Microwave Ablation Antenna with Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave applicators face challenges in delivering consistent and predictable spherical heating patterns for efficient and effective microwave coagulation or ablation treatments, often resulting in overheating of surrounding healthy tissue and reduced therapeutic efficacy due to unpredictable temperature distributions and discomfort to patients.
Innovation Solution
The design of an elongate microwave applicator body with a tip portion, dielectric isolators, shunts, and a coaxial microwave transmission line, featuring a cooling fluid space to manage heat and a magnetic sleeve for improved energy field control, which enhances the uniformity and precision of microwave energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If microwave energy is delivered to heat tissue for coagulation or ablation, then sufficient heating is achieved to kill tumor cells, but surrounding healthy tissue may be overheated and damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones within the applicator: a cooling zone with cooling channels near the tip to protect healthy tissue, and a heating zone further along the applicator body where microwave energy is delivered to the tumor. This spatial differentiation of thermal properties allows simultaneous protection of healthy tissue and effective tumor ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cooling fluid as an intermediary substance that circulates through channels in the applicator tip and body. This cooling fluid acts as a thermal mediator, absorbing excess heat from the applicator components and surrounding healthy tissue, thereby preventing overheating damage while allowing the microwave energy to effectively heat the target tumor tissue.
2Productivity
If high power microwave energy is used to achieve rapid heating for coagulation, then treatment time is reduced, but temperature control becomes more difficult and healthy tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-cooling the applicator tip and body through circulating cooling fluid before and during microwave energy delivery. This preparatory cooling action establishes a thermal buffer that enables the system to deliver high power microwave energy for rapid tumor heating while maintaining precise temperature control and preventing overheating of surrounding healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the cooling fluid flow rate and temperature through the applicator channels based on the microwave power level and treatment requirements. This real-time parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain optimal temperature control reliability while delivering high power microwave energy for efficient tumor ablation.
3Length of moving object
If the applicator is inserted deep into body tissue to reach tumor targets, then treatment of deep-seated tumors is enabled, but heat dissipation becomes more difficult and applicator overheating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatics and hydraulics by incorporating a network of cooling fluid channels throughout the applicator body, including the insertion shaft and tip. Cooling fluid is pumped through these channels to actively remove heat from the applicator components, enabling deep tissue insertion while maintaining safe operating temperatures and preventing applicator overheating that would otherwise limit insertion depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements segmentation by dividing the applicator into multiple thermal zones with independent cooling channels: the tip region, the intermediate shaft region, and the proximal region. Each segment can be independently cooled according to its specific thermal requirements, allowing deep insertion while effectively managing heat distribution and preventing localized overheating throughout the applicator length.
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 configuration enables more predictable and controlled ablation zones, reducing tissue damage to healthy tissues and improving treatment efficacy by maintaining temperatures within a therapeutic range, thus enhancing the precision and efficiency of microwave coagulation and ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an outer sleeve extending around and spaced from the outer conductor of the microwave energy transmission line to form an outside of a portion of the elongate applicator body and to provide a cooling fluid space between the outer conductor of the microwave transmission line and an inside surface of the outer sleeve
Implementation Method 2
a microwave energy transmission line disposed within the elongate applicator body to conduct microwave energy from the attachment end of the applicator to the insertion end
Implementation Method 3
a microwave antenna portion at the insertion end of the applicator to radiate microwave energy from the antenna portion into the target tissue
Implementation Method 4
an invasive microwave energy applicator can be inserted into living body tissue to place the source of heating into or adjacent to a diseased tissue area
Implementation Method 5
a first dielectric isolator having a first dielectric width (LD1), a first shunt, a second dielectric isolator having a second dielectric width (LD2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An elongate applicator body for use with a microwave applicator, the elongate applicator body including a tip portion, a first dielectric isolator having a first length, a first shunt, a second dielectric isolator having a second length, a second shunt, a third dielectric isolator having a third length, a microwave transmission line and an outer sleeve.