Internally Cooled Ceramic Radiator for Stable Microwave Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional ceramic-loaded microwave ablation probes lack effective internal cooling, leading to significant temperature increases that destabilize the dielectric constant and energy pattern, causing unpredictable tissue heating during ablation procedures.

Innovation Solution

The ceramic element is internally cooled through channels for fluid circulation or solid thermal conductors to maintain a stable dielectric constant, using channels filled with liquid or gas for fluid circulation or solid metal conductors to transport thermal energy away from the ceramic element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional ceramic-loaded microwave ablation probes are used without internal cooling, then the structure is simpler, but the temperature increases significantly causing destabilization of dielectric constant and energy pattern

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveceramic element temperatureVSAvoiddielectric constant stability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies hydraulic cooling by circulating fluid through channels formed within the ceramic element. The fluid flow removes heat from the ceramic element, maintaining stable temperature and preventing destabilization of the dielectric constant and energy pattern during microwave ablation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the ceramic material's porous structure to create internal channels for fluid circulation. These channels are formed within the ceramic body, allowing cooling fluid to pass through and remove heat effectively while maintaining the structural integrity and dielectric properties of the ceramic element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

2Temperature

If internal cooling channels are added to the ceramic element, then temperature control improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveceramic element temperature controlVSAvoidceramic element structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent leverages the inherent porous nature of ceramic materials to create cooling channels during the manufacturing process. This approach integrates the cooling function into the ceramic structure itself rather than adding separate cooling components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while achieving effective temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the dielectric function and cooling function into a single integrated ceramic element. The same ceramic structure that provides dielectric loading for microwave ablation also contains the cooling channels, eliminating the need for separate cooling systems and reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If fluid circulation channels are created in the ceramic element, then thermal energy transport improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy transport efficiencyVSAvoidchannel formation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the porous structure of ceramic materials, which can be formed through standard ceramic manufacturing processes like slip casting or extrusion. The porosity allows for easy formation of channels during manufacturing without requiring high-precision machining, thereby maintaining manufacturing feasibility while achieving effective thermal energy transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the parameters of the cooling channels (such as diameter, length, and distribution) to achieve effective cooling while accommodating variations in manufacturing precision. By adjusting these parameters, the system maintains efficient thermal energy transport even with moderate manufacturing tolerances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Stabilizes the microwave energy pattern and ensures more predictable temperature distribution, minimizing damage to healthy tissue while effectively ablating malignant cells.

Implementation Method 1

The ceramic element includes at least one internal channel configured to transport thermal energy away from the ceramic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

channels for fluid circulation to maintain a stable dielectric constant, using channels filled with liquid or gas for fluid circulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20260007468A1Internally cooled ceramic element for a microwave ablation radiator and method

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

A microwave antenna for ablating tissue in a patient includes a radiator configured to radiate microwave radiation. A cable is coupled to the radiator and includes a fluid inflow line and a fluid outflow line. The microwave antenna also includes a ceramic element coaxially disposed around the radiator. The ceramic element includes at least one internal channel configured to transport thermal energy away from the ceramic element.