Dual Antenna Phase Shifter for Tissue Ablation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation systems using electromagnetic radiation face challenges in accurately determining the extent of microwave energy penetration into tissue, making it difficult to control the area or volume of tissue to be ablated effectively.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical ablation system with a power splitting device and phase shifter that equally divides energy between a pair of antennas, allowing for selective phase adjustment between the antennas to achieve desired tissue ablation geometries by shifting the phase relationship between the antennas +/- 90 degrees, enabling precise control over energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If monopole or dipole antenna assemblies are used to deliver microwave energy to tissue, then electromagnetic radiation can be applied to heat and ablate tissue, but it is difficult to assess the extent of energy radiation into surrounding tissue and control the ablated area or volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single antenna system into multiple antenna elements (e.g., three or more antennas) arranged in specific geometric configurations. Each antenna element can be independently controlled with individual phase and amplitude adjustment, allowing segmented control of the electromagnetic energy distribution in different spatial directions. This segmentation enables precise control over the ablated tissue volume by adjusting the contribution of each antenna element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of the antenna system through real-time adjustment of phase and amplitude parameters for each antenna element. The system can dynamically modify the electromagnetic radiation pattern during the ablation procedure by changing the phase relationships between antennas, allowing the operator to control and reshape the ablation zone in three-dimensional space according to the specific anatomical requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional antenna assemblies are used, then microwave energy can be delivered to achieve tissue ablation, but the ability to control the geometry and shape of the ablation pattern is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by allowing independent phase and amplitude adjustment of each antenna element based on the specific requirements of different treatment zones. Each antenna element can be optimized to deliver energy with specific characteristics to particular regions, enabling the creation of customized ablation patterns that match the irregular shapes of tumors or diseased tissues while preserving surrounding healthy structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in phase and amplitude for each antenna element to transform the electromagnetic radiation pattern and create different ablation geometries. By systematically varying these parameters, the system can generate various three-dimensional ablation patterns including spherical, elongated, or irregular shapes, providing versatility in treating different types and locations of lesions.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple antennas are used to improve control over ablation patterns, then different ablation geometries can be achieved, but the system complexity increases with phase shifting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a phase shifter as an intermediary device between the microwave source and the antenna elements. This phase shifter serves as a mediator that independently adjusts the phase of each antenna element's signal without requiring complex interactions between multiple control systems. The phase shifter simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a dedicated component for phase control, making the system more manageable despite the multiple antennas involved.
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
This solution allows for precise control over tissue ablation patterns, enabling either long thin or spherical ablation patterns based on the phase configuration, improving the accuracy and effectiveness of tissue ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A phase shifter is operably associated with the handle assembly and is operably coupled to the pair of output channels. The phase shifter is configured to selectively shift a phase relationship between the pair of output channels +/- 90 degrees to achieve a desired tissue ablation geometry.
Implementation Method 2
Electromagnetic radiation can be used to heat and destroy tumor cells. Microwave energy is sometimes utilized to perform these methods.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
An electrosurgical ablation system includes an energy source adapted to supply energy to an energy delivery device. The energy delivery device includes a handle assembly configured to couple a pair of antennas extending from a distal end thereof to the energy source for application of energy to tissue. A power splitting device is operatively associated with the handle assembly and has an input adapted to connect to the energy source and a pair of output channels operably coupled to the respective pair of antennas. A phase shifter is operatively associated with the handle assembly and is operably coupled to the pair of output channels. The phase shifter is configured to selectively shift a phase relationship between the pair of output channels.