Cryoprobe Directional Insulation for Asymmetric Ice Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryoprobes produce symmetrical ice formations that may not be suitable for targeting asymmetrical tissue shapes or avoiding healthy tissues, necessitating the development of cryoprobes that can form asymmetrical ice or direct ice formation in a desired direction.

Innovation Solution

The cryoprobe incorporates a directional insulator and heaters to guide and control cryogen flow, allowing ice formation in a specific direction by blocking or heating selected areas to limit ice growth where not desired.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional cryoprobes are used, then ice formations are symmetrical and uniform, but the ability to target asymmetrical tissue shapes or avoid healthy tissues is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to target asymmetrical tissue shapesVSAvoidice formation symmetry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces asymmetry into the cryoprobe design by positioning insulation elements (such as insulating material on the outer surface of the probe shaft) at specific locations. This asymmetric insulation configuration causes the cryogen to preferentially cool certain directions, producing asymmetrical ice formations that can conform to irregular tissue shapes and protect adjacent healthy tissues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing insulation at specific localized regions rather than uniformly throughout the probe. The insulating material is positioned at predetermined locations along the probe shaft to control ice formation in specific directions, allowing different parts of the probe to have different thermal characteristics tailored to the treatment requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If cryogen flow is increased to improve freezing efficiency, then ice formation speed increases, but ice formation occurs in all directions including areas where healthy tissues are located

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefreezing efficiencyVSAvoiddamage to healthy tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary substance (insulating material) between the cryogen and the surrounding tissue in specific directions. This insulating layer acts as a thermal barrier that prevents heat transfer from healthy tissues to the cryogen in protected directions, while allowing efficient heat transfer in directions where ice formation is desired.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If insulation is added to direct cryogen flow, then directional ice formation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional ice formation controlVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive insulating materials (such as foam or plastic insulation) that can be integrated into the probe shaft during manufacturing. These insulation elements are straightforward components that do not require complex mechanisms, actuators, or control systems, thereby adding minimal complexity to the overall device while achieving the desired directional control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Enables the formation of ice in a predetermined direction, minimizing damage to healthy tissues and effectively targeting asymmetrical tissue shapes during cryoablation procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a directional insulator positioned radially outward of the cryogen supply in the inner cavity. The directional insulator may guide the cryogen flow in a direction away from the distal end of the shell along a predetermined return path between the cryogen supply and the shell. The directional insulator may insulate a portion of the shell from the cryogen flow.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal Insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

A cryoablation system may include an extremely cold cryogen (liquid, gas, or mixed phase) that may be passed through a probe in thermal contact with the target tissue. Heat from the tissue passes from the tissue, through the probe, and into the cryogen that removes heat from the targeted tissue. This removal of heat causes tissue to freeze.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat Transfer by Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260020890A1Cryoablation probes for directional ice formation

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A cryoprobe includes a shell extending in an axial direction and defining an inner cavity. The cryoprobe also includes a tip connected to a distal end of the shell and a cryogen supply extending in the inner cavity that is configured to provide a flow of cryogen toward the distal end of the shell. The cryoprobe also includes a directional insulator positioned radially outward of the cryogen supply in the inner cavity. The directional insulator guides the cryogen flow in a direction away from the distal end of the shell along a predetermined return path between the cryogen supply and the shell.