Dual Thermal Ablation Device Integrating Heat and Cryogenic Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical technologies for tissue ablation, such as radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation, are inefficient and costly due to the need for separate devices for heat and cryogenic energy delivery, leading to challenges in precision, procedural time, and potential damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A dual ablation device that integrates both heat and cryogenic energy sources into a single unit, allowing for controlled, real-time application of thermal energies to a target tissue site using a hybrid thermal-cooling system with thermoelectric elements and a cryogen source, enabling simultaneous or sequential delivery of heat and cold temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two distinct thermal probes (one for heat energy, one for cryogenic energy) are utilized, then each energy source can be delivered independently, but the device complexity increases and procedural time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heat energy delivery and cryogenic energy delivery into a single integrated probe. The probe includes both a heating element (resistive or RF) and a cryogenic coolant channel within the same structure, allowing simultaneous or sequential application of both energy types through one device rather than requiring two separate probes
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver heat energy via resistive or RF heating elements, deliver cryogenic energy via coolant channels, and potentially alternate between modes. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate specialized probes while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of both energy types
2Adaptability or versatility
If two distinct thermal probes are utilized, then each technology can be applied with its specific surgical approach, but the procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating both heat and cryogenic delivery systems into a single probe, the procedure eliminates the time required to switch between separate probes, reposition instruments, or perform separate ablation passes. The unified design allows continuous treatment delivery without interruption
3Manufacturing precision
If heat energy is used for tissue ablation, then tissue can be removed or modified, but surrounding tissues may be damaged due to heat spread
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies cryogenic energy before or during heat energy delivery to pre-cool and protect surrounding tissues. The cryogenic portion creates a protective barrier or reduces thermal conductivity in adjacent areas, preventing heat spread to non-target tissues while allowing effective ablation at the target site
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated probe structure acts as an intermediary that controls and confines thermal energy. The probe design includes thermal barriers, insulating materials, or geometric configurations that direct heat to the target while the cryogenic component provides real-time thermal management to prevent collateral damage
4Manufacturing precision
If cryogenic energy is used to freeze target tissue, then tissue destruction is achieved, but overfreeze may damage surrounding non-targeted tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies heat energy before or during cryogenic energy delivery to pre-warm and protect surrounding tissues. The heat portion creates a thermal barrier or increases thermal conductivity in adjacent areas, allowing the cryogenic energy to be confined to the target tissue while preventing freezing of non-targeted structures
5Reliability
If separate thermal probes are used for heat and cryogenic energy, then each probe can be optimized for its specific function, but treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated probe combines heat and cryogenic delivery systems in a single device, allowing simultaneous or sequential treatment of multiple targets or alternating treatment of a single target without removing or repositioning instruments. This doubles the effective treatment capacity while maintaining optimized performance of each energy type through dedicated heating elements and coolant channels
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 dual ablation device reduces procedural time, increases treatment efficiency, and minimizes collateral damage by allowing for precise and controlled tissue ablation, while also enabling the use of anti-cancer agents, thus providing a cost-effective and versatile treatment option.
Implementation Method 1
one or more heating elements disposed within the ablation zone of the distal end and contacting the thermally conductive surface of the closed tip, the heating elements interconnected with the electrical connection of the longitudinal body for generating hyperthermic temperatures
Implementation Method 2
RFA has been effective in treating colorectal liver metastases... Radio frequency ablation has been used to treat a variety of cancers
Implementation Method 3
a cryogen supply line disposed through the longitudinal body and interconnected with the cryogen source for generating subzero temperatures
Implementation Method 4
the ablation zone transfers subzero temperatures and hyperthermic temperatures to the thermally conductive surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a multi-functional ablation device that encompasses the use of both heat energy and cryogenic energy as integrated into one medical device. In one embodiment, the medical device integrates a heat source such as RF or HIFU in combination with a source of cryogenic energy such that the multi-functional ablation device is a dual thermal ablation device capable of utilizing either energy source alone or in combination.