Cryo-ablation Coolant Distribution via Segmented Coaxial Tubes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryo-ablation devices face issues with non-uniform coolant distribution due to uneven coolant pressures and mass flows, leading to non-uniform cooling and less effective tissue ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of a tubular member with coaxial tubes of different diameters and lengths, which define annular spaces and a central lumen, allows coolant to be released at different axial locations, ensuring uniform distribution and pressure across the thermally transmissive region.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If coolant is released through a central lumen of a supply tube, then coolant can be delivered to the thermally transmissive region, but non-uniform coolant distribution and pressure result
Solution Approach 1:
The supply tube is segmented into multiple coaxial tubes (first tube, second tube, third tube) that extend to different lengths within the thermally transmissive region. Each tube defines separate flow paths (first annular space, second annular space, central lumen) that distribute coolant to different axial locations, transforming a single centralized release point into multiple distributed release points along the tube length.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the supply tube are designed with different functional characteristics. The first tube provides coolant to a proximal region through the first annular space, the second tube provides coolant to an intermediate region through the second annular space, and the third tube provides coolant to a distal region through the central lumen. Each section is optimized for its specific axial location, creating locally adapted coolant distribution.
2Quantity of substance
If apertures are formed through the wall of the supply tube to disperse coolant, then coolant can be released from multiple locations, but non-uniform coolant distribution still results due to pressure gradients
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using apertures through a single tube wall, the system segments the flow path into multiple separate coaxial tubes, each terminating at different axial locations. This segmentation allows independent control of coolant release points and eliminates the pressure gradient problem inherent in single-tube aperture designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional aperture distribution on a single tube surface to a three-dimensional coaxial arrangement where tubes extend to different lengths. This dimensional change allows coolant to be distributed along the axial dimension rather than radially, creating more uniform pressure distribution at each release point.
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 configuration results in uniform coolant distribution and improved cryo-ablation efficacy, enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of the procedure by maintaining consistent coolant release at each axial location.
Implementation Method 1
coolant can flow through the annular spaces and can be released from the plurality of tubes at different axial locations along the tubular member
Implementation Method 2
a tubular member having a plurality of coaxial tubes of different diameters... positioned within a thermally transmissive region
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatus and methods for dispersing a coolant along different portions of a supply tube of a cryo-ablation device which may be in the form of a linear ablation device or catheter probe or a balloon catheter. A supply tube includes multiple tubes that are in fluid communication with an inner space of a transmissive region or an inner space of an inflatable balloon. The tubes are coaxially arranged and extend to different lengths or to different locations such that the coolant is dispersed from different tubes at different axial locations. Annular apertures are defined by pairs of tubes and have different sizes. The tubes and arrangement thereof are structured to provide uniform or substantially uniform coolant distribution to provide uniform or substantially uniform cryo-ablation of surrounding tissue.