Quick-Connect Cryogenic Needle Probes for Faster Cartridge Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic devices face challenges in efficiently and conveniently replacing needle probes and cryogen cartridges during procedures, leading to inefficiencies and patient discomfort due to the need for repositioning needles and time-consuming manual connections.
Innovation Solution
The development of a cryogenic device with a quick-connect mechanism for needle probes and a swivelable cartridge door design that allows for easy replacement of cryogen cartridges without removing needles, along with a metal chassis to reduce bubble formation and a smart processor for probe type identification and treatment optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual connection methods are used for needle probes and cryogen cartridges, then device complexity is reduced, but procedure time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into modular components: a reusable handle and disposable needle probe assemblies with integrated cryogen cartridges. This segmentation allows the complex quick-connect mechanism to be contained within the disposable portion, simplifying the reusable handle while enabling rapid replacement of entire probe-cartridge assemblies during procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The quick-connect mechanism incorporates movable components including spring-loaded latches, deflectable guide members, and rotatable cartridge doors that transition between locked and unlocked positions. These dynamic elements enable rapid connection and disconnection of needle probes and cartridges without manual disassembly of multiple fasteners.
2Loss of time
If quick-connect mechanisms are implemented for needle probes, then procedure time decreases and productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex quick-connect mechanism with spring-loaded latches, guide members, and sealing elements is extracted into the disposable needle probe assembly. This allows the reusable handle to remain relatively simple while containing the time-consuming connection features in the single-use portion, eliminating the need to reset complex mechanisms after each procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The needle probes are pre-assembled with cryogen cartridges in a factory-controlled environment, with pre-positioned sealing elements and pre-compressed springs. This preliminary assembly ensures that all complex components are correctly positioned before reaching the patient, enabling rapid attachment to the handle without requiring complex alignment procedures during the medical procedure.
3Ease of operation
If manual cartridge replacement is used, then ease of operation is reduced, but device complexity is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge door mechanism merges multiple functions into a single component: it seals the cryogen cartridge within the disposable assembly, provides a user interface for activation, and integrates with the quick-connect latches. This unified design simplifies the user interaction to a single door-opening motion while coordinating the release of multiple connection elements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latches and deflectable guide members are designed to automatically engage and disengage during the cartridge replacement process. When the cartridge door is opened or the probe is inserted, the springs automatically drive the latches into locked positions, and the guide members automatically deflect to allow passage of sealing elements, eliminating the need for manual manipulation of multiple fasteners.
4Productivity
If rapid probe replacement is implemented, then productivity increases, but reliability may be compromised due to connection security
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple redundant connection elements are built into the quick-connect mechanism: spring-loaded latches provide primary locking, deflectable guide members provide secondary alignment and retention, and elastomeric sealing elements provide tertiary sealing and positioning. This layered approach ensures that even if one element fails, others maintain the connection, providing reliability comparable to manual assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latches incorporate audible and tactile feedback mechanisms that notify the operator when proper connection is achieved. The springs are compressed to predetermined forces that create distinct engagement sensations, and the deflectable guide members provide visual or tactile confirmation when properly seated, ensuring reliable connection without requiring complex electronic sensors.
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
Facilitates rapid and convenient probe and cartridge changes, reducing procedure time, minimizing patient discomfort, and optimizing treatment efficacy through efficient cryogen use and real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
Other cryogenic probes may include closed needle tips, in which case the needles may be cooled (e.g., by a flow of the cryogen), and the target tissue adjacent to the cooled needles may thereby be cooled by conduction.
Implementation Method 2
Cryogenic cooling of neural tissues has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of indications including pain... Cryogenic cooling has also been employed to address cosmetic conditions
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A cryogenic device with a cartridge holder for a cryogen cartridge, cryogen cartridge is coupleable to a cryogen pathway; a probe receptacle for receiving a needle probe, wherein the probe receptacle is configured to couple the needle probe to the cryogen cartridge via the cryogen pathway, and wherein the needle probe comprises: one or more needles having needle lumens disposed therein; a probe extension extending proximally, the probe extension having a probe lumen disposed therein, the probe lumen including an elongate element that extends from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the probe lumen is coupled to the needle lumens at the distal end, and the cryogen pathway at a first location in between the proximal end and the distal end. Various connection mechanisms for securing needle probes to a handpiece portion are disclosed.