to healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a generator, probes, sensors, and a processor with a display device, which facilitates the planning and execution of IRE procedures by receiving anatomical images, determining probe positions, and adjusting treatment plans in real-time to ensure accurate electrode placement and effective ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional manual probe placement methods are used, then surgical expertise and control are maintained, but planning time and placement time become extremely long and productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating a probe placement plan before the actual procedure. The processor receives anatomical images, identifies target tissue, determines optimal probe positions, and creates a detailed placement plan in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual planning during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary computational layer between the surgeon's intent and the actual probe placement. The processor acts as a mediator that translates anatomical images and treatment goals into precise probe placement instructions, reducing the complexity and time required for manual planning while maintaining surgical control.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement and calculation of electrode distances and electric fields are performed, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but time consumption and error probability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical measurement and calculation methods with automated computational processing. The processor automatically calculates electrode distances, determines electric field distributions, and validates probe placement accuracy through image processing and mathematical modeling, eliminating manual measurement errors and saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the patient's anatomy through image processing and uses this virtual model to simulate and calculate probe placement and electric field effects before actual procedure execution. This virtual planning allows precise measurement and calculation without physical manipulation.
3Reliability
If complex individualized planning is performed for each case, then treatment precision and safety are improved, but planning complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically adjusts multiple parameters including probe positions, angles, depths, and electric field intensities based on the specific anatomical characteristics of each patient. The processor analyzes target tissue location, size, and shape to optimize treatment parameters individually for each case while streamlining the planning process through automated calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The planning process is segmented into distinct automated steps: image reception and processing, target tissue identification, probe position determination, electric field calculation, and placement plan generation. This segmentation allows each aspect of the complex planning process to be handled systematically and efficiently by the processor.
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 system reduces planning and preparation time, enhances accuracy in electrode placement, and improves the efficacy of IRE procedures by enabling context-aware treatment and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
determine, based on one or more signals from the one or more sensors, a real-time position of the origin probe
Data Source
AI summary
A system for preparing an ablation procedure is disclosed. The system comprises a generator for generating electrical pulses, a plurality of probes for delivering the electrical pulses to a target tissue, one or more sensors for indicating a position of the probes, a display device, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive an image of the target tissue, obtain a planned probe arrangement for the plurality of probes, identify a projected position for an origin probe based on the image and the planned probe arrangement, and determine a real-time position of the origin probe based on signals from the sensors. The processor is further configured to display the projected position and the real-time position for the origin probe superimposed over the image on a display device, and determine a placed position of the origin probe based on the real-time position.