Contrast Agent Staining for Ablation Volume Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the volume of an ablation lesion after a tissue ablation procedure provide inexact, inconsistent, and inaccurate measurements, lacking evaluative tools to account for adjacent structures and predict specific volumes and shapes based on energy applicator configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of a contrast agent to excised tissue slices to differentiate dead cells within the ablation volume, followed by rinsing and drying to achieve clear demarcation, allowing for precise volumetric determination and geometric reconstruction of the ablation volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (recording small diameter, large diameter, and height) are used to calculate ablation volume, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and accuracy are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies contrast agents that cause dead cells within the ablation volume to change color, allowing for clear visual differentiation between ablated and viable tissue. This color-based differentiation enables accurate boundary identification and volumetric measurement without requiring complex measurement devices, thus improving measurement precision while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces contrast agents as intermediary substances that selectively interact with dead cells in the ablation volume. These agents serve as mediators between the ablation lesion and the observer/measurement system, enhancing the visibility and detectability of the ablation boundaries without adding significant procedural complexity.
2Reliability
If conventional ellipsoidal volume calculation is used, then the calculation is quick, but the measurement precision and consistency are poor
Solution Approach 1:
By using contrast agents that color dead cells, the patent enables consistent and reliable identification of ablation boundaries across multiple measurements. The visual contrast provided by the color change ensures that different observers and repeated measurements yield consistent results, significantly improving measurement reliability and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies contrast agents to the excised tissue slices before volumetric determination, performing the differentiation of dead and viable tissue in advance. This preliminary action ensures that the tissue is properly prepared and differentiated before measurement, leading to more consistent and reliable volumetric calculations without adding significant time to the overall process.
3Measurement precision
If no contrast agent is used, then the procedure is simpler, but the ability to distinguish dead from viable tissue is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs contrast agents that induce color changes in dead cells, providing clear visual differentiation between ablated and viable tissue. This color-based contrast significantly improves boundary detection accuracy and the precision of volumetric measurements, while the staining procedure remains relatively simple and can be performed on excised tissue slices without requiring complex equipment or procedures.
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 enables accurate and consistent measurement of ablation volume by clearly distinguishing dead from viable tissue, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods and providing a detailed understanding of the ablation volume's size, shape, and boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting at least a portion of the slice to a first contrast agent for a predetermined period of time, wherein the contrast agent is configured to color dead cells within the ablation volume
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining a volume of ablated tissue is provided. The method includes the steps of: supplying energy to tissue to create an ablation volume therein; excising one or more slices of the tissue having a portion of the ablation volume therein; and subjecting at least a portion of the slice to a first contrast agent for a predetermined period of time, wherein the contrast agent is configured to color dead cells within the ablation volume.