Handheld Microwave Amplifier for Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld medical devices for tissue ablation require remote electrosurgical power supplies and controllers, which can limit a surgeon's mobility and increase costs due to the need for cable assemblies that can cause interference with medical equipment and require additional maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A handheld medical device with a microwave amplifier unit integrated into the handle assembly, which includes a microwave-signal-amplifying module and a controller to amplify high-frequency signals for energy transmission to a probe, eliminating the need for remote power supplies and controllers, and allowing for modular exchange of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a remote electrosurgical generator and cable assembly are used to transmit energy to the surgical instrument, then the device can deliver required power for tissue ablation, but the surgeon's mobility is limited and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the microwave amplifier unit, power supply, and control circuitry directly into the handheld surgical instrument handle, combining previously separate components (remote generator, cable assembly, and handpiece) into a single self-contained device. This integration eliminates the need for external cable connections while maintaining full power delivery capability for tissue ablation.
2Power
If a cable assembly is used to connect the surgical instrument to the remote generator, then energy transmission is enabled, but interference with medical equipment and increased maintenance requirements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the cable assembly from the system by integrating all power generation and signal transmission components directly into the handheld device. The microwave amplifier unit generates signals locally, removing the need for external cable connections that cause electromagnetic interference and require maintenance.
3Device complexity
If the microwave amplifier unit is integrated into the handle assembly, then device complexity is reduced and mobility is enhanced, but the handle structure must accommodate additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the microwave amplifier unit, power supply, and control circuitry nested within the handle assembly structure. The handle serves as a housing that contains multiple functional components in a compact arrangement, with the amplifier unit positioned to connect directly to the probe while maintaining ergonomic handle dimensions.
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 device provides enhanced mobility and reduced costs by integrating all control circuitry and power supplies within the handle assembly, reducing interference and maintenance needs while enabling efficient energy delivery for tissue ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A microwave amplifier unit is disposed within the handle assembly. The microwave amplifier unit is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal to be transmitted to the probe.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a microwave signal generator and a medical device. The medical device includes a handle assembly, a microwave-signal-amplifying module, and a probe. The microwave-signal-amplifying module includes a microwave amplifier unit. The microwave amplifier unit is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal. The microwave amplifier unit is disposed within the handle assembly. The probe extends distally from the distal end of the handle assembly and is operably coupled to an output of the microwave-signal-amplifying module.