Ablation Probe Tip Thermal Reservoir for Stationary Burn Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation probes, such as the NEUWAVE PR microwave ablation probe, suffer from asymmetric migration of the ablation zone up the probe tip, resulting in an oblong burn pattern that makes minimally invasive soft tissue ablation procedures impossible.
Innovation Solution
The ablation probe tip features a coaxial antenna with a heat transfer layer and thermal reservoir that controls ablation zone temperature, preventing migration and maintaining a stationary center of ablation, while allowing for precise temperature control and selective tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional microwave ablation probes are used, then ablation capability is achieved, but the ablation zone migrates asymmetrically up the probe tip creating an oblong burn pattern
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a thermal reservoir specifically at the distal end of the probe tip (within 5mm of the insertion end) with higher thermal mass than the proximal portions. This localized thermal management structure controls heat distribution precisely where needed, preventing asymmetric migration and maintaining a stationary, spherical ablation zone rather than an oblong pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal parameters of the probe by incorporating a thermal reservoir that modifies the thermal conductivity and heat capacity distribution along the probe tip. This parameter change in the thermal properties prevents the asymmetric heat migration that occurs in conventional probes, stabilizing the ablation zone position and shape.
2Productivity
If higher power is used to improve ablation effectiveness, then ablation speed increases, but peak temperatures damage adjacent non-targeted tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal reservoir is localized to the distal end of the probe tip, creating a region of higher thermal mass precisely where the ablation occurs. This local thermal management allows high power delivery to the target tissue while the reservoir absorbs excess heat and prevents thermal damage to adjacent non-targeted tissues through controlled heat dissipation.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal reservoir acts as an intermediary thermal management structure between the microwave energy source and the surrounding tissues. It mediates the thermal energy distribution, absorbing and redistributing heat to maintain the ablation zone temperature while protecting adjacent tissues from thermal damage, enabling safer high-power ablation.
3Area of stationary object
If the ablation zone migrates up the probe tip, then the treatment area increases, but the procedure loses precision and predictability
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating the thermal reservoir at the distal end of the probe tip rather than distributing it uniformly, the patent creates a localized thermal management zone that anchors the ablation position. This local thermal control prevents the ablation zone from migrating proximally, maintaining precise and predictable positioning while still achieving adequate treatment area coverage through controlled thermal expansion.
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
The solution enables precise, minimally invasive ablation procedures by maintaining a stationary ablation zone and controlling peak temperatures, thereby mitigating damage to adjacent tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The ablation probe tip may have an ablation zone surrounding the center of ablation such that when the ablation means is provided to the ablation probe tip, the heat transfer layer provides ablation zone temperature control
Implementation Method 2
Microwave ablation is a form of thermal ablation that uses electromagnetic waves in the microwave energy spectrum (300 MHz to 300 GHz) to produce tissue-heating effects to generate tissue necrosis within solid tumors
Implementation Method 3
A thermal reservoir preferably at least partially surrounds the heat transfer layer
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe tip 100 having a shaft 102 with an insertion end 104. The shaft 102 includes a coaxial antenna 110. A center of ablation 124 is located within the shaft 102 near the insertion end 104. A heat transfer layer 130 surrounds the coaxial antenna 110. A thermal reservoir 134 at least partially surrounds the heat transfer layer 130. A method for using the ablation probe tip 100 includes predetermining an optimal temperature for the heat transfer layer 130, and the thermal reservoir 134 cooling the heat transfer layer 130 to no higher than the optimal temperature. The ablation probe tip 100 may be part of an ablation probe system 50 that includes an ablation source 60 that provides ablation means 62 to the ablation probe tip 100.