Automated Laser Ablation Controller with MR Thermometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser ablation systems require user expertise to control laser power, wavelength, duration, and cooling, limiting their ability to safely and effectively treat tissues, especially when critical structures are near the target, as tissue damage depends on both temperature and time.
Innovation Solution
An automated thermal ablation control system that includes a controller communicating with a thermal energy source, thermal fiber positioning device, and MRI system, allowing for automatic control of laser energy parameters and positioning based on real-time MR thermometry, optimizing target tissue ablation while minimizing collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated control is implemented, then safety and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control functions (laser power control, wavelength selection, pulse duration, cooling flow rate, fiber positioning) into a single automated controller that receives real-time temperature feedback from MRI thermometry and automatically adjusts all parameters to achieve safe and effective tissue ablation
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements closed-loop feedback control by continuously monitoring tissue temperature via MRI thermometry and using this information to automatically adjust laser parameters and cooling flow rate, ensuring temperature remains within safe thresholds while achieving effective ablation
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple parameters are manually controlled, then flexibility is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The automated controller performs self-adjustment of multiple laser parameters and cooling flow rate based on real-time temperature feedback, eliminating the need for manual control while maintaining optimal treatment parameters adapted to each specific tissue response
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous real-time temperature monitoring throughout the ablation procedure without interruption, allowing immediate detection of temperature changes and instantaneous adjustment of control parameters to maintain precise ablation boundaries
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 safe tissue ablation by automatically adjusting laser energy and positioning, optimizing heat distribution to maximize target tissue damage while protecting nearby critical structures, simplifying complex procedures and reducing user input requirements.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a magnetic resonance (MR) thermometry tissue temperature at an ablation site
Implementation Method 2
The focused energy is typically provided in the form of laser energy
Implementation Method 3
Tissue ablation procedures are capable of utilizing a focused energy to necrotize, remove, or otherwise destroy an area of target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automated operation of laser ablation system for disrupting target tissue via heat application are disclosed. The system includes a controller coupled to various devices, such as a magnetic resonance imaging device, a laser energy source, a laser fiber manipulating device, a laser fiber cooling device, and a tissue damage analysis computer system via a communication interface. The controller automatically controls various functions of the coupled devices during a laser ablation procedure while monitoring tissue temperature at a laser ablation site.