Dynamic RF Ablation Probe Interface for Independent Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current graphical user interfaces for radiofrequency ablation procedures lack flexibility and adaptability, making it difficult to independently control multiple probes during treatment, leading to inefficiencies and increased treatment time due to the need to wait for all probes to complete procedures before troubleshooting issues.
Innovation Solution
A system with a touch-sensitive display screen and a controller that dynamically sizes channel control regions based on the number of probes, allowing for independent control and real-time monitoring of each probe, enabling users to start, restart, or reset procedures without affecting other probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed graphical user interface layout is used to control multiple probes, then the interface design is simple, but the adaptability to varying numbers of probes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface employs dynamically resizable channel control regions that automatically adjust their size and position based on the number of probes connected to the system. When probes are added or removed, the interface reconfigures the display layout to optimize space utilization, allowing each channel control region to adapt its dimensions while maintaining all necessary controls and displays.
2Ease of operation
If multiple probes are controlled simultaneously with a single interface, then the interface appears compact, but the ability to independently control each probe is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface divides the control display into separate channel control regions, with each region dedicated to controlling a specific probe. Each channel control region contains independent controls for starting, stopping, pausing, and adjusting parameters of the associated probe, allowing the operator to control each probe independently while maintaining an organized and manageable interface layout.
3Ease of operation
If the interface displays all probe controls simultaneously, then all controls are accessible, but the interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate
Solution Approach 1:
Each channel control region in the graphical user interface is designed with consistent local characteristics, including standardized control elements, display formats, and interaction patterns. This uniformity across all channel control regions allows operators to efficiently navigate and control multiple probes without cognitive overload, as each region provides all necessary controls in a predictable and accessible manner.
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 provides a versatile and adaptable user interface that allows for efficient control of multiple probes, reducing treatment time and enabling quick identification and correction of issues, thus improving the overall efficiency of the ablation procedure.
Implementation Method 1
The RF electrical current is typically delivered from a generator via a plurality of connected electrodes that are placed in a patient's body, in a region of tissue that contains a neural structure suspected of transmitting pain signals to the brain. The electrodes generally include an insulated shaft with an exposed conductive tip to deliver the radio frequency electrical current. Tissue resistance to the current causes heating of tissue adjacent resulting in the coagulation of cells
Implementation Method 2
To extend the size of a lesion, radiofrequency treatment may be applied in conjunction with a cooling mechanism, whereby a cooling means is used to reduce the temperature of the tissue near an energy delivery device, allowing a higher voltage to be applied without causing an unwanted increase in local tissue temperature.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering energy to a patient's body includes a plurality of probes, a touch-sensitive display screen, and a controller communicatively coupled to each of the probes and the display screen. The controller is configured to perform operations including displaying a plurality of dynamically sized channel control regions within a user interface of the touch-sensitive display screen. Each of the plurality of channel control regions corresponds with at least one of the plurality of probes and is sized based at least in part on a number of the plurality of probes. The operations can include detecting a user touch action directed to a user-selected channel control region of the plurality of dynamically sized channel control regions. The operations can include performing a control action associated with the probe(s) that correspond with the user-selected channel control region when the user touch action is detected.