Expandable Cryogenic Probe With Deflecting Needles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic probes used in medical procedures, such as cryosurgery, face challenges in treating larger volumes of tissue without increasing the probe's diameter, leading to trauma and discomfort due to the need for multiple probes and limited effective treatment area.
Innovation Solution
A narrow cryogenic probe design that allows an ice ball to be enlarged by protrusion and displacement of needles, increasing the effective treatment area without inflating the cryotip, enabling treatment of a larger volume of tissue while maintaining a narrow diameter for minimal tissue trauma.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the probe diameter is increased to treat larger volume of tissue, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the tissue trauma and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple independent cryogenic needles (e.g., 3-5 needles) that can be positioned at different locations within the target tissue. Each needle creates its own ice ball, and the combined effect treats a larger volume without requiring a single large-diameter probe, thus minimizing trauma while maximizing treatment coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point freezing approach to a multi-point spatial distribution of freezing elements. By arranging multiple needles in three-dimensional space within the tissue, the system expands treatment coverage from a linear path to a volumetric region, effectively increasing treatment volume without increasing probe diameter.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple probes are used to treat larger tissue volume, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the tissue trauma and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cryogenic needles that would traditionally require separate probe insertions are merged into a single integrated probe assembly. This allows all needles to be inserted through one procedure, treating a larger tissue volume without requiring multiple separate probe insertions, thereby reducing procedural complexity and tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe assembly performs multiple functions by incorporating several cryogenic needles that can be independently activated. This multi-functional design allows the probe to treat different regions of tissue simultaneously or sequentially, replacing the need for multiple single-function probes.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cryotip diameter is increased to enlarge the ice ball, then the treatment volume is improved, but the probe size and tissue trauma increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ice ball formation is segmented into multiple smaller ice balls created by individual needles. Each needle produces a localized ice ball, and the collection of multiple ice balls achieves the desired total treatment volume without requiring any single needle or the cryotip to be large in diameter, thus avoiding increased probe size and associated trauma.
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 probe effectively treats a larger volume of tissue with reduced trauma by expanding the ice ball's diameter beyond the cryotip's diameter, allowing for more comprehensive tissue ablation with minimal increase in probe size, thus enhancing the efficacy of cryosurgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Freezing tissue can kill its cells, and this makes cryosurgery particularly useful for treating cancerous growths
Implementation Method 2
allowing an ice ball having a diameter larger that of the cryotip to be formed around the cryotip
Data Source
AI summary
A cryoprobe for surgical and other treatments. The cryoprobe comprises an expandable section that performs displacement of a distal cryotip forwards when there is elevation of the operation pressure in the interior of the cryoprobe. Needle-wise metal elements are installed on the external side of the cryotip. These needle-wise elements are deflecting outwards by a deflecting member fastened on the distal edge of an external shaft of the cryoprobe. This allows a significant enlargement of the frozen volume of the treated tissue with the same operation temperature and the outer diameter of the cryoprobe. In another embodiment, the needle elements are formed in a displaceable metal sheath and a distal section of a cryotip and/or special protrusions on this distal section act as the deflecting member.