Cryoablation Apparatus Diagnostics and Purge Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryoablation systems are inefficient due to separate systems, multiple controls, and independent measurement devices, leading to reduced treatment effectiveness and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A cryoablation apparatus with a capacitance-based liquid level sensor and pressure control system that continuously monitors and adjusts cryogen levels and pressures in real-time, optimizing cryogen delivery and minimizing surrounding tissue freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate systems and independent measurement devices are used in cryoablation systems, then system functionality is maintained, but device complexity increases and treatment effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate measurement devices into a single integrated sensor assembly that simultaneously measures liquid level, temperature, and pressure. This consolidation reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between system functionality and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly performs multiple functions (liquid level detection, temperature measurement, pressure monitoring) within a single integrated component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement devices, reducing device complexity while preserving treatment effectiveness through comprehensive system monitoring
2Reliability
If real-time continuous monitoring of cryogen liquid level is implemented, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical level sensing mechanisms with a capacitance-based electrical measurement system. The capacitance sensor provides real-time continuous liquid level monitoring through electrical field detection, eliminating complex mechanical linkages while enabling precise, continuous monitoring that improves treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback monitoring where the capacitance sensor continuously measures liquid level and provides data to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of cryogen delivery, improving treatment effectiveness while the integrated nature of the sensor assembly keeps complexity manageable
3Measurement precision
If capacitance-based liquid level sensing is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capacitance-based electrical measurement to replace mechanical level sensing, achieving high measurement precision through electrical field detection. The capacitance sensor provides accurate, continuous liquid level data without complex mechanical components, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the measurement parameter from mechanical position detection to electrical capacitance measurement. This parameter transformation enables precise liquid level sensing through electrical properties, which are easier to measure continuously and accurately, thereby improving measurement precision while keeping the sensor system relatively simple
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
Improves treatment efficiency, reduces costs, and enhances the effectiveness of cryoablation procedures by ensuring precise cryogen management and minimizing unnecessary freezing of healthy tissues.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitance-based liquid level sensor positioned in the Dewar. The capacitance-based liquid level sensor may be coupled to a cryo-control that can determine a cryogen liquid level based on the capacitance of the liquid level sensor in the Dewar
Implementation Method 2
a heating assembly positioned at a distal end of the supply tube and configured to heat the liquid cryogen to convert the liquid cryogen to cryogen gas
Implementation Method 3
a pump assembly positioned proximate the heating assembly and configured to pressurize the liquid cryogen to a pressure greater than a pressure in the Dewar
Implementation Method 4
A cryoablation system may include an extremely cold cryogen (liquid, gas, or mixed phase Nitrogen, Argon, Helium, or the like) that may be passed through a probe that is in thermal contact with the target tissue. Heat from the tissue passes from the tissue, through the probe, and into the cryogen that removes heat from the targeted tissue
Implementation Method 5
This removal of heat causes tissue to freeze, resulting in the destruction of the targeted tissue
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3B
Figure 4
AI summary
A cryoablation apparatus includes a Dewar, a cryogen flow path fluidly coupled to the Dewar to supply cryogen to a cryoprobe, a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor positioned at a first portion of the cryogen flow path and at a second portion of the cryogen flow path, respectively, a first valve and a second valve each positioned along the cryogen flow path and each configured to operate in an open position and in a closed position, and a diagnostics control operatively coupled to the first pressure sensor, the second pressure sensor, the first valve, and the second valve. The diagnostics control is configured to determine whether a blockage or leak exists in the first portion and the second portion of the cryogen flow path. The apparatus also includes a gas assembly configured to supply a cryogen gas to purge the flow path.