Multi-probe Cryoablation Path Planning for Irregular Tumor Coverage

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of a puncture path planning solution for multi-probe joint cryoablation, which is necessary for effectively treating larger or irregularly shaped tumor lesions.

Innovation Solution

A path planning device for multi-probe joint cryoablation that includes a processor and memory, which acquires a target region in a medical scanned image, selects single-probe ablation regions, and generates puncture paths and ice ball coverage regions for each probe, optimizing the placement of multiple ablation probes to achieve complete coverage of the target region.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a single ablation probe is used, then the operation is simple, but the ice ball coverage volume is limited and cannot cover large or irregularly shaped tumor regions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveice ball coverage volumeVSAvoidnumber of ablation probes
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the large or irregularly shaped target tumor region into multiple smaller sub-regions, each of which can be covered by an individual ice ball from a single ablation probe. The system automatically determines optimal puncture paths and positions for multiple probes to ensure complete coverage of the entire target region while minimizing overlap and maximizing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If multiple ablation probes are used to cover larger tumor regions, then the coverage volume increases, but the planning complexity of puncture paths and probe positions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveice ball coverage volumeVSAvoidplanning complexity of multi-probe operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing automated preoperative planning that calculates and determines all puncture paths, probe entry points, and ablation parameters before the actual surgery. The system processes medical images, segments the target region, computes optimal multi-probe configurations, and generates a complete operation plan in advance, thereby reducing intraoperative complexity and improving surgical efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the ice ball coverage region is expanded to cover the entire target region, then the tumor ablation effectiveness improves, but the damage to healthy surrounding tissues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetumor ablation effectivenessVSAvoiddamage to healthy tissues
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by enabling different treatment zones within the target region through multi-probe positioning. Each probe creates a localized ice ball that precisely covers a specific sub-region of the tumor. The system optimizes probe positions and angles to ensure that ice balls cover only the necessary tumor portions while maintaining safe distances from critical healthy structures, thereby achieving effective tumor ablation with minimized damage to surrounding healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 device accurately determines the puncture paths for each ablation probe, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the target tissue while minimizing damage to healthy tissues, thereby effectively treating larger or irregularly shaped tumors through multi-probe joint cryoablation.

Implementation Method 1

In cryoablation, the ablation of a lesion tissue is performed by an ice ball formed at the tail end of an ablation probe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreezing: Freezing

Data Source

PatentEP4169467B1Path planning device for multi-needle joint cryoablation
Publication Date: 2025.05.14 HYGEA MEDICAL TECH CO LTD
  • EP4169467B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4169467B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4169467B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a path planning device for multi-probe joint cryoablation, the device comprising a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor, when executing the computer program, implements the following steps: acquiring a target region in a medical scanned image of a target object and corresponding to a target tissue to be cryoablated; selecting a single-probe ablation region from the target region; for the single-probe ablation region, obtaining a puncture path of single-probe cryoablation and a corresponding ice ball coverage region; and if the ice ball coverage region does not completely cover target region, then taking the remaining region of the target region from which the ice ball coverage region is excluded as a new target region, and returning to the step of selecting the selecting the single-probe ablation region from the target region.