Cryoablation Probe Heater With Movable Sleeve for Track Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryoablation systems require secondary gases or fluids to warm the cryoprobe, adding complexity and cost, and existing cryoprobes with movable insulating sleeves lack efficient heating capabilities for procedures like cautery and track ablation.
Innovation Solution
A cryoprobe with an adjustable insulating sleeve and a resistive heater that can heat the needle to predetermined temperatures, eliminating the need for secondary gases and enabling procedures such as cautery and track ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a second gas or fluid is used to warm the cryoprobe, then the cryoprobe can be warmed following a freezing cycle, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the second gas or fluid heating system from the cryoablation system, extracting this complex subsystem entirely. Instead, a resistive heater element is integrated directly into the cryoprobe, eliminating the need for separate heating circuits, gas supply systems, and control mechanisms while maintaining the ability to warm the probe after freezing cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive heater enables the cryoprobe to perform multiple functions: freezing tissue during ablation, warming itself after freezing cycles to remove ice, and providing cautery heating. This single integrated heating capability replaces what previously required separate gas-fluid heating systems, reducing overall system complexity
2Temperature
If a second gas or fluid is used to warm the cryoprobe, then the cryoprobe can be warmed following a freezing cycle, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive heater element is a simple, inexpensive component compared to the complex gas supply systems, valves, and control mechanisms previously required. This disposable-like simplicity in design reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining full heating functionality for probe warming and cautery procedures
3Manufacturing precision
If an adjustable insulating sleeve is added to adjust iceball size, then the iceball size can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating sleeve is made movable along the cryoprobe shaft, allowing dynamic adjustment of its position to control the length of the freezing zone and thus the iceball size. This mechanical adjustment mechanism is simple yet effective, providing precise control without complex electronics or additional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The insulating sleeve provides localized thermal insulation at specific positions along the cryoprobe, allowing different sections of the probe to have different thermal characteristics. By adjusting the sleeve position, the user controls where insulation occurs, thereby controlling iceball size and shape with precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If a heater is added to enable cautery and track ablation, then heating capabilities are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function for cautery and track ablation is merged with the existing cryoprobe structure by integrating a resistive heater element directly into the probe. This single heater serves multiple purposes: warming the probe after freezing, providing cautery to seal vessels, and enabling track ablation, thereby combining multiple heating applications into one unified system that minimizes additional complexity
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 system allows for efficient heating without additional complexity or cost, achieving temperatures above 80 degrees Celsius for procedures like cautery and track ablation, reducing bleeding and improving procedural efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the needle to predetermined temperature
Implementation Method 2
an adjustable insulating sleeve positioned in the inner cavity radially outward of the cryogen conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A cryoprobe includes a needle defining an internal cavity, a cryogen conduit positioned in the internal cavity, an adjustable insulating sleeve positioned in the inner cavity radially outward of the cryogen conduit, and a heater configured to heat the needle to predetermined temperature.