Ablation Probe Shielding via Retractable Sheath

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

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 retractable sheath and fluid conduit system that surrounds the radiating portion of the ablation probe, using a shielding fluid to reduce or eliminate energy radiation, and a fluid pump to extend or retract the sheath as the probe is inserted or removed from tissue, with the sheath being electrically conductive and grounded to enhance shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a cooling solution is used to cool the ablation probe, then temperature control of the tissue being treated is improved, but microwave energy radiation into the environment increases due to dielectric buffering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue temperature controlVSAvoidmicrowave energy radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A retractable sheath is introduced as an intermediary component between the ablation probe and the external environment. The sheath contains a dielectric fluid that acts as a mediator to absorb and contain microwave energy, preventing it from radiating into the surgical environment while allowing the cooling solution to continue cooling the probe effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into distinct functional zones: the ablation probe itself, the retractable sheath containing dielectric fluid, and the external environment. This segmentation isolates the microwave energy containment function within the sheath, allowing the cooling solution to perform its temperature control function without contributing to environmental radiation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the ablation probe is removed from tissue, then the procedure is completed, but the probe continues to radiate microwave energy into the environment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure completionVSAvoidmicrowave energy radiation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable sheath is designed to remain in place and continue containing microwave energy even after the ablation probe is removed from the tissue. The sheath is preliminarily positioned to surround the probe during the procedure and remains in place afterward, providing continuous radiation containment without requiring additional actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath is designed with dynamic characteristics, being retractable to allow probe insertion and removal, yet remaining in position to continue containing radiation after the procedure. The sheath transitions from a protective covering during insertion to an active radiation containment barrier after probe removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 confining energy delivery to the target tissue and minimizing exposure to personnel.

Implementation Method 1

The retractable sheath is electrically coupled to an electrical ground... The retractable sheath prevents at least a portion of the energy from radiating outside of the retractable sheath

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic shielding: Faraday Cage

Implementation Method 2

the probe still has the ability to efficiently radiate microwave energy because of the dielectric buffering provided by the cooling solution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric buffering: Dielectric

Implementation Method 3

The distal portion of the shaft includes a radiating portion that delivers energy to tissue... These procedures are typically done to denature or kill the targeted tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9925005B2Ablation systems, probes, and methods for reducing radiation from an ablation probe into the environment

Publication Date: 2018.03.27 COVIDIEN LP

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.