Flexible Cylindrical Antenna for Tortuous Tissue Ablation Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue ablation devices face challenges in navigating tortuous anatomical regions due to the rigidity of traditional antennas, which limits their ability to bend and recover, and struggle to control ablation zone size and depth effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible antenna system with a patterned cylindrical structure, composed of a highly elastic material plated with a conductive material, allows for navigation through tight bends while maintaining the ability to recover and control ablation parameters such as ablation zone size by adjusting the antenna's length, pitch, and material properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional rigid antennas are used for tissue ablation, then ablation zone control is improved, but navigation through tortuous anatomy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by constructing the antenna as a thin-walled cylindrical structure that can flex and bend to navigate tortuous anatomical pathways. The cylindrical shell design allows the antenna to conform to curved paths while maintaining its structural integrity and electromagnetic functionality for precise ablation zone control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies this principle by using a composite structure consisting of a cylindrical shell with specific wall thickness and material properties. The composite design combines the flexibility needed for navigation with the structural rigidity required for maintaining antenna shape and controlling ablation zones during the procedure.
2Ease of operation
If flexible materials are used for the antenna body, then navigation through tortuous anatomy is improved, but antenna shape retention is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies this principle by carefully selecting and optimizing specific parameters of the cylindrical shell including wall thickness, material composition, and dimensional ratios. These parameter changes enable the antenna to achieve the right balance between flexibility for navigation and shape retention for maintaining antenna functionality during ablation procedures.
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 antenna system enables precise tissue ablation by navigating through complex anatomical paths, recovering from bends, and dynamically controlling ablation zone size, improving the effectiveness and precision of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the second material being more conductive than the first material and being electrically coupled to the conducting cable to generate a radiation pattern to ablate tissue
Implementation Method 2
a first material having a flexible plastic deformation limit such that a strain as the patterned cylindrical structure bends through a curve remains below the flexible plastic deformation limit
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible instrument comprises an antenna having a distal tip portion, a proximal base, and an antenna body therebetween. The antenna body comprises a patterned cylindrical structure having a proximal end coupled to the proximal base and a distal end coupled to the distal tip portion. The flexible instrument is configured to generate a radiation pattern from the antenna to ablate tissue.