Antenna Assembly Deployment Mechanism for Microwave Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave ablation devices face challenges in effectively deploying antennas within tissue to achieve precise and efficient delivery of energy for tumor treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells.
Innovation Solution
The deployment method involves a handle member with a feedline containing an inner and outer conductor, where the inner conductor is deployable relative to the outer conductor through a system of tracks and actuation members, allowing for controlled movement and energy delivery to the tissue, enabling precise ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the antenna is deployed fully into tissue, then energy delivery effectiveness is improved, but precision control and safety are worsened due to inability to retract or adjust position
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna assembly is designed with dynamic deployability, allowing the inner conductor to be advanced distally into tissue for energy delivery, then retracted proximally for repositioning or withdrawal. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to different tissue depths and tumor locations while maintaining precision control through the track-guided movement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna is segmented into an inner conductor and an outer conductor that can move independently relative to each other. The inner conductor can be deployed distally while the outer conductor remains in place or is retracted separately, allowing controlled exposure of the radiating element while maintaining the protective sheath for insertion.
2Length of moving object
If the inner conductor is advanced distally, then energy delivery to deep tissue is improved, but device complexity increases due to tracking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
Tracks are provided as intermediary guiding structures within the handle member that constrain and guide the movement of the inner and outer conductors. These tracks simplify the complex task of coordinated movement by providing fixed reference paths, allowing the conductors to move smoothly and predictably without requiring complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is designed to automatically guide and constrain the conductors through their respective paths without requiring external control mechanisms. The geometry of the tracks themselves provides the guiding function, allowing the antenna assembly to self-regulate its configuration during deployment and retraction operations.
3Ease of operation
If the antenna is inserted through the introducer, then ease of insertion is improved, but reliability is worsened due to potential tissue damage from the introducer
Solution Approach 1:
The inner conductor is extracted from within the outer conductor during deployment, allowing the radiating element to be exposed and positioned precisely at the desired location. This extraction enables the antenna to function effectively while the outer conductor can be retracted or removed, minimizing the presence of foreign material in the tissue and reducing potential harm.
Solution Approach 2:
The antenna assembly is pre-configured within the introducer in a protected state, with the inner conductor positioned within the outer conductor. This preliminary arrangement allows for safe insertion through tissue using the introducer as a protective sheath, and then enables controlled deployment of the inner conductor once the assembly is in the target location, separating the insertion function from the energy delivery function.
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
This solution allows for effective deployment and energy delivery to the tissue, enhancing the precision and efficacy of tumor treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy cells by controlling the movement of the inner conductor relative to the outer conductor.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave energy is applied via microwave ablation antennas that penetrate tissue to reach tumors
Implementation Method 2
microwave energy is used to coagulate and/or ablate tissue to denature or kill the cancerous cells
Data Source
AI summary
A method of deploying an antenna of an ablation device includes the step of placing an introducing member relative to tissue. The introducing member is disposed on a distal end of a handle member. The method also includes the steps of advancing an antenna distally through the handle member and at least partially through the introducer and rotating the handle member about the longitudinal axis thereof relative to the antenna. The method also includes the step of moving the handle member proximally along the longitudinal axis thereof to retract the introducer proximally relative to the antenna such that the antenna is at least partially deployed relative to the introducer to treat tissue.