Microwave Ablation Device Cycling for Interference Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave ablation devices face challenges in creating predictably sized and shaped ablation volumes, and operating multiple devices can lead to interference and increased power consumption, which affects portability and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A tissue ablation system with multiple ablation devices controlled by a controller that cycles through activation states, ensuring only a subset of devices receive ablation power at any given time, using duty cycles that are temporally offset to prevent simultaneous power application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If multiple ablation devices are operated simultaneously, then the ablation coverage is increased, but interference between devices occurs and power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveablation coverageVSAvoidinterference between devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by cycling through different ablation states in a temporal sequence. Multiple ablation devices are activated in alternating time periods rather than simultaneously, with each device receiving power in alternating cycles. This periodic activation pattern eliminates electromagnetic interference between devices while maintaining cumulative ablation coverage over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Volume of moving object

If multiple ablation devices are operated simultaneously, then the ablation coverage is increased, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveablation coverageVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system reduces power consumption by implementing periodic activation of multiple ablation devices rather than continuous simultaneous operation. The controller cycles through ablation states where devices are activated in alternating time periods, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive ablation coverage over time while significantly reducing instantaneous and average power consumption compared to simultaneous operation of all devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If ablation devices are activated in succession, then interference is reduced, but treatment time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidtreatment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies dynamics by implementing adaptive cycling through multiple ablation states rather than simple sequential activation. The controller dynamically cycles through different activation patterns where subsets of devices are activated in alternating time periods. This dynamic state cycling achieves complete ablation coverage by ensuring all target areas receive energy from at least one device during the cycle, reducing treatment time compared to simple sequential activation while eliminating interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach allows for the creation of predictably shaped ablation regions with reduced interference and power consumption, improving surgical precision and device portability.

Implementation Method 1

Microwave ablation is one of such treatments utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

these types of treatments, known generally as hyperthermia therapies, typically utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat cancerous tissue to temperatures above 60°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

The controller configured to cycle through activation of each one of a plurality of ablation states; and each ablation state corresponds to a respective unique subset of the plurality of ablation devices, and activation of one of the ablation states includes receiving ablation power at the ablation devices in the corresponding subset

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDuty cycling:

Data Source

PatentEP4117560B1Cycling of ablation devices
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 BIOCOMPATIBLES UK LTD
  • EP4117560B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4117560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4117560B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Various aspects of the present invention are directed towards apparatuses, systems, and methods that may include a tissue ablation system. The tissue ablation system may include a plurality of ablation devices, each ablation device being configured to provide ablation energy, at least one ablation generator configured to provide ablation power to at least one of the plurality of ablation devices, and a controller configured to cause each of the plurality of ablation devices to selectively receive ablation power and configured to cycle through activation of a plurality of ablation states.