Cryoprobe Heater Control for Continuous Cryoablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cryoablation systems face challenges in maintaining small probe diameters while ensuring the functionality and longevity of heaters within cryoprobes, which are prone to failures such as short circuits and open circuits due to manufacturing defects and damage, leading to potential suspension of treatments.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a cryoablation apparatus with a heater and a cryo-controller that monitors and adjusts power signals based on real-time operating information, using sensors and machine learning models to detect heater events and prolong the life of the cryoprobe by allowing continued operation under modified conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the cryoprobe is designed with a small outer diameter for accurate insertion, then insertion accuracy and patient safety are improved, but the ability to include desired components (such as heaters) within the needle is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveouter diameter of needleVSAvoidability to include components within needle

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heater is nested within the needle structure of the cryoprobe, with the heater positioned inside or on the shell of the needle. This allows the heater component to be accommodated within the small outer diameter of the needle while maintaining the required insertion accuracy and patient safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heater is positioned in a radial dimension on or in the needle shell rather than extending the needle length, allowing component inclusion without increasing the critical insertion dimension of the needle outer diameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If the heater operates continuously at high power, then treatment efficiency is improved, but the heater is prone to failures (short circuits, open circuits) due to manufacturing defects and damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidheater functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of heater operating characteristics (such as resistance) before failures occur. By detecting changes in operating parameters that indicate developing defects, the system can take preventive action before complete heater failure occurs, maintaining both continuous operation and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cryo-controller continuously monitors heater operating characteristics and uses this feedback to detect heater events such as short circuits or open circuits. This real-time feedback allows the system to respond to heater degradation while maintaining efficient operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the heater event is detected and power is reduced, then heater life is prolonged, but treatment continuity may be interrupted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheater lifeVSAvoidtreatment continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

When a heater event is detected, the system applies partial action by reducing power to the heater rather than completely shutting it down. This partial power reduction extends heater life by reducing stress on the component while maintaining sufficient heating capability to continue the cryoablation treatment without interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 effectively detects and manages heater events, enabling continuous cryoablation treatments without interruption, thereby extending the life of the cryoprobe and ensuring treatment efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

the heater may be configured to raise a temperature of the cryoprobe to a temperature of 80 degrees Celsius or greater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

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 EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260041473A1Cryoablation apparatuses and related methods for prolonging life of heater in cryoprobe

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 VARIAN MEDICAL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A cryoablation apparatus includes a cryoprobe with a heater and one or more sensors, and a cryo-controller with at least one processor and memory. The cryo-controller is configured to obtain cryoprobe operating information characterizing one or more operating characteristics of the heater, compare the cryoprobe operating information to a predetermined operating level of the heater to detect when a heater event occurs, and adjust a power signal supplied to the heater when the heater event is detected.