Fluid-Jet Tissue Resection With Real-Time Imaging Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for treating tissues, such as the prostate, are less than ideal due to longer healing times, cumbersome user interfaces, inaccurate treatment, and inadequate real-time imaging, leading to suboptimal surgical outcomes and potential tissue perforation.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a fluid stream directed through a urethra to generate shedding clouds for tissue resection, with scanning and aspiration to improve accuracy and alignment, and integrated imaging for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If prior methods of prostate surgery are used, then tissue removal can be performed, but healing time is longer and treatment accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical instruments with a high-pressure fluid jet system. The fluid jet delivers concentrated mechanical energy to precisely remove tissue with minimal trauma to surrounding areas, enabling faster healing while maintaining high tissue removal efficiency. The fluid stream acts as a controllable mechanical tool that can be precisely directed and adjusted during the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If prior ultrasound imaging methods are used, then tissue can be imaged, but real-time imaging during treatment is inadequate and alignment with treatment images is less than ideal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging system and treatment system into an integrated unit. The ultrasound transducer is positioned to coincide with the fluid jet delivery system, allowing simultaneous real-time imaging and treatment. This integration eliminates the need for separate imaging procedures and ensures perfect alignment between treatment and imaging, providing continuous feedback during the procedure without treatment delays.
3Manufacturing precision
If prior treatment apparatus are used, then tissue can be treated, but accuracy is reduced and user interface is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback through integrated imaging that displays tissue structure and treatment progress. The system provides continuous visual feedback to the operator, showing the precise location of the fluid jet relative to tissue boundaries and treatment zones. This feedback mechanism enables highly accurate treatment while simplifying operation, as the operator can directly observe treatment progress and make immediate adjustments without complex 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
Enhances tissue removal precision, reduces healing time, and minimizes tissue damage by providing real-time imaging and improved surgical control, allowing for more accurate and efficient procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid stream is directed toward tissue to generate a plurality of shedding clouds. Each of the plurality of shedding clouds can remove a portion of the tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid stream is directed toward tissue to generate a plurality of shedding clouds. The fluid stream can be scanned such that the plurality of shedding clouds arrive a different overlapping locations. Each of the plurality of shedding clouds can remove a portion of the tissue. In many embodiments, an apparatus to ablate tissue comprises a source of pressurized fluid, and a nozzle coupled to the source of pressurized fluid to release a fluid stream, in which the fluid stream generates a plurality of shedding clouds.