Microwave Ablation System Startup Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave ablation systems lack effective pre-power delivery verification methods, leading to potential defects in antenna assemblies not being apparent until high power is applied, which can result in unsafe temperatures and device failures.
Innovation Solution
A microwave ablation system with a generator, ablation probe, and sensors that gradually increase energy output while monitoring operational parameters, such as temperature, radiating behavior, and power levels, to detect abnormal states and cease energy delivery if parameters fall outside predetermined ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microwave ablation systems deliver high power energy without pre-power delivery verification, then productivity is improved by avoiding unnecessary system checks, but reliability deteriorates as defects in antenna assemblies may not be apparent until high power is applied, potentially causing unsafe temperatures and device failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary low-power testing before high-power delivery by ramping up energy output from a low energy level to a high energy level while monitoring operational parameters. This preliminary action detects defects in antenna assemblies before they cause unsafe temperatures or device failures during actual ablation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power level parameter during startup by gradually ramping up energy output from low to high levels. This parameter change allows the system to verify proper antenna assembly function at low power before committing to high-power delivery, resolving the contradiction between quick startup and reliable operation.
2Reliability
If the system ramps up energy output from low to high levels with continuous monitoring, then reliability is improved by detecting defects before high-power delivery, but productivity deteriorates due to extended system check duration
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses rapid ramp-up of energy output from low to high levels with monitoring at predetermined intervals rather than continuous slow increases. This approach rushes through the verification process efficiently, detecting defects while minimizing the time added to system startup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs monitoring at predetermined intervals during the ramp-up process rather than continuous monitoring at every moment. This partial action approach provides sufficient defect detection capability while reducing the overall check duration and improving startup efficiency.
3Device complexity
If sensors monitor operational parameters at predetermined intervals during ramp-up, then device complexity is reduced by using simple interval-based monitoring, but measurement precision deteriorates as rapid defects may be missed between intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic monitoring at predetermined intervals during the energy ramp-up process. This periodic action provides a balance between simple implementation and effective defect detection, with the interval timing optimized to catch abnormal states while maintaining straightforward system architecture.
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
Prevents device failures and ensures safe operation by identifying potential defects during low-power testing, reducing the risk of high-temperature damage and improving the reliability of microwave ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The microwave energy is able to non-invasively penetrate the skin to reach the underlying tissue... electromagnetic radiation to heat diseased cells to temperatures above 41° C.
Implementation Method 2
microwave ablation procedures... utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue... microwave energy is able to non-invasively penetrate the skin
Implementation Method 3
The at least one sensor detects a temperature of the ablation probe... The at least one sensor is a thermocouple, thermistor, or optical fiber
Implementation Method 4
The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level
Implementation Method 5
deliver the energy to a tissue region... electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue... microwave energy is able to non-invasively penetrate the skin to reach the underlying tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave ablation system includes a generator operable to output energy and an ablation probe coupled to the generator that delivers the energy to a tissue region. The ablation system also includes a controller operable to control the generator and at least one sensor coupled to the ablation probe and the controller that detects an operating parameter of the ablation probe. The controller performs a system check by ramping up an energy output of the generator from a low energy level to a high energy level and monitors an output from the sensor at predetermined intervals of time during the system check to determine an abnormal state. The controller controls the generator to cease the energy output when the controller determines an abnormal state.