Cryosurgery coolant delivery system and method of preparing and using the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryosurgery systems face challenges with the use of liquid nitrogen, which requires expensive equipment and is prone to evaporation, and refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons that are environmentally harmful and subject to phase-out regulations, necessitating a more efficient and environmentally friendly coolant delivery system.
Innovation Solution
A cryosurgery coolant delivery system using a canister with a mixture of hydrofluoroolefins and hydrofluorocarbons such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), and difluoromethane (HFC-32), along with a trigger-actuated canister head for targeted application, and various applicators for precise treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used as coolant, then effective tissue destruction is achieved, but equipment cost and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the coolant from liquid nitrogen to a hydrofluorocarbon mixture with lower operating temperatures and pressures, eliminating the need for expensive vacuum-insulated storage systems and heavy delivery equipment while maintaining effective cryosurgical temperatures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses disposable canisters containing pre-charged hydrofluorocarbon coolant, eliminating the need for expensive reusable storage tanks and complex delivery systems required by liquid nitrogen, thereby reducing overall equipment cost
2Temperature
If liquid nitrogen is used as coolant, then effective tissue destruction is achieved, but coolant loss from evaporation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses hydrofluorocarbon coolants with higher boiling points than liquid nitrogen, reducing evaporation rates during storage and handling while maintaining effective cryosurgical temperatures during application
3Device complexity
If hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants are used as coolant, then equipment cost is reduced, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite mixture of multiple hydrofluorocarbon compounds (HFC-134a, HFC-125, HFC-32) that achieves the desired cryosurgical performance with lower individual GWP components, reducing environmental impact while maintaining cost-effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent selects hydrofluorocarbon compounds with lower global warming potentials compared to traditional refrigerants, changing the chemical composition parameters to achieve both cost reduction and environmental compliance
4Temperature
If traditional cryosurgery systems are used, then tissue destruction capability is achieved, but portability and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cryosurgery apparatus into separate disposable canisters and reusable applicator components, allowing the canisters to be pre-charged and stored independently, then quickly attached to applicators at the point of care, improving portability and accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The use of disposable pre-charged canisters eliminates the need for expensive portable liquid nitrogen storage systems, making the system more accessible to smaller clinics and remote locations without compromising tissue freezing capability
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 provides a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and minimally invasive cryosurgical treatment option with reduced equipment costs and improved accessibility, while adhering to transport and safety regulations, and allows for precise application of the coolant to destroy abnormal tissues.
Implementation Method 1
The coolant may include a mixture of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), and difluoromethane (HFC-32)
Implementation Method 2
subjecting abnormal tissues or lesions on or near the surface of a patient's skin to sufficiently low temperatures to destroy the tissue/lesion
Data Source
AI summary
A cryosurgery coolant delivery system may include a canister body defining an inner chamber, a canister head portion coupled to the canister, and a coolant contained in the inner chamber. The coolant may include a mixture of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), and difluoromethane (HFC-32). In other aspects, the coolant may include a mixture of difluoromethane (HFC-32), pentafluoroethane (HFC-125), 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 2,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene (HFO-1234yf), and trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene.