Echogenic Microwave Ablation Antenna Indentations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision placement of microwave energy delivery devices in medical procedures is challenging due to the need for precise control and visibility during insertion and positioning within tissue, which existing technologies do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A surface treatment on surgical devices, including indentations with specific plane orientations, enhances visibility under ultrasonic imaging by creating identifiable patterns or clusters that resonate with imaging systems, aiding in precise device placement and positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a percutaneously inserted microwave energy delivery device is used to treat tissue, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the precision of device positioning becomes more challenging and difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies echogenic surface treatments (acoustic impedance variations) on the microwave antenna device that create visible reflections and patterns during ultrasonic imaging. These surface modifications cause the device to appear as distinct bright patterns with characteristic geometries (lines, curves, or shapes) on the ultrasonic display, enabling real-time visualization of device position and orientation without requiring complex imaging equipment or procedures.
2Device complexity
If conventional microwave energy delivery devices are used without special surface treatments, then the device structure remains simple, but visibility during ultrasonic imaging is insufficient for precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the acoustic impedance parameters of the device surface by applying echogenic treatments that reflect ultrasonic waves. These surface treatments alter the acoustic properties without changing the fundamental device structure or function. The treatments create characteristic reflection patterns that depend on the geometry and orientation of the surface features, allowing the device to be clearly visualized during ultrasonic-guided procedures while maintaining structural simplicity.
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 surface treatment significantly improves the visibility of surgical devices during ultrasonic imaging, facilitating more precise placement and effective treatment by providing clear, recognizable patterns that guide clinicians during the insertion and positioning process.
Implementation Method 1
The surface treatment is visible to an ultrasonic imaging system and the surface treatment improves visibility of the surgical device by the ultrasonic imaging system
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An ablation device comprising: a first indentation extending into an outer surface of the ablation device, the first indentation including: a first surface forming a first plane extending into the outer surface of the ablation device at a first approach angle; a second surface forming a second plane; and a third surface forming a third plane, wherein the first, the second, and the third planes are substantially perpendicular to each other; and a second indentation extending into the outer surface of the ablation device, the second indentation including a plane extending into the outer surface of the ablation device at a second approach angle different from the first approach angle.