Ablation Probe Tissue Sensing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current imaging devices and techniques used in microwave thermal therapy do not provide automatic shut-off when the microwave antenna is inadvertently or purposefully withdrawn from or not fully inserted into target tissue, leading to potential unintentional thermal injuries to patients and clinicians.
Innovation Solution
An ablation probe with one or more tissue sensing configurations, including a sensor assembly with conductive traces formed by silver ink deposition on the shaft, which detects electrical parameters like impedance and capacitance to ensure proper insertion and automatic termination of microwave energy transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If imaging devices and techniques are used to monitor microwave antenna placement, then placement accuracy can be determined, but automatic shut-off protection is not provided when the antenna is withdrawn or not fully inserted
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly on the microwave antenna performs self-detection of its own insertion status through electrical parameter measurements (impedance, capacitance) between the sensor contacts and surrounding tissue, enabling automatic shut-off protection without requiring external imaging devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors electrical parameters between the sensor contacts and tissue, provides real-time feedback on insertion status, and automatically shuts off microwave energy transmission when improper insertion is detected, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism
2Adaptability or versatility
If sensor contacts are added to the microwave antenna, then tissue insertion detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly serves multiple functions: detecting tissue insertion status, measuring electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance), and triggering automatic shut-off protection, consolidating several safety functions into a single integrated component
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor contacts act as intermediaries between the microwave antenna and tissue, measuring electrical parameters that indicate insertion status without requiring complex imaging systems or direct visual monitoring
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 patient and clinician safety by ensuring the ablation probe is properly inserted before energy transmission and automatically shutting off when not inserted correctly, preventing thermal injuries.
Implementation Method 1
During transmission of microwave energy from the radiating section into target tissue one or more electrical parameters are induced into the sensor(s) and detected by the pair of sensor contacts. The electrical parameter(s) may be impedance and/or capacitance.
Implementation Method 2
The electrical parameter(s) may be impedance and/or capacitance.
Implementation Method 3
one or more suitable microwave antennas that are coupled to an energy source may be positioned adjacent target tissue. Subsequently, electrosurgical energy, e.g., microwave energy, may be transmitted to a radiating section of the microwave antenna and is directed to target tissue, which, in turn, results in thermal coagulation.
Implementation Method 4
microwave energy, may be transmitted to a radiating section of the microwave antenna and is directed to target tissue, which, in turn, results in thermal coagulation
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe is provided. The ablation probe includes a housing that is configured to couple to a microwave energy source. A shaft extends distally from the housing and includes a radiating section at a distal end thereof. A sensor assembly is operably disposed on the housing and includes a pair of sensor contacts. One or more sensors are positioned adjacent the radiating section and extend along the shaft. The sensor(s) have a pair of sensor contact pads that are positioned on the shaft for contact with the pair of sensors such that during transmission of microwave from the radiating section into target tissue at least one electrical parameter is induced into the at least one sensor and detected by the pair of sensor contacts.