Closed-Loop Cryoablation Probe Circuit Without Gas Tanks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryosurgery systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing cryoprobes for tissue ablation due to the need for high-purity, pressurized working fluid tanks, which can be difficult to obtain, and the complexity of setup and maintenance of cryoablation systems.
Innovation Solution
A closed-loop working fluid circuit is implemented in cryosurgery systems, utilizing a compressor, heat exchanger, and cryoablation probe with a supply and return tube, allowing for recirculation of a mixed refrigerant fluid that expands at a Joule-Thomson orifice to achieve cryogenic temperatures for tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-purity pressurized working fluid tanks are used, then cryoablation can be achieved, but the system becomes difficult to obtain and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the working fluid system by using a closed-loop circulation system with a compressor and heat exchanger, transforming the fluid from a static high-purity tank system to a dynamically controlled recirculating system. This allows the same fluid to be reused and maintained at optimal conditions through compression and cooling cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The closed-loop system performs self-service by automatically recirculating and reconditioning the working fluid through the compressor and heat exchanger, eliminating the need for external high-purity tanks and manual refilling. The system maintains its own working fluid supply through continuous circulation and thermal management.
2Quantity of substance
If large gas tanks are used to store working fluid, then sufficient cryogenic fluid is available, but the system complexity and setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous circulation of the working fluid through the closed-loop system, with the compressor continuously pressurizing and the heat exchanger continuously cooling the fluid. This continuous operation eliminates the need for large storage tanks and manual refilling, maintaining a steady supply of cryogenic fluid through perpetual recirculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The working fluid serves multiple functions in the closed-loop system: it is compressed, cooled, expanded through the Joule-Thomson orifice, and reused. The same fluid circuit performs storage, transport, cooling, and expansion functions, eliminating the need for separate large storage tanks and reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If working fluid is consumed in cryoablation, then tissue ablation is achieved, but the system requires continuous replenishment from large tanks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the working fluid after a single use, the patent recovers it through the closed-loop circulation system. The fluid that has expanded and cooled the tissue is collected, repressurized by the compressor, recool ed in the heat exchanger, and fed back into the system for repeated use, eliminating fluid loss and the need for continuous replenishment.
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 closed-loop system simplifies setup, conserves working fluid, and reduces the need for large gas tanks, enabling effective cryoablation procedures in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
the expansion of a cryofluid in the cryoablation probe from a higher pressure to a lower pressure (without heat exchange to the environment) leads to cooling of the device tip
Implementation Method 2
a compressor configured to increase a pressure of the working fluid
Implementation Method 3
a first heat exchanger downstream from the compressor, wherein the first heat exchanger can be configured to lower a temperature of the working fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to cryoablation systems. In an embodiment, a cryosurgery system includes a closed-loop working fluid circuit configured to contain a working fluid. The system can include a compressor configured to increase the pressure of the working fluid. The system can include a heat exchanger configured to lower the temperature of the working fluid. The system can include a cryoablation probe having a shaft having a supply tube and a return tube surrounding the supply tube. The system is configured so that, after exiting the first heat exchanger, the working fluid will enter the cryoablation probe, travel to the expansion chamber, expand in the expansion chamber at a Joule-Thomson orifice, travel to the cryoablation probe interface via the return tube, exit the cryoablation probe via the working fluid outlet, enter the compressor, and enter the first heat exchanger.