Microwave Abation Probe Frequency Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave antennas used in tissue ablation procedures have unique optimal operational frequencies due to manufacturing tolerance limitations, leading to inefficient energy delivery and potential heating issues when using fixed frequency generators.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that identify and encode the optimal frequency of each microwave antenna assembly, allowing a generator to match its output frequency for maximum efficiency, reduce reflected energy, and enable the use of antennas with wider manufacturing tolerances by determining and tuning to the specific optimal frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed frequency generator is used with microwave antennas having manufacturing tolerance variations, then the system structure is simple, but energy delivery efficiency decreases and system heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The generator frequency is made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed. The system measures the actual optimal frequency of each antenna assembly and configures the generator to operate at that specific frequency, allowing the system to adapt to manufacturing variations while maintaining high energy delivery efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The operational frequency parameter of the generator is changed to match each antenna's specific optimal frequency. By measuring and storing the actual frequency characteristics of each antenna assembly and configuring the generator accordingly, the system optimizes energy delivery while accommodating manufacturing tolerances
2Productivity
If frequency matching is implemented for each antenna assembly, then energy delivery efficiency is maximized, but device complexity increases due to frequency measurement and configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optimal frequency of each antenna assembly is measured and stored in advance during or after manufacturing. This preliminary characterization allows the generator to be pre-configured with the correct frequency settings, eliminating the need for complex real-time frequency adjustment mechanisms during operation
Solution Approach 2:
A frequency identification component serves as an intermediary between the antenna and generator. This component stores and communicates the antenna's optimal frequency information to the generator, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing a straightforward interface for frequency matching
3Ease of manufacture
If antenna assemblies with wider manufacturing tolerances are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but frequency matching becomes more critical to maintain efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
Each antenna assembly self-identifies its optimal frequency through an integrated identification component. This allows antennas with varying manufacturing tolerances to automatically provide their specific frequency characteristics to the generator, eliminating the need for high-precision manufacturing while maintaining optimal performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the actual frequency response of each antenna assembly and using this information to configure the generator settings. This closed-loop approach ensures that even antennas with wide manufacturing tolerances operate at their optimal frequency, maintaining efficiency without requiring tight manufacturing controls
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 maximizes energy delivery to the target tissue, reduces ablation time, and minimizes system heating by ensuring the generator operates at the optimal frequency for each antenna assembly, improving the efficiency and effectiveness of microwave ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The operational frequency may be encoded as a resistance value or in memory available for measurement or reading by a microwave ablation generator
Implementation Method 2
a generator configured to couple to the microwave antenna assembly and to output microwave energy at an operational frequency
Implementation Method 3
The generator is further configured to read the optimal frequency from the identification device and to configure the operational frequency to substantially match the optimal frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave ablation system is disclosed. The system includes a microwave antenna assembly that includes an identification device configured to store an optimal frequency of the microwave antenna assembly. The system also includes a generator configured to couple to the microwave antenna assembly and to output microwave energy at an operational frequency. The generator is further configured to read the optimal frequency from the identification device and to configure the operational frequency to substantially match the optimal frequency.