Inductive Vapor Delivery Needle for Localized Prostate Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are either ineffective in the long term or cause significant peri-operative discomfort and morbidity, as they fail to uniformly ablate smooth muscle tissue and alpha adrenergic receptors around the prostatic urethra, leading to recurring tissue growth and urinary issues.
Innovation Solution
A vapor delivery system with an inductive heating mechanism and controlled fluid delivery, capable of generating and delivering vapor at precise thermal energy levels to ablate prostate tissue adjacent to the urethra, while avoiding damage to non-adjacent tissue, using a vapor delivery needle with distally facing ports and an electronic controller for pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing thermal ablation methods are used to treat BPH, then tissue ablation is achieved, but smooth muscle tissue and alpha adrenergic receptors around the prostatic urethra are not uniformly ablated, leading to recurring tissue growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing vapor specifically to the transition zone tissue surrounding the prostatic urethra, where smooth muscle tissue and alpha adrenergic receptors are concentrated. The system uses a catheter with selectively positioned vapor delivery ports that target only the affected area, ensuring uniform ablation of smooth muscle tissue while preserving other prostate zones. This localized approach prevents recurring tissue growth by completely eliminating the hyperplastic tissue in the transition zone.
2Reliability
If aggressive thermal ablation is applied to ensure complete tissue destruction, then durability of treatment improves, but peri-operative discomfort and morbidity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by controlling vapor temperature, flow rate, and delivery duration to achieve effective tissue ablation while minimizing thermal damage to surrounding structures. The system delivers vapor at controlled parameters that are sufficient to destroy hyperplastic tissue but limited enough to prevent excessive thermal spread. This allows complete ablation of transition zone tissue with minimal impact on the urethra, bladder, and rectum, reducing peri-operative discomfort and morbidity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by delivering thermal energy through vapor rather than direct contact with hot probes or waves. The vapor acts as a mediator that transfers thermal energy to tissue through condensation and phase change, providing controlled heating that is less damaging than direct thermal contact methods. This intermediary mechanism achieves durable tissue destruction with reduced collateral thermal injury.
3Manufacturing precision
If vapor delivery system targets only transition zone, then selective ablation of hyperplastic tissue is achieved, but comprehensive treatment of all prostate zones is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the prostate into distinct zones (transition zone, central zone, peripheral zone) and treating only the transition zone with vapor ablation. The catheter design includes selective targeting of the transition zone surrounding the prostatic urethra, while leaving other zones intact. This segmented approach is appropriate because BPH primarily affects the transition zone, and other zones do not require ablation, thus achieving both selectivity and adequate treatment coverage.
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 provides localized ablation of transition zone prostate tissue, effectively reducing prostate enlargement without affecting peripheral or central zones, thereby offering a durable treatment with minimal patient discomfort and improved urinary function.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive heating system fluidly coupled to the syringe assembly and configured to receive fluid from the syringe assembly
Implementation Method 2
Vapor ablation systems and methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia with vapor delivered to the prostate
Data Source
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AI summary
A vapor delivery system and method is provided that is adapted for treating prostate tissue. The vapor delivery system includes a vapor delivery needle configured to deliver condensable vapor energy to tissue. In one method, the vapor delivery system is advanced transurethrally into the patient to access the prostate tissue. The vapor delivery system includes a generator unit and an inductive heating system to produce a high quality vapor for delivery to tissue. Methods of use are also provided.