Laparoscopic Port Microwave Rectifier for Errant Energy Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During microwave ablation procedures, unintended microwave energy exposure to healthy tissue can occur due to incorrect device use or high field intensities within the insufflated abdomen, leading to potential tissue damage and burns.
Innovation Solution
A radiation detector is integrated into the microwave antenna assembly, comprising a receiving antenna made of externally attached metal pieces with a rectifier and filter to convert errant microwave energy into a detection signal, and an inflatable stop to prevent inadvertent removal of the antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microwave ablation is performed in an insufflated abdomen, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but unintended field exposure to healthy tissue increases due to resonant cavity effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a radiation detection system with receiving antennas that continuously monitor microwave energy levels in the treatment field. When errant radiation is detected, the system provides feedback to shut down the microwave generator, preventing tissue damage while allowing effective treatment when properly positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system between the microwave antenna and healthy tissue. The receiving antennas and rectifier circuitry act as intermediaries that detect errant radiation before it can cause harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
2Reliability
If radiation detection system is added to microwave antenna assembly, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the radiation detection system with the microwave antenna assembly by integrating receiving antennas, rectifiers, and filters directly onto the antenna structure. This merging approach adds safety functionality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microwave antenna assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: delivering therapeutic microwave energy to tumors and simultaneously detecting errant radiation through integrated receiving antennas. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection devices.
3Measurement precision
If rectifier and filter are integrated into the antenna assembly, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: receiving antennas made of metal pieces, rectifier circuits, and filter components. Each module can be independently manufactured and tested before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the increased detection capability.
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 radiation detector effectively detects and converts unintended microwave energy into a signal that alerts the user or shuts off the power supply, reducing the risk of tissue damage and ensuring safer procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A rectifier is coupled between the two pieces of metal, where the pieces of metal are strips, rings, patches, or other geometric combinations. The rectifier is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy.
Implementation Method 2
A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal.
Implementation Method 3
The radiation detector is adapted to receive errant microwave energy that resonates in the abdomen.
Implementation Method 4
An inflatable stop is located on a distal end of the microwave antenna and the stop is inflated when inserted within the abdomen. The inflated stop prevents inadvertent removal of the microwave antenna.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A radiation detector disposed on a microwave antenna assembly to receive unintended field exposure in an insufflated abdomen. The radiation detector includes a receiving antenna made up of at least two pieces of metal externally attached to the microwave antenna within the abdomen. The radiation detector is adapted to receive errant microwave energy that resonates in the abdomen. A rectifier is coupled between the two pieces of metal, where the pieces of metal are strips, rings, patches, or other geometric combinations. The rectifier is adapted to rectify at least a portion of the errant microwave energy. A filter is coupled to the rectifier and is adapted to convert the rectified microwave energy into a detection signal. An inflatable stop is located on a distal end of the microwave antenna and the inflatable stop is inflated when inserted within the abdomen. The inflated stop prevents inadvertent removal of the microwave antenna.