Condensable Vapor Prostate Ablation Preserving Urethra
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating prostate tissue, such as RF ablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound, can cause tissue carbonization and prolonged healing times due to the potential for increased inflammatory responses.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the introduction of an ablation probe into a prostate lobe parallel to the prostatic urethra, followed by the delivery of condensable vapor to ablate prostate tissue without damaging the prostatic urethra tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-frequency current or laser ablation is used to treat prostate tissue, then tissue ablation is achieved, but tissue carbonization occurs resulting in increased inflammatory response and longer healing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the ablation medium from solid (electrode contact) or focused beam (laser) to gas phase (condensable vapor). The vapor delivers thermal energy through condensation and phase change, operating at lower temperatures than traditional methods, thereby achieving effective tissue ablation while avoiding carbonization and excessive inflammatory response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of condensable vapor (gas to liquid) as the primary mechanism for tissue ablation. The vapor condenses on the target tissue, releasing latent heat of condensation that coagulates and ablates the tissue. This phase change mechanism provides controlled thermal delivery without the extreme temperatures that cause carbonization in traditional RF or laser ablation
2Ease of operation
If ablation probe is introduced transurethrally through urethral wall into prostate apex, then direct access to prostate lobe is achieved, but risk of urethral tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the condensable vapor as an intermediary medium that can be delivered through the probe to the target tissue. The vapor acts as a controllable energy carrier that can be precisely deposited on the prostate tissue surface, providing a buffer between the probe and the tissue, and allowing energy delivery without direct high-temperature contact that would damage the urethra
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies energy in a controlled, localized manner through the condensable vapor. The vapor is delivered in controlled amounts and concentrations, allowing selective ablation of the prostate tissue while the urethral tissue receives insufficient energy to cause damage. The complementary shapes of introducer and probe prevent rotation, ensuring precise directional delivery of vapor only to the intended target
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 approach allows for effective ablation of prostate tissue with reduced inflammatory response and healing time, while preserving the integrity of the prostatic urethra.
Implementation Method 1
delivering condensable vapor through the ablation probe into the prostate lobe
Implementation Method 2
ablating prostate tissue within the lobe
Data Source
AI summary
A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.