Laser Fiber Cooling Flow Monitoring for Tissue Hyperthermia Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) procedures face challenges due to potential malfunctions in the cooling system, leading to hyperthermia of non-diseased tissue and inaccurate temperature monitoring due to magnetic field phase drift, causing adverse patient outcomes such as neural damage and insufficient tumor ablation.
Innovation Solution
A laser fiber cooling monitoring system with break-beam sensors in inflow and outflow channels to measure fluid flow and temperature, comparing these parameters to detect malfunctions and phase drift, and a processor to adjust laser energy output or notify the user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser energy is delivered to irradiate target tissue and generate heat for thermal tissue necrosis, then tumor ablation is achieved, but hyperthermia of non-diseased tissue may occur due to cooling system malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors cooling fluid flow rate through sensors in the inflow and outflow channels, comparing actual flow to expected flow values. When deviations indicate cooling system malfunction, the system provides feedback to adjust or terminate laser energy delivery, preventing hyperthermia of non-diseased tissue while maintaining effective tumor ablation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of cooling fluid flow parameters before and during laser energy delivery. By detecting potential cooling system malfunctions in advance through flow rate comparisons, the system can prevent harmful hyperthermia before it occurs in non-diseased tissue
2Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring is performed during laser ablation, then thermal tissue necrosis can be controlled, but inaccurate temperature monitoring occurs due to magnetic field phase drift
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses cooling fluid flow rate as an intermediary parameter to indirectly monitor and verify temperature control conditions. By monitoring flow rate through sensors and comparing it to expected values, the system detects cooling system performance without relying solely on direct temperature measurements that are susceptible to magnetic field phase drift interference
3Reliability
If cooling fluid flow rate is monitored using sensors in inflow and outflow channels, then cooling system operation can be verified, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system uses multi-functional sensors that measure cooling fluid flow rate parameters and provide data for both diagnostic purposes (verifying cooling system operation) and control purposes (adjusting laser energy delivery). This universal approach verifies cooling system reliability without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines the monitoring functions for cooling system verification and laser energy control into an integrated system. Sensors in the cooling fluid path provide data that is processed to simultaneously verify cooling operation and control laser delivery, merging multiple functions into a single coordinated system that reduces overall complexity
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
Ensures proper cooling system operation and accurate temperature monitoring, preventing tissue hyperthermia and ensuring precise tumor ablation by detecting malfunctions and phase drift, thereby reducing patient morbidities and improving procedural accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
either one or both of the first sensor and the second sensor are break-beam sensors configured to count drops in corresponding drip chambers
Implementation Method 2
laser energy may be emitted interstitially to irradiate target tissue and generate heat that leads to thermal tissue necrosis
Implementation Method 3
A cooling fluid may be circulated through a cooling system to prevent hyperthermia of non-diseased tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods to verify a magnetic field phase drift and to check for proper function of a laser fiber cooling system during laser ablation therapy are disclosed. The laser fiber cooling system includes a cooling catheter insertable into laser ablation target tissue, a coupling assembly to define fluid channels, inflow and outflow ports, a fluid pump to pump fluid through the laser fiber cooling system, a fluid source, a first sensor to measure an inflow fluid parameter, a second sensor to measure an outflow fluid parameter, and a processor. Methods of verifying and checking include measuring the fluid parameter, comparing the inflow and outflow parameter measurements to determine a comparison value, comparing the comparison value to a tolerance range, and signaling a user when the comparison value is outside of the tolerance range.