Cryoablation Needle Impedance Sensing for Real-Time Iceball Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monitoring methods for cryoablation, such as CT, ultrasound, and MRI, are not conducive to real-time monitoring of iceball formation during cryosurgery, leading to issues like excessive radiation exposure and difficulty in visualizing iceballs in certain tissues, particularly bone and lung.
Innovation Solution
The use of impedance measurement from electrodes disposed at the cryoablation needle distal portion to monitor iceball formation by determining physical attributes based on the rate of impedance change, allowing for continuous and accurate monitoring without radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods (CT, ultrasound, MRI) are used to monitor iceball formation, then iceball visualization is achieved, but real-time monitoring capability is lost and radiation exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional imaging methods (CT, ultrasound, MRI) with an electrical impedance-based sensing system. Electrodes are integrated into the cryoablation needle to directly measure impedance changes caused by iceball formation, providing real-time monitoring without radiation exposure. This substitution of mechanical/optical imaging with electrical sensing enables continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical impedance as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure iceball formation. Instead of directly imaging the iceball, the system measures impedance changes in the tissue caused by the presence and growth of the iceball, which then infers iceball size and position. This intermediary measurement approach enables real-time monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods (CT, ultrasound, MRI) are used to monitor iceball formation, then iceball visualization is achieved, but excessive radiation exposure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radiation-based imaging methods (CT, X-ray) with non-ionizing electrical impedance sensing. The electrodes measure electrical properties of the tissue and iceball interface, completely eliminating radiation exposure while maintaining the ability to visualize and monitor iceball formation in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple electrical electrodes integrated into the needle rather than expensive, complex imaging equipment. These electrodes are disposable or single-use, eliminating the need for expensive imaging machinery and reducing both cost and radiation exposure while providing sufficient monitoring capability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used, then iceball monitoring is achieved, but monitoring effectiveness in bone and lung tissue is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures electrical impedance parameters that are fundamental properties of biological tissues and ice, which remain detectable across different tissue types including bone and lung. By changing from optical/mechanical imaging parameters to electrical impedance parameters, the system achieves consistent monitoring performance across diverse tissue types where conventional imaging fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal monitoring solution that works across all tissue types (soft tissue, bone, lung) using electrical impedance sensing. The electrodes can detect iceball formation regardless of the surrounding tissue composition, making the system adaptable and versatile for different anatomical locations and tissue types where conventional imaging methods have limitations.
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
Provides real-time, continuous monitoring of iceball size and shape, reducing radiation exposure and improving visualization in tissues where conventional imaging is ineffective, such as bone and lung.
Implementation Method 1
receiving an impedance from at least one electrode in an electrode arrangement that is disposed at a cryoablation needle distal portion. The electrode arrangement is configured to engage the iceball as the iceball is formed over the cryoablation needle distal portion so as to cause a change in the impedance.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for monitoring a formation of an iceball at a cryoablation needle. An example method includes receiving an impedance from at least one electrode in an electrode arrangement that is disposed at a cryoablation needle distal portion. The electrode arrangement is configured to engage the iceball as the iceball is formed over the cryoablation needle distal portion so as to cause a change in the impedance. The example method includes determining one or more physical attributes of the iceball based on a rate of the change in the impedance.