Cryoprobe Tip Temperature Control via Dual-Phase Cryogen Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryosurgical systems fail to efficiently and effectively provide both cooling and heating to the cryoprobe tip using a single type of cryogen, which is essential for enhanced tissue ablation and faster procedure times.
Innovation Solution
A cryosurgical system utilizing two separate sources of the same type of cryogen, one in a liquid state and the other in a gaseous state, with a heating element to selectively heat the gaseous cryogen, allowing for sequential supply to the cryoprobe tip for both cooling and heating during the freeze/thaw cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single cryogen source is used for both cooling and heating, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to provide efficient and sufficient cooling and heating is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cryogen supply into two separate sources: one dedicated to cooling (liquid cryogen) and one dedicated to heating (gaseous cryogen). This segmentation allows each source to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring reliable and efficient temperature control while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The same type of cryogen is used for both cooling and heating functions, making the system universal. The dual-source configuration allows a single cryogen type to perform multiple functions (cooling and heating) by controlling its phase and delivery timing, reducing the need for multiple different cryogen systems.
2Temperature
If liquid cryogen is used for cooling, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the ability to provide rapid heating is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between cooling phase (liquid cryogen delivery) and heating phase (gaseous cryogen delivery) in periodic cycles. During the cooling phase, liquid cryogen efficiently removes heat; during the heating phase, gaseous cryogen is rapidly heated and delivered to quickly raise the probe temperature, enabling both efficient cooling and rapid heating through time-separated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits phase transitions of the cryogen to achieve different thermal effects. Liquid cryogen provides efficient cooling through evaporation and heat absorption. The same cryogen, when in gaseous phase and heated, provides rapid heating. The phase transition between liquid and gas states enables the cryogen to serve dual thermal functions.
3Loss of time
If gaseous cryogen is heated for thawing, then procedure time is reduced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gaseous cryogen is heated using an electrical heating element integrated into the system, which efficiently transfers energy to the gas. The heated gaseous cryogen then serves dual purposes: it thaws the probe tip to enable rapid probe release and prepares the cryogen for subsequent cooling cycles. This self-service approach minimizes external energy input requirements and reduces overall procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the gaseous cryogen using controlled heating. By adjusting the heating parameters (temperature, heating rate), the system optimizes the balance between rapid thawing (reducing procedure time) and energy consumption. The heating element provides precise parameter control to achieve efficient energy utilization.
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 efficient and effective temperature control of the cryoprobe tip, improving the efficacy of cryoablation treatments by allowing rapid heating and cooling, thus shortening procedure time and enhancing tissue damage during the thawing process.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid phase of the delivered cryogen then cools the tip (distal section of the cryoprobe), by total or partial evaporation
Implementation Method 2
The liquid phase of the delivered cryogen then cools the tip (distal section of the cryoprobe), by total or partial evaporation
Implementation Method 3
The gaseous cryogen is further heated by a heating element, preferably an electrical heating element
Implementation Method 4
The gaseous cryogen is further heated by a heating element, preferably an electrical heating element, supplying the heating needed for the thaw and release parts of the cryo treatment procedure
Data Source
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AI summary
A cryosurgical system featuring both cooling and heating utilizing a single type of cryogen but from two different sources. The liquid cryogen cools the tip of a cryosurgical instrument in the cryosurgical system, such as a cryoprobe or cryocatheter. The gaseous cryogen is further heated by a heating element, preferably an electrical heating element, supplying the heating needed for the thaw and release parts of the cryo treatment procedure. Thus, the cryosurgical system supports the freeze/thaw cycle of the operation of the cryosurgical instrument.