Microwave Ablation Probe Temperature Profiling to Prevent Skin Burns
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microwave ablation devices lack comprehensive temperature measurement along the device, leading to potential skin burns at the entry point due to insufficient understanding of temperature gradients, which can be detrimental to patients.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an optical sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) along the ablation probe to provide continuous temperature measurements, allowing for precise monitoring of temperature profiles and preventing skin burns by ensuring safe energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermocouples are used for temperature measurement, then some temperature data is provided, but the temperature profile along the device is not complete and skin burns may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor is divided into multiple sensing points along its length, with each segment providing temperature data at a specific location. This segmentation allows comprehensive monitoring of the temperature profile from the distal end through the proximal end of the ablation device, ensuring no hot spots are missed and skin burns are prevented.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical thermocouple system with an optical sensing system. The optical sensor uses light-based measurement rather than electrical contact, providing more complete temperature data without the limitations of discrete measurement points. This substitution enables continuous temperature profiling along the entire device length.
2Device complexity
If discrete temperature sensing points are used, then device complexity is reduced, but the temperature gradient along the device cannot be properly understood
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor adds a spatial dimension to temperature measurement by distributing multiple sensing points along the length of the device. Instead of a few discrete points, the sensor provides temperature data across the entire longitudinal dimension, enabling proper understanding of temperature gradients without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides temperature measurement at multiple locations, monitors temperature gradients, detects hot spots, and prevents skin burns. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated sensor component rather than multiple separate thermocouples.
3Temperature
If microwave energy is delivered for deep tissue ablation, then deeper penetration is achieved, but skin burns at the entry point may occur due to insufficient temperature monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor provides real-time temperature feedback from multiple locations along the ablation device, including the proximal end near the skin surface. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of microwave energy delivery to prevent skin burns while maintaining effective deep tissue heating. The system continuously monitors and responds to temperature changes throughout the treatment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor is positioned to detect temperature changes at the skin entry point before significant heating occurs. This preliminary detection allows the system to take preventive action by adjusting energy delivery before skin burns can occur, while still enabling deep tissue ablation.
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
Enables accurate control of energy delivery, preventing skin burns and ensuring safe ablation procedures by dynamically adjusting energy based on real-time temperature data.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of an optical sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) along the ablation probe to provide continuous temperature measurements
Implementation Method 2
an optical sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) along the ablation probe to provide continuous temperature measurements
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor with Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs) along the ablation probe to provide continuous temperature measurements
Implementation Method 4
Microwave energy is an effective energy source for heating biological tissues
Data Source
AI summary
A system is disclosed including an energy delivery device and a controller. The energy delivery device includes a cannula, an antenna extending from the cannula and operable to deliver energy to tissue of the patient, and an optical sensor including Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBGs). The cannula and the antenna are insertable through skin of a patient to an insertion depth. The controller is in communication with the optical sensor and operable to receive temperature measurements from the optical sensor and determine the insertion depth based on the received temperature measurements.