Microwave Antenna Probe Flexible Couplings for Ablation Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave antenna probes face issues with inconsistent axial spacing between the distal end of the radiating portion and the trocar, leading to sub-optimal or degraded ablation performance due to variations in component lengths, assembly inconsistencies, and engagement positions.
Innovation Solution
The probes incorporate flexible couplings, spacers, and phase-change materials to maintain a target axial distance between the radiating portion and the trocar, allowing for axial movement and adjustment to ensure optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid couplings are used to connect antenna assembly and outer jacket, then structural stability is improved, but axial movement capability is lost leading to inconsistent spacing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid couplings with flexible couplings that allow axial movement between the antenna assembly and outer jacket. This enables the system to adapt to variations in component lengths and assembly positions while maintaining optimal spacing between the radiating portion and trocar during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the coupling mechanism from rigid to flexible, allowing axial displacement. The flexible coupling can be made from elastomeric materials or bellows structures that provide both mechanical connection and movement capability, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If fixed-length components are used in assembly, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but spacing consistency deteriorates due to assembly variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating flexible couplings and spacers that compensate for assembly variations before they affect the critical spacing. These elements absorb the dimensional tolerances and positioning variations that occur during assembly, ensuring consistent spacing between the radiating portion and trocar regardless of manufacturing variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements such as flexible couplings and spacers between the rigid components. These intermediaries act as buffers that decouple the dimensional variations from the critical spacing relationship, allowing simple manufacturing of individual components while achieving precise overall spacing.
3Manufacturing precision
If axial movement is permitted between components, then spacing optimization is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements axial movement capability through flexible couplings that allow controlled displacement while maintaining structural integrity. The flexible coupling acts as a dynamic element that permits the necessary axial adjustment for optimal spacing while still providing mechanical support and maintaining overall structural stability during the ablation procedure.
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
This configuration ensures consistent and optimal ablation performance by maintaining the desired spacing, accounting for variations in probe components and assembly, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The phase-change material is transitionable, upon activation of the antenna assembly, between a solid state, for maintaining the target axial distance between the distal end member and the radiating portion, and a fluid state, for absorbing heat to maintain the antenna assembly in a relatively cooled state during use.
Implementation Method 2
The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue
Implementation Method 3
microwave energy is used to ablate and/or coagulate tissue to denature or kill cancerous cells
Implementation Method 4
The flexible conductive joint is configured to electrically couple the radiating portion and the antenna assembly to one another and to permit relative axial movement of the radiating portion with respect to the antenna assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.