Cooled Laser Probe Assembly for Nanoparticle Tumor Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal and radiative ablation techniques face challenges such as low selectivity in targeting tissues, tissue deformation and char, catheter fragility, and kinking, which hinder effective treatment of tumors while preserving healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A laser illuminator assembly with a cooled probe and sheath connector system is used, allowing for precise placement and activation at multiple positions within a tumor, combined with nanoparticle-assisted photothermal coagulation to generate targeted heat for ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal and radiative ablation techniques are used to burn and ablate tissues, then tumor ablation is achieved, but tissue deformation and char occur
Solution Approach 1:
Nanoparticles serve as an intermediary substance that is injected into the tumor tissue before laser activation. These nanoparticles absorb the laser energy and convert it to heat locally within the tumor, rather than directly heating the tissue with the laser. This indirect heating mechanism through nanoparticle mediation achieves effective tumor ablation while minimizing direct tissue charring and deformation that would occur with conventional thermal ablation methods
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and thermal properties of the target tissue by introducing nanoparticles with specific optical absorption characteristics. The nanoparticles alter how energy is absorbed and distributed within the tissue, enabling selective heating of tumor cells at controlled temperatures that achieve ablation without excessive heat that causes char and deformation
2Measurement precision
If laser illuminator assembly is used for ablation therapy, then treatment precision is improved, but catheter kinking and fragility occur
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is constructed with flexible materials and a thin-film structure that allows it to bend and conform to anatomical structures without kinking or breaking. This flexible shell design maintains the structural integrity needed for precise positioning while preventing the fragility and kinking issues associated with rigid or thick-walled catheters
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter design incorporates dynamic flexibility, allowing it to adapt its shape and position as needed during the procedure. The flexible construction enables the catheter to be manipulated into precise positions for treatment while resisting kinking through its inherent flexibility and structural design
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 system enhances treatment selectivity and efficacy by minimizing tissue damage to healthy areas and preventing catheter deformation, while effectively ablating tumors using nanoparticle-converted heat energy.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticle-assisted photothermal coagulation to generate targeted heat for ablation
Implementation Method 2
cooled laser illuminator assembly configured to receive coolant to cool the laser waveguide when activated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2A-3
Figure 2B
AI summary
Various methods, systems, and devices for treating tissue ablation are disclosed. Several embodiments disclosed herein pertain to methods of treating tumors, systems used for irradiating tissue and tumors with electromagnetic radiation, components and devices of that system, and kits for providing systems used for irradiating tissue and tumors with electromagnetic radiation. In several embodiments, the system can provide sub-ablative infrared radiation that can be absorbed by nanoparticles. In several embodiments, the nanoparticles absorb the radiation converting it into heat energy. In several embodiments, though the infrared radiation itself may be sub-ablative, the heat energy generated by the nanoparticles can be sufficient to cause thermal coagulation, hyperthermia, and/or tissue ablation.