Ablation Probe Shielding via Retractable Sheath and Dielectric Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ablation probes continue to radiate microwave energy after being removed from tissue, posing a risk to individuals in the surgical environment due to the dielectric buffering provided by cooling solutions, which can lead to unnecessary exposure.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid circuit module within the ablation system that includes a shielding fluid to prevent energy transmission when the probe is not in use, utilizing a retractable sheath and expandable balloon to contain and absorb radiating energy, and a fluid pump mechanism to manage fluid flow and composition for effective shielding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling solution is used to cool the ablation probe, then temperature control of treated tissue is improved, but microwave energy radiation into the environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
A retractable sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the ablation probe and the environment. The sheath contains a fluid circuit that supplies dielectric fluid to the probe surface, acting as a mediator that prevents microwave energy from radiating into the environment while allowing the cooling solution to maintain temperature control. This resolves the contradiction by adding a mediating structure that blocks the harmful radiation pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by proactively blocking microwave radiation before it can propagate into the environment. The retractable sheath is positioned around the probe and filled with dielectric fluid that absorbs or blocks microwave energy, preventing the harmful effect from occurring in the first place, rather than attempting to mitigate it after radiation occurs.
2Productivity
If the ablation probe is removed from tissue, then treatment is complete, but unnecessary exposure to microwave energy occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable sheath provides a dynamic solution that adapts to the probe's operational state. When the probe is in tissue, the sheath can be retracted or configured to allow energy transmission. When the probe is removed, the sheath extends or is positioned to block radiation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by changing the shielding state based on whether the probe is actively treating tissue or has been removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable sheath serves as a movable intermediary that can be positioned to either expose or shield the environment from microwave energy depending on the probe's status. This mediating structure allows the system to maintain productivity while preventing harmful exposure during the transition when the probe is removed from tissue.
3Use of energy by moving object
If dielectric buffering is provided by cooling solution, then energy transmission to tissue is improved, but radiation into surrounding environment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dielectric fluid is applied locally and selectively - it is supplied to the surface of the ablation probe where it is needed to prevent environmental radiation, while not interfering with the energy transmission function. The fluid circuit system delivers dielectric fluid precisely to the probe surface, creating a localized dielectric buffer that blocks external radiation while maintaining internal energy transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The dielectric fluid in the retractable sheath acts as an intermediary layer that differentiates between useful energy transmission and harmful radiation. It allows the probe to efficiently transmit energy to tissue while simultaneously blocking the buffer from radiating into the surrounding environment, resolving the contradiction through selective mediation.
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
Effectively reduces or eliminates microwave energy radiation from the ablation probe into the environment, ensuring safer operation by using existing generators without requiring significant modifications, thereby protecting both patients and medical staff from unwanted electromagnetic exposure.
Implementation Method 1
the probe still has the ability to efficiently radiate microwave energy because of the dielectric buffering provided by the cooling solution
Implementation Method 2
The second fluid prevents transmission of at least a portion of the energy to tissue or a surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
The ablation systems, ablation probes, and corresponding methods according to the present disclosure reduce or eliminate energy radiating from an ablation probe into the environment. Some ablation probes include a retractable sheath that shields at least the radiating portion of the ablation probe. The retractable sheath and/or the ablation probe may include conduits through which a fluid may flow to shield the radiating portion and to drive the retractable sheath to an extended state. Other ablation probes include apertures defined in the probe walls through which the fluid can flow to expand a balloon surrounding the radiating portion. Yet other ablation probes include a thermal indicator to indicate the temperature of the ablation probe to a user. The ablation systems include fluid circuits and associated mechanical controls for varying the contents and/or flow rate of the fluid provided to the radiating portion of the ablation probe.