Flexible Ablation Probe with Segmented Cable for Narrow Anatomy Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation systems face challenges in accessing hard-to-reach areas within the body due to the size and rigidity of existing applicators, which can cause tissue damage and limit the effectiveness of thermal ablation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible ablation probe with a coupling body that securely encapsulates the applicator, allowing for a compact and flexible design that can navigate through tortuous anatomy, while maintaining mechanical strength and ease of manufacture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large diameter applicator is used for thermal ablation, then sufficient power can be delivered to the tissue, but the applicator cannot access hard-to-reach areas and causes tissue damage during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into a radiating tip portion and a feeding cable portion with different cross-sectional sizes. The distal radiating tip has a smaller diameter for access, while the proximal feeding cable has a larger diameter for power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The distal portion of the feeding cable is nested within or connected to the radiating tip assembly, creating a transition from small diameter at the tip to large diameter in the feeding cable, allowing the small tip to access narrow passages while the large cable provides sufficient power
2Length of moving object
If a small diameter feeding cable is used, then flexibility and insertion profile are improved, but electrical losses become excessive and power delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding cable has different cross-sectional sizes at different locations: a small distal portion near the applicator tip for flexibility and access, and a larger proximal portion for lower electrical resistance and higher power delivery capability
3Volume of moving object
If the ablation probe is made compact for narrow working channels, then delivery through tortuous anatomy is enabled, but mechanical strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into distinct functional portions (radiating tip, feeding cable, coupling body) that can be optimized independently for their specific requirements while assembling into a compact overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling body is formed from a material compatible with bonding to both the applicator and feeding cable, creating a strong composite structure that maintains mechanical integrity in the compact assembled probe
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 flexible ablation probe enables efficient delivery of thermal ablation therapy to previously inaccessible areas, reducing tissue damage and improving treatment outcomes by allowing for precise navigation through narrow working channels.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator arranged to apply radiation to heat surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 2
deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy (or microwave energy) to the tissue surrounding the applicator tip
Implementation Method 3
deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy (or microwave energy) to the tissue surrounding the applicator tip
Implementation Method 4
a feeding cable arranged to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator
Implementation Method 5
a deformable member which provides a coolant path through which coolant is able to flow
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An ablation probe (100; 200 ) comprising: an applicator (102; 202) arranged to apply radiation to heat surrounding tissue; a feeding cable (104; 204) arranged to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator; a coolant flow path (106, 108) forming a coolant supply circuit; a tubular member (112; 212) housing at least part of the feeding cable (104; 204), wherein a part of the coolant flow path is defined by a space between the feeding cable and the tubular member; and a coupling body (114). The coupling body comprises: a cavity (116) in which the applicator (102; 204) is at least partly encapsulated; a coupling interface (118) at which the coupling body (114) is coupled to the tubular member; and a pointed distal tip (H4a) adapted for piercing tissue.