Coaxial Ablation Probe with Adjustable Cathode Cage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation technologies face limitations in real-time monitoring, high local recurrence rates, and risks of damage to adjacent structures during minimally invasive treatments for abnormal tissue, particularly in liver tumors and lymph nodes.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial ablation probe with a nested anode and adjustable cathode cage, utilizing magnetic resonance imaging for real-time monitoring and electrochemical treatment to create a sharply demarcated ablation zone with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ablation probes are used, then ablation therapy can be performed, but real-time monitoring capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a coaxial probe design where the anode is nested within the cathode cage structure. The anode rod is positioned centrally inside the cathode cage, creating a compact nested configuration that integrates both electrodes in a single probe assembly, enabling real-time monitoring while maintaining structural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The cathode cage serves multiple functions: it acts as the cathode electrode for electrochemical treatment, provides structural support for the nested anode, defines the treatment volume through its expandable geometry, and enables real-time MRI monitoring through its MRI-compatible material composition. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate monitoring devices
2Area of stationary object
If multiple probes are used to treat larger tumors, then treatment coverage increases, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cathode cage is designed with adjustable and expandable geometry, allowing the treatment volume to be dynamically modified during the procedure. The cage can be expanded radially outward by adjusting the spacing between its struts, enabling a single probe to treat progressively larger tumor volumes without requiring additional probes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from treating tumors with fixed-size probes to using an expandable three-dimensional cage structure. By adding the radial expansion dimension, the treatment volume can be scaled up in all spatial directions from a compact insertion state to a large treatment state, covering larger tumors with a single probe
3Reliability
If ablation therapy is performed without real-time monitoring, then procedure simplicity is maintained, but local recurrence rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time MRI monitoring that provides continuous feedback on the ablation zone formation and progression. The MRI scanner captures images during the electrochemical treatment, allowing the operator to monitor the expanding ablation zone and adjust treatment parameters to ensure complete tumor coverage while avoiding healthy tissue damage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical or visual monitoring methods with magnetic resonance imaging for real-time monitoring. The MRI system uses magnetic fields and radio waves to generate detailed images of the ablation zone formation in real-time, providing superior soft tissue contrast and monitoring capability compared to traditional mechanical probe measurements or post-procedure imaging
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional ablation methods are used, then ablation can be performed, but damage to adjacent structures occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical treatment method produces highly localized ablation zones with sharp boundaries. The toxic products generated at the electrode surfaces remain concentrated within the treatment volume defined by the cathode cage, creating effective ablation of target tissue while minimizing exposure and damage to adjacent healthy structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrochemical treatment with direct current to generate toxic products through electrolysis of water and dissolution of electrode materials. By controlling the current density, voltage, and treatment time parameters, the ablation process achieves complete tumor destruction while the expandable cage geometry and real-time MRI monitoring ensure precise confinement of the treatment zone, preventing damage to surrounding healthy tissue
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
Enables precise real-time monitoring and effective ablation with reduced risk of non-target tissue damage, achieving complete treatment of tumors while avoiding damage to adjacent structures, as demonstrated by MRI correlation with gross pathology.
Implementation Method 1
EChT is a percutaneous ablation technique utilizing direct current (DC) electricity to create toxic products to destroy abnormal tissue
Implementation Method 2
methods of employing magnetic resonance to perform real-time monitoring of ablation therapy
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described relates to a coaxial ablation probe and method and system for real time monitoring of ablation progress for percutaneous ablation. The probe includes an anode. The probe further includes a size and shape adjustable cathode cage surrounding the anode, the cathode cage includes a plurality of struts. The anode extends coaxially with respect to the struts that form the cathode cage. The cathode cage defines the treatment volume. Probe insertion and ablation progress will be monitored by a magnetic resonance imaging system.