Heated Fluid Ablation Cassette with Impeller Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Less invasive uterine ablation procedures often require direct visualization and rely on electrical energy or heat, which can be invasive and have side effects, and there is a need for a more efficient method to apply therapeutic agents to the uterine tissue post-ablation.
Innovation Solution
A heated fluid ablation system with a cassette that supplies and delivers ablation fluid and therapeutic agents through a fluid supply and delivery lumen, using an impeller to circulate the fluid and apply the agents to the uterine tissue, allowing for precise treatment and post-ablation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct visualization and experienced operator intervention are used, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of direct visualization and manual operator intervention with an automated impeller-driven fluid circulation system. The impeller mechanically circulates heated fluid through the uterine cavity without requiring direct visual guidance, substituting mechanical fluid dynamics for manual mechanical operation and achieving precise treatment through automated means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using circulated fluid (saline or other media) to deliver thermal energy to the uterine lining. The fluid acts as a heat transfer medium that circulates through the uterine cavity, applying thermal ablation uniformly without requiring direct mechanical manipulation or visual guidance, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining treatment precision.
2Area of stationary object
If entire lining is treated by conduction ablation, then treatment coverage is improved, but loss of substance and energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating thermal energy at specific locations within the uterine cavity where the fluid contacts the lining. Rather than uniformly heating the entire lining, the circulated fluid delivers heat locally at the points of contact, allowing treatment of affected areas without excessive energy consumption across the entire uterine surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the temperature of the circulated fluid to optimize thermal ablation. By adjusting fluid temperature parameters and circulation rates, the system achieves effective treatment coverage while minimizing energy loss, as the thermal energy is delivered at controlled intensity rather than uniformly across the entire lining.
3Reliability
If heated fluid is circulated through the uterus, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but harmful factors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (heated fluid, typically saline) that serves as a mediator between the energy source and the uterine lining. This fluid carries thermal energy to the target tissue while acting as a buffer that distributes heat uniformly, reducing the harmful effects of direct high-energy application and minimizing side effects while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through cyclic circulation of heated fluid through the uterine cavity. The fluid is circulated repeatedly in cycles, allowing controlled thermal application that builds up treatment effectiveness gradually rather than through a single intense application, thereby reducing acute harmful effects and side effects while maintaining reliable treatment outcomes.
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 and efficient uterine ablation with reduced side effects by circulating heated fluid and therapeutic agents, minimizing invasive procedures and enhancing post-ablation care.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller pumping the ablation fluid out of the cassette via to a fluid delivery lumen
Implementation Method 2
Less invasive procedures treat affected areas of the uterus employing electrical energy (e.g., RF energy), heat (e.g., laser) or cryogenic treatment
Implementation Method 3
circulation of a heated fluid through the uterus
Data Source
AI summary
A cassette for a heated fluid ablation system, comprises a fluid supply lumen receiving an ablation fluid from an external fluid source and a fluid chamber containing a therapeutic agent in combination with an impeller pumping the ablation fluid out of the cassette via to a fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a first configuration and pumping the therapeutic agent out of the cassette via the fluid delivery lumen when the cassette is in a second configuration.