Flexible Instrument Antenna With Variable Recoverable Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive ablation devices face challenges in navigating tortuous patient anatomy due to mechanical weakness and interference with energy delivery, particularly in maintaining flexibility and preventing excessive tissue heating.
Innovation Solution
A flexible energy delivery system with a coaxial cable design featuring a dielectric layer, recesses in the outer conductor, and a fluid conduit for cooling, along with inserts for mechanical support and a jacket layer to prevent unraveling, allows for resilient flexibility and efficient energy delivery while minimizing tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fluid conduit is positioned to overlap with the antenna during navigation, then resilient flexibility is provided, but interference with energy delivery occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid conduit is designed to be movable relative to the antenna, transitioning between an extended position that overlaps with the antenna during navigation to provide flexibility, and a retracted position that does not overlap during energy delivery to prevent interference. This dynamic repositioning allows the system to adapt its flexibility characteristics based on operational requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the flexible instrument is made more flexible for navigation, then ease of navigation improves, but mechanical strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible instrument incorporates a fluid conduit that provides localized flexibility only in the regions where it is needed for navigation through tortuous anatomy. The conduit can be extended or retracted to provide flexibility locally without compromising the overall mechanical strength of the antenna and transmission member structures.
3Ease of operation
If the fluid conduit material is chosen for flexibility, then resilient flexibility is achieved, but energy delivery interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the relative positioning of the fluid conduit as an intermediary mechanism to mediate between the need for flexibility and the need to prevent energy interference. By controlling whether the conduit overlaps with the antenna, the system can activate or deactivate the flexibility function without directly compromising energy delivery.
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 precise navigation and effective energy delivery to target tissues with reduced risk of mechanical failure and excessive heating, enhancing the safety and efficacy of minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer insulating the inner conductor from the outer conductor
Implementation Method 2
The at least one fluid conduit is configured to provide variable recoverable flexibility along at least a section of the flexible instrument
Implementation Method 3
The at least one fluid conduit is further composed of a material that prevents interference of energy delivery by the antenna
Implementation Method 4
Ablation instruments transmit energy, e.g., in the form of electromagnetic waves to a targeted area of tissue, such as a tumor or other growth, within the patient anatomy to destroy the targeted tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Flexible instruments and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a flexible instrument comprises an elongate device having an inner conductor, an outer conductor surrounding the inner conductor, and a dielectric layer insulating the inner conductor from the outer conductor. The flexible instrument further includes a recess formed in the outer conductor. An insert is positioned within the recess and about the inner conductor.