Directional Cooling Radiofrequency Ablation Probe for Lesion Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current radiofrequency ablation techniques for pain management and tumor treatment face limitations in controlling lesion size, requiring multiple active electrode tip lengths and inventory management, and are hindered by difficulties in differentiating small tip lengths.
Innovation Solution
A cooled radiofrequency ablation system with a bidirectional pump assembly that controls lesion size by circulating cooling fluid through internal tubes of varying lengths within the probe, allowing precise lesion formation without changing the active electrode tip length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple active electrode tip lengths are used to control lesion size, then lesion size control is improved, but device complexity and inventory management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cooling fluid flow path dynamically adjustable by providing multiple selectively connectable cooling fluid tubes with different lengths. The operator can choose which tube to activate based on the desired lesion size, allowing a single probe to perform multiple functions that previously required multiple probes with different active electrode tip lengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly is designed to be universal by incorporating multiple cooling fluid tubes of varying lengths within a single device. This allows one probe to create lesions of different sizes by simply changing the cooling fluid flow path, eliminating the need for multiple specialized probes and simplifying inventory management.
2Volume of stationary object
If active electrode tip length is changed to control lesion size, then lesion volume is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in differentiating small tip lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces cooling fluid tubes as an intermediary mechanism to control lesion size. Instead of directly changing the active electrode tip length, the operator adjusts which cooling tube is activated. This intermediary approach allows precise control of lesion dimensions through cooling fluid flow path selection rather than physical tip length changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cooling fluid flow path is adjusted to control lesion size, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple internal tubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where multiple cooling fluid tubes of different lengths are positioned concentrically or adjacently within the single probe assembly. The tubes are selectively connectable, allowing the operator to choose which tube receives cooling fluid based on the desired lesion size. This nesting approach packs multiple functions into a single probe without significantly increasing external dimensions.
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 precise control of lesion size and volume by adjusting the direction of cooling fluid flow, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the need for multiple probe types.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional pump assembly operable to circulate a cooling fluid from a cooling fluid reservoir through the first internal cooling fluid tube, the internal cavity, the second internal cooling fluid tube, and back to the cooling fluid reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The cooling fluid continuously transfers heat away from the active electrode, allowing the electrode-tissue interface temperature to be maintained at a level that does not char or significantly dessicate the surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 3
The RF electrical current is typically delivered from a generator via connected electrodes that are placed in a patient's body... Tissue resistance to the current causes heating of tissue adjacent resulting in the coagulation of cells
Data Source
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AI summary
A cooled radiofrequency ablation system including a probe assembly having a proximal region, a distal tip region, and a shaft is provided. First and second internal cooling fluid tubes extend from the proximal region and are positioned inside a cavity defined by the shaft. The distal tip region includes a conductive portion for delivering energy to a target location within tissue. The system also includes a radiofrequency generator for delivering energy to the target location and a cooling fluid reservoir and a bidirectional pump assembly for circulating a cooling fluid from the reservoir through the first internal cooling fluid tube then the second internal cooling fluid tube when the pump operates in a first direction or through the second internal cooling fluid tube then the first internal cooling fluid tube when the pump operates in a second direction to form lesions of different sizes at the target location.