Laser Probe Fixture for Interference-Free PRF Thermometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
During laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT), there is a challenge in correlating real-time Proton Resonance Frequency (PRF) thermometry with in-vivo tissue temperature measurements without interference from the laser ablation system.
Innovation Solution
The use of a laser ablation system that includes a fixture to maintain a target separation distance between the laser probe and the MR-safe temperature probe, along with a processor to correlate PRF thermometry modeled temperatures with measured temperatures and trigger interventions when discrepancies exceed a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the laser probe and temperature probe are positioned close together to enable real-time temperature monitoring during LITT, then measurement precision is improved, but the laser ablation system interferes with the temperature measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fixture as an intermediary structure that maintains a controlled separation distance between the laser probe and the temperature probe. This fixture acts as a mediator that allows both probes to be positioned in close proximity for accurate measurement while preventing direct interference between the laser ablation system and the temperature sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the temperature probe in a different spatial dimension relative to the laser probe, using the fixture to create a controlled three-dimensional arrangement. By separating the probes in space while maintaining proximity, the system achieves accurate temperature measurement without laser interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the laser probe and temperature probe are positioned far apart to prevent laser interference with temperature measurements, then harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to thermal gradient effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system that continuously monitors the temperature measurements and adjusts the laser ablation parameters in real-time. This dynamic feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for thermal gradient effects by adapting the treatment parameters based on the actual temperature distribution, maintaining measurement precision even with probe separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback from the temperature probe to control the laser ablation process. The processor continuously receives temperature data and adjusts the laser delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that maintains measurement accuracy while preventing interference.
3Reliability
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented during LITT to improve treatment safety and control, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple probes and correlation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the temperature probe to serve multiple functions: it acts as both a temperature sensor for monitoring and a reference point for correlating PRF thermometry measurements. The fixture simultaneously serves as a positioning structure and an interference barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the temperature monitoring function with the PRF thermometry correlation function into an integrated system. The processor performs both real-time temperature measurement and PRF data correlation, merging multiple functions into a single control architecture that improves reliability without proportionally increasing 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
This solution enables accurate real-time correlation of PRF thermometry with tissue temperature measurements, preventing interference and ensuring precise control during LITT procedures.
Implementation Method 1
correlating real-time Proton Resonance Frequency (PRF) thermometry with in-vivo tissue temperature measurements
Implementation Method 2
A laser probe is inserted into a desired region of treatment to deliver laser energy. After positioning the laser probe, a laser energy is emitted to irradiate target tissue and generate heat that leads to thermal tissue necrosis.
Implementation Method 3
laser energy is emitted to irradiate target tissue and generate heat that leads to thermal tissue necrosis
Implementation Method 4
the MR safe temperature probe may be an optical temperature probe. For example, the temperature probe may measure temperature with a gallium arsenide crystal. As the temperature changes, the position of a band gap where the crystal becomes optically translucent changes by approximately 0.4 nm/K.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems used to ablate tissue of a tumor using laser energy are disclosed. The devices and systems include a laser probe and a magnetic resonance (MR) safe temperature probe. The MR safe temperature probe includes an optical sensor. A bone anchor fixture separates the laser probe and the MR safe temperature probe to prevent interference in the MR safe temperature probe data. Proton Resonance Frequency (PRF) thermometry is used to model a temperature of a pixel of an MR image located adjacent the optical sensor. The modeled pixel temperature and the measured temperature are compared and monitored. Exceeding a threshold difference value causes an intervening action to occur.