Multi-probe Cryoablation System with LED Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryoablation procedures are inefficient and challenging due to the need for extensive time to position and remove cryoprobes, leading to potential damage to adjacent tissues and incomplete tissue destruction, especially when treating multiple areas during minimally invasive procedures.
Innovation Solution
The use of LED sensor navigated probes and bone piercing instruments with computer tracking systems allows for precise and efficient ablation by quickly identifying and treating surgical sites, reducing the time required for procedures and minimizing tissue damage, while maintaining control over necrosis and enabling fine ablation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional cryoablation procedures are used with single needles forming ice balls, then tissue destruction capability is achieved, but procedure time becomes excessively long and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cryoablation system is divided into multiple independent cryoprobes (e.g., 3-4 probes) that can simultaneously create separate ice balls at different locations. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple tissue targets, dramatically reducing total procedure time compared to sequential single-needle approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple cryoprobes are combined into a single delivery system or array that can be inserted and positioned simultaneously. The system merges multiple freezing functions into one integrated apparatus, enabling concurrent ice ball formation at multiple sites without requiring repeated insertions and waiting periods.
2Reliability
If cryoprobes are positioned to achieve complete tissue destruction, then ablation effectiveness improves, but risk of damage to adjacent healthy tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cryoprobe is independently positioned and controlled to create ice balls of specific sizes and shapes tailored to the local anatomical requirements. The system applies different freezing parameters (temperature, duration, probe spacing) to different locations based on the specific tissue target and adjacent structures, optimizing destruction completeness while protecting healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring of ice ball formation and temperature distribution, allowing the operator to adjust probe positioning and freezing parameters during the procedure. This feedback mechanism ensures complete destruction of target tissue while automatically preventing excessive expansion of ice balls into adjacent healthy areas.
3Productivity
If multiple cryoprobes are used to treat multiple areas simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cryoablation system is designed as a universal platform that can treat multiple different anatomical locations and tissue types using the same multi-probe apparatus. The system incorporates standardized probe interfaces, universal positioning mechanisms, and adaptable freezing protocols that work across various clinical scenarios, reducing the learning curve and operational complexity despite the increased number of probes.
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 faster and more accurate ablation of nerve and soft tissue, reducing the risk of necrosis in adjacent tissues and allowing for complete destruction of targeted areas, thereby improving the efficiency and effectiveness of pain relief treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The filament has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior of the probe so as to cool the tip to a selected temperature to ablate nerve and/or soft tissue
Implementation Method 2
The ablation devices and methods provided allow a passage to be made at a surgical site using an LED sensor navigated bone piercing instrument
Implementation Method 3
During freezing, ice formation within the extracellular space creates an osmotic gradient, resulting in cellular dehydration. Ice crystals then form within the cells causing cell membranes to rupture resulting in cell death
Data Source
AI summary
Ablation kits useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe having an exterior and an interior. The exterior comprises a tip and the interior defines a passage having a filament and insulation disposed therein. The filament has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior of the probe so as to cool the tip to a selected temperature to ablate nerve and/or soft tissue. A bone piercing instrument is provided that is configured to pierce bone so as to allow entry of the probe into the bone. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.