Helical Diffuser for Laser Thermal Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser thermal ablation devices face limitations in achieving large volumes of tissue ablation due to carbonization and dehydration near the fiber tip, which hinders light and heat diffusion, reducing treatment effectiveness and increasing the risk of irreversible cell damage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a helically shaped diffuser made of diffusing material, positioned within a tubular structure that houses an optical fiber, enhances light distribution and coolant flow, allowing for more uniform irradiation and increased ablation volumes by reducing the negative effects of spacers on coolant circulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power laser is delivered to increase ablation volume, then more thermal energy is available for treatment, but carbonization and dehydration occur near the fiber tip, creating a barrier that hinders further energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the laser beam path by introducing a helical diffuser that divides the concentrated beam into multiple scattered paths. This segmentation prevents energy concentration at any single point, eliminating carbonization while distributing thermal energy throughout the tumor volume. The helical structure creates multiple reflection points that segment the energy delivery pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional linear energy delivery (along the fiber axis) to three-dimensional volumetric energy distribution. The helical diffuser with its curved geometry scatters light in multiple directions, creating a spherical ablation zone that treats the entire tumor volume simultaneously rather than requiring sequential linear ablation.
2Volume of stationary object
If multiple optical fibers are used to increase ablation volume, then larger tissue volumes can be treated, but device complexity and procedural difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple energy delivery pathways into a single integrated device. Instead of using separate fibers that would require individual positioning, the helical diffuser combines multiple light paths within one catheter structure, simplifying the procedure to a single insertion while achieving the same volumetric ablation effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The single catheter device performs multiple functions: it delivers laser energy, cools the tissue, and creates the diffusing pattern. The integrated design eliminates the need for separate positioning devices and multiple fiber insertions, making the procedure more universal and easier to perform.
3Stability of the object's composition
If spacers are added to maintain coaxial alignment, then alignment is improved, but coolant circulation is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces straight cylindrical spacers with curved helical elements. This curvature allows the spacers to maintain coaxial alignment while creating gaps and channels that facilitate coolant circulation. The helical shape follows the flow path rather than blocking it, solving both alignment and cooling requirements simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The design prioritizes hydraulic flow by incorporating coolant channels and gaps into the spacer structure itself. The spacers are designed with fluid dynamics in mind, creating turbulence-enhancing features that improve coolant circulation while maintaining structural alignment, rather than treating cooling as a separate concern.
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 solution improves coolant flow and light distribution, enabling larger ablation volumes with more uniform tissue treatment and reduced risk of tissue damage, while maintaining coaxial alignment of the tubular structures to optimize energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a diffuser which is optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber... made of a material diffusing to the electromagnetic radiation conveyed by the light guide
Implementation Method 2
the diffuser... has a curved shape... in a helical shape
Implementation Method 3
A first coolant circulation gap is formed between the outer tubular structure and the inner tubular structure
Implementation Method 4
an electromagnetic radiation, typically a laser radiation, is carried into the cancerous mass
Implementation Method 5
an optical fiber is guided... through which a fiber is inserted into the area to be treated
Implementation Method 6
A coolant circulates in the catheter to remove heat and avoid tissue carbonization phenomena
Implementation Method 7
a coolant circulation gap... to remove heat from the treatment area
Implementation Method 8
thermal ablation treatments... to destroy the cancer cells
Implementation Method 9
laser thermal ablation systems... an electromagnetic radiation, typically a laser radiation, is carried into the cancerous mass
Data Source
AI summary
The device comprises an outer tubular structure (21) having a closed terminal end, and an inner tubular structure (23) positioned in the outer tubular structure (21) and having a side wall with a terminal end and defining an inner volume. A first gap for circulation of a coolant is formed between the outer tubular structure and the inner tubular structure. A light guide (27) is housed in the inner volume of the inner tubular structure (23). The light guide comprises an optical fiber (28) and a diffuser (30) optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber. The diffuser is at least partially made of a material diffusing to the electromagnetic radiation conveyed by the light guide, and has a curved shape.