Marked Access Tools for Ablation-Cementoplasty Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current clinical practices lack the ability to predictively measure and correlate the volume of tissue affected by ablation procedures with the volume affected by cement injection in combined ablation and cementoplasty procedures, such as balloon kyphoplasty or vertebroplasty, making it difficult to ensure complete tumor destruction and prevent tumor recurrence.
Innovation Solution
A system that maps the ablation zone using marked access tools, including cannulas, stylets, and drills, to identify the appropriate cementoplasty system, ensuring the ablation zone is larger or correlated with the cement injection zone, with markings on the tools indicating compatible components for precise procedural alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ablation procedures are performed without predictive measurement tools, then the procedure can be completed quickly, but the ability to predict ablation volume is limited and tumor destruction cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping system divides the ablation zone into measurable segments using marked access tools. The cannula, stylet, and drill each have markings that correspond to specific depths and volumes, allowing the ablation zone to be segmented and measured in discrete units rather than as a continuous unpredictable volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces marked access tools (cannula, stylet, drill) as intermediary devices between the ablation probe and the tissue. These tools serve as mediators that provide physical references and markings to indicate expected ablation volumes, enabling measurement without directly measuring the ablation zone itself.
2Reliability
If ablation is performed without correlating to cementoplasty zone, then the ablation procedure is simpler, but tumor cells may be displaced and create new tumor sites
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping and measurement before the ablation and cementoplasty procedures. By using marked access tools to establish the expected ablation volume and correlating it with the cementoplasty zone in advance, the procedure ensures proper sizing and alignment before actual tissue treatment occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The marked access tools provide visual feedback through markings and indicators that show the relationship between ablation zone and cementoplasty zone. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to verify proper correlation and alignment between the two zones during the procedure.
3Measurement precision
If conventional imaging techniques are used for ablation volume assessment, then standard equipment can be used, but ablation volumes cannot be accurately imaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex imaging systems with a mechanical measurement system based on marked access tools. Instead of relying on advanced imaging technology to visualize and measure ablation volumes, the system uses physical markings on the cannula, stylet, and drill that directly indicate expected ablation depths and volumes.
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
Enables accurate prediction and correlation of ablation and cement injection volumes, ensuring effective tumor destruction and preventing tumor recurrence by ensuring the ablation zone is appropriately sized and aligned with the cementoplasty zone, facilitating appropriate procedural decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
Ablation procedures can be performed using, among other things, radiofrequency (RF) or microwave radiation
Implementation Method 2
Ablation procedures can be performed using, among other things, radiofrequency (RF) or microwave radiation
Implementation Method 3
The at least one ablation probe can be used to form an ablation zone
Implementation Method 4
In the case of combined ablation and cement injection procedures (cementoplasty)
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are disclosed for a system that maps the proximal and distal ablation subzones and their respective margins using the tools that are used to access the ablation target wherein the tools have markings to indicate which probe and balloon kyphoplasty (BKP) system or vertebroplasty (VP) system to use. Examples of access tools comprise introducers, stylets, and bone drills. In some embodiments of the system, the probe has a marking indicating which BKP or VP system to use.