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 limit freedom of movement for surgeons and increase costs due to the need for cable assemblies that can cause interference with medical equipment and require complex manufacturing processes.
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 generate and control high-frequency signals for tissue ablation, eliminating the need for remote power supplies and controllers, and allowing modular exchange of components for different surgical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a remote electrosurgical generator and cable assembly are used to deliver microwave energy, then the device can generate and transmit high-power microwave signals, but the cable assembly causes interference with medical equipment and limits surgeon freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the microwave amplifier unit from the remote generator and integrates it directly into the handheld device handle. This eliminates the need for long cable assemblies that cause interference and movement restrictions, while maintaining the capability to generate and transmit high-power microwave signals through a simplified connection between the probe and handle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the microwave amplifier unit with the handle assembly, combining previously separate components (remote generator and handheld instrument) into an integrated system. This integration eliminates the cable assembly interface, reducing interference with other medical equipment and freeing the surgeon's movement during procedures.
2Power
If a cable assembly is used to connect the surgical instrument to the remote generator, then energy can be transmitted from the generator to the instrument, but the cable assembly adds cost and complexity to manufacturing and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cable assembly from the system by integrating the microwave amplifier unit into the handle. This extraction eliminates the complex cable assembly component, simplifying both the device structure and manufacturing process while maintaining energy transmission capability through direct electrical connections within the integrated handle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the microwave amplifier unit with the handle assembly, the patent consolidates multiple functions into a single integrated unit. This reduces the number of separate components (eliminating the cable assembly), thereby reducing manufacturing complexity, assembly steps, and maintenance requirements while preserving the essential energy transmission function.
3Ease of operation
If a remote generator is used to provide power and control, then the handheld instrument can deliver electrosurgical energy, but the surgeon's freedom of movement is limited by the cable connection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power generation and signal amplification functions from the remote generator and places them directly in the handheld device handle. This eliminates the physical constraint of the cable assembly, granting the surgeon complete freedom of movement during procedures while maintaining full electrosurgical energy delivery capability through the integrated amplifier unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The integration of the microwave amplifier unit into the handle assembly merges the power source with the delivery instrument, creating a self-contained system. This eliminates the cable connection that restricts movement, allowing the surgeon to move the handheld device freely throughout the surgical field while the integrated amplifier continues to provide the necessary electrosurgical energy.
4Loss of information
If cable assemblies are used for signal transmission, then energy and control signals can be transmitted between generator and instrument, but stray leakage causes interference with wireless networks and patient monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal amplification function from the remote generator and relocates it to the handheld device handle. This eliminates the long cable assembly that acts as an antenna for stray leakage, thereby reducing interference with wireless networks and patient monitoring equipment while maintaining faithful signal transmission through the integrated amplifier unit.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the microwave amplifier unit with the handle assembly, the patent creates an integrated system that eliminates the cable assembly interface. This reduction in cable length and connection points minimizes stray leakage of microwave energy, thereby reducing interference with wireless networks and patient monitoring equipment while preserving signal transmission fidelity through the integrated design.
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 efficient and flexible energy delivery for tissue ablation without the need for external power sources, reducing interference and costs, while allowing for customizable configurations for various surgical applications.
Implementation Method 1
A microwave amplifier unit is disposed within the handle assembly and is adapted to amplify a high-frequency input signal to generate a high-frequency output signal to be transmitted to the probe
Implementation Method 2
The probe is operably coupled to an output of the microwave-signal-amplifying module... transmitting energy from an output of the microwave amplifier unit disposed within the handle assembly through the probe to tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method of directing energy to tissue includes the steps of providing a handheld device including an energy applicator and a handle assembly configured to support the energy applicator at a distal end thereof, and transmitting energy from an output of a microwave amplifier unit disposed within the handle assembly through the energy applicator to tissue.