Interstitial Laser Therapy Probe with Vibration and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interstitial laser therapy systems face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling tissue temperature during treatments, leading to potential damage from overheating, as they rely on expensive and bulky medical imaging devices with low accuracy and require cooling systems that increase procedural invasiveness.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an optical waveguide with an optical diffuser and an irrigation tube for cooling fluid, along with a vibration device, which helps in controlling the laser ablation zone by adjusting the flow of cooling fluid and laser power, allowing for precise temperature monitoring and reduced tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If cooling systems are added to control tissue temperature, then tissue damage from overheating is reduced, but the invasiveness of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling function from a separate cooling system and integrates it directly into the laser probe structure. The cooling channels are built into the probe itself, allowing cooling fluid to flow through the probe and directly at the treatment site, thereby reducing tissue damage without requiring external cooling equipment or increasing procedural invasiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the laser delivery function and cooling function into a single integrated probe structure. The laser fiber and cooling channels are combined in one device, allowing simultaneous laser ablation and cooling of surrounding tissues, thus protecting against overheating while maintaining a minimally invasive single-probe approach.
2Measurement precision
If advanced medical imaging devices are used to monitor temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors directly into the laser probe structure, enabling real-time temperature monitoring at the treatment site. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor tissue temperature during laser ablation and adjust parameters accordingly, providing accurate local temperature data without requiring complex external imaging equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temperature sensors as intermediaries placed directly within the probe to measure tissue temperature. These sensors act as local mediators that provide direct temperature readings from the treatment zone, replacing the need for complex external imaging devices that would require interpretation and extrapolation to determine tissue temperature.
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 more accurate and controlled interstitial laser therapy by limiting the laser ablation zone, improving tissue ablation precision and reducing the risk of charring, while minimizing the need for invasive cooling systems.
Implementation Method 1
Optical fibres exhibit excellent light-guiding properties which, combined with a compact size and flexibility, make them ideal for various medical applications
Implementation Method 2
an optical diffuser positioned over the optical output end of the optical waveguide
Implementation Method 3
an irrigation tube, in use positioned over at least part of the optical waveguide, the irrigation tube able to direct a cooling fluid to flow out of an end of the irrigation tube
Implementation Method 4
direct a cooling fluid to flow out of an end of the irrigation tube
Implementation Method 5
a vibration device
Implementation Method 6
light is directed at a target tissue to induce local hyperthermia and destroy the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system provided with a vibration device and cooling fluid for interstitial laser therapy. Use of the vibration device to vibrate at least part of the system releases and assists in the transfer of gas bubbles (e.g. steam) produced during treatment use, thus stabilising the temperature at or near a treatment site. The system for interstitial laser therapy includes an optical waveguide having an optical output end and an associated optical diffuser, an irrigation tube, an outer tube (e.g. cannula) and a vibration device. The irrigation tube directs cooling fluid to flow out of a distal end of the irrigation tube which directs cooling fluid to flow inside of and/or outside of the optical diffuser. The vibration device is used to vibrate the irrigation tube, the optical diffuser and/or the outer tube.