Interchangeable Microwave Ablation Probe Handle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical procedures require multiple probe placements for tissue ablation, leading to cumbersome handling and increased operative times due to the use of multiple probes with fixed handles and cables, which can result in suboptimal surgical outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A microwave ablation instrument with a handle and interchangeable antenna probes that provide electrical and fluidic coupling, allowing a single handle to be used with multiple probes, reducing the need for repeated probe insertions and minimizing cable clutter at the surgical site.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes with fixed handles and cables are used for tissue ablation, then multiple ablation sites can be treated, but the handling becomes cumbersome and operative time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal handle assembly that can interface with multiple different antenna probes through a standardized connector system. The handle contains integrated electrical and fluidic coupling components that work with various probe types, allowing a single handle to perform multiple ablation functions at different sites without requiring separate handle-cable assemblies for each probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical and fluidic coupling components into a single integrated handle assembly. The electrical connector and fluidic connector are combined in one unit that attaches to the probe, eliminating the need for separate cable management systems and reducing the number of discrete components the surgeon must handle during the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes with fixed handles and cables are used for tissue ablation, then multiple ablation sites can be treated, but operative time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic reconfiguration of the ablation system by allowing the surgeon to quickly detach and attach different antenna probes to the same handle assembly. This dynamic interface system eliminates the time-consuming process of bringing in entirely new handle-cable assemblies for each ablation site, as the handle remains in place and only the interchangeable probe needs to be swapped.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized connector system is pre-configured in the handle assembly before the procedure begins. The electrical and fluidic coupling components are prepared and positioned in advance, allowing for rapid probe interchange without requiring time-consuming setup or alignment during the actual ablation procedure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes are placed in tissue, then multiple regions can be ablated, but cable clutter increases at the surgical site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable management complexity from the probe-handle system by integrating the electrical and fluidic connectors into a single unified handle assembly. This extraction of the coupling components into one location eliminates the need for multiple separate cables running from different handles to different probes, thereby reducing cable clutter at the surgical site while maintaining the ability to ablate multiple tissue regions.
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 efficient delivery of ablation energy to multiple tissue regions with reduced operative complexity and improved surgical outcomes by streamlining procedures and reducing clutter, benefiting both surgeons and patients.
Implementation Method 1
A probe includes a monopole or dipole antenna assembly configured to deliver ablation energy to tissue
Implementation Method 2
microwave energy generally radiates perpendicularly away from the axis of the conductor
Implementation Method 3
The connector is configured to provide electrical and fluidic coupling between the handle and probe
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical ablation system features a source of ablation energy, a handle adapted to operably couple to the source of ablation energy, and an ablation probe adapted to operably couple to the handle. The handle includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a hub included within the housing having a plenum defined therein, and a proximal feedline in fluid communication at a proximal end thereof with the plenum and joined at a distal end thereof to a first coupling member. The ablation probe includes a probe hypotube shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, a second coupling member disposed at a proximal end of the probe hypotube shaft adapted to operably couple with the first coupling member, a distal tip adapted to penetrate tissue. Ablation energy is deliverable by the ablation probe when the source of ablation energy is operably coupled to the handle and the handle is operably coupled to the ablation probe.