Uterine Fibroid Ablation via MRI-Guided Radiofrequency Electrode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for uterine fibroid ablation are invasive, require specialized skills and equipment, and are often inaccessible due to high costs and limited availability of trained professionals, leading to incomplete removal and potential damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system integrating an ultrasound scanner with a controllable energy source and a device featuring an electrode for precise ablation, guided by real-time imaging and navigation parameters, allowing for minimally invasive procedures that can be performed in a limited resource setting without the need for highly skilled surgeons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical removal of fibroids is performed, then complete removal of fibroids is achieved, but morbidity increases and recovery time lengthens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical surgical removal with thermal ablation using radiofrequency energy. The electrode delivers thermal energy to destroy fibroid tissue in place, eliminating the need for mechanical excision and associated surgical trauma, thereby reducing morbidity and recovery time while achieving complete fibroid destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces real-time MRI imaging as an intermediary to guide the ablation process. The MRI scanner provides continuous feedback on electrode position and tissue temperature, enabling precise control of the ablation zone to ensure complete fibroid destruction while protecting surrounding healthy tissues
2Object-affected harmful factors
If MRgFUS is used for ablation, then non-invasive procedure is achieved, but equipment cost and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real-time MRI imaging as an intermediary guidance system that integrates with the ablation device. The MRI scanner provides continuous feedback on electrode position and tissue temperature, enabling precise control of the ablation zone without requiring complex specialized equipment or highly trained personnel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through MRI imaging during the ablation procedure. The system continuously monitors temperature distribution and fibroid tissue changes, automatically adjusting treatment parameters to achieve complete ablation while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, thereby simplifying the procedure and reducing the need for highly specialized operators
3Object-affected harmful factors
If RF ablation with ultrasound guidance is used, then minimally invasive approach is achieved, but incomplete removal and damage to surrounding organs occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ultrasound imaging with real-time MRI imaging for guidance during RF ablation. MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast and multi-planar visualization, enabling precise tracking of the electrode tip and real-time monitoring of the ablation zone expansion, thereby ensuring complete fibroid destruction while protecting surrounding healthy organs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through MRI imaging that continuously monitors the ablation process. The system tracks temperature distribution and fibroid tissue changes, automatically adjusting treatment parameters to achieve complete ablation while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, thereby improving both completeness of removal and safety
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 system enables safe, cost-effective, and clinically effective uterine fibroid ablation with reduced recovery time and minimal risk to surrounding tissues, accessible in a variety of settings, including outside an operating theater.
Implementation Method 1
a controllable energy source coupled with the electrode and configured to supply energy to the electrode
Implementation Method 2
enabling the electrode to ablate the fibroid
Implementation Method 3
an ultrasound scanner configured to perform a volume scan of a uterus of a patient
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system for ablation of uterine fibroid(s), said system comprising: an ultrasound scanner configured to perform a volume scan of a uterus of a patient; a display coupled with the ultrasound scanner, configured for displaying image and alphanumeric characters; a device comprising an electrode for ablating the uterine fibroid; a controllable energy source coupled with the electrode and configured to supply energy to the electrode. The system comprises one or more processors configured to: receive ultrasound image data from the ultrasound scanner; process the image data to generate a three-dimensional representation of the uterus of the patient; determine location and size of one or more fibroids in the uterus; determine one or more navigation parameters for the electrode, from the display; determine ablation parameters required by the electrode to ablate the fibroid, wherein the device is operatively coupled to the one or more processors, said one or more processors configured to guide the electrode to a required point in the fibroid based on the determined one or more navigation parameters on the display, and wherein, on receipt of a signal, the controllable energy source supplies power to electrode to enable ablation of the fibroid.