Insertion Cannula Air Gap Insulation for Cryoablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cryoablation systems face challenges in maintaining a uniform air pocket around the cryoablation probe, leading to heat loss and potential tissue damage, and lack a fluid-proof seal to prevent fluid ingress during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
An insertion cannula with an elastic sealing member creates a fluid-proof seal and maintains a uniform air gap around the cryoablation probe, preventing fluid entry and ensuring insulation to minimize tissue damage during procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional cryoablation systems use uninsulated needles, then the procedure is simpler to implement, but heat loss increases causing tissue freezing and potential necrosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an air pocket as an intermediary insulating layer between the cryoablation probe and surrounding tissues. This air pocket acts as a thermal barrier that reduces heat loss from the probe while preventing excessive cooling of adjacent tissues, thereby resolving the contradiction between procedural simplicity and heat loss control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert air environment around the cryoablation probe by forming an air pocket within the cannula. This inert atmosphere provides thermal insulation without interfering with the cryoablation process, allowing the procedure to remain simple while protecting surrounding tissues from harmful heat loss
2Device complexity
If surgical pathways are not liquid proof, then the device structure is simpler, but fluid ingress disrupts insulation and causes unwanted tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible sealing member within the cannula that creates a liquid-proof barrier. This flexible seal prevents fluid ingress while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device structure, ensuring that the air pocket insulation remains effective throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member acts as an intermediary element that blocks fluid pathways without complicating the device design. It mediates between the need for structural simplicity and the requirement for reliable insulation by preventing fluid disruption of the air pocket
3Device complexity
If no uniform air pocket is maintained, then the procedure is less complex, but insulation is disrupted causing collateral tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-forming a uniform air pocket within the cannula before inserting the cryoablation probe. This pre-established insulation barrier ensures consistent thermal protection of surrounding tissues throughout the procedure, preventing collateral damage without adding significant procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves homogeneity by maintaining a uniform air pocket thickness around the probe. This uniform insulation layer ensures consistent thermal protection across all directions, preventing localized overheating or excessive cooling of adjacent tissues while keeping the procedure relatively simple
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 effectively reduces tissue damage and contamination by maintaining insulation and preventing fluid ingress, allowing for precise and controlled ice ball formation for targeted tissue ablation while minimizing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic sealing member creates a fluid-proof seal
Implementation Method 2
The presence of an air pocket immediately surrounding the cryoablation probe provides insulation for the probe
Implementation Method 3
During cryoablation, tissue is frozen or rapid freeze/thaw cycles are inflicted upon the tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Devices and methods of use for an insertion cannula to insulate a cryoablation probe or other surgical devices are provided. The device comprises an insertion cannula having a proximal end, an exterior surface comprising a distal tip configured to penetrate tissue, and an interior surface that defines an internal passage of the insertion cannula. The internal passage extends along a longitudinal axis of the insertion cannula and is configured to receive an ablation probe. A sealing member contacts the proximal end of the insertion cannula and is configured to provide a fluid seal to prevent fluid from entering or leaving the proximal end of the insertion cannula. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.