Microwave Ablation Needle With Coolant Control For Tissue Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microwave tissue ablation devices face challenges with unpredictable ablation volume due to needle movement during procedures and the risk of track seeding, where cancer cells can be spread by the needle's motion, leading to incomplete ablation and potential damage to healthy tissue.
Innovation Solution
A microwave ablation method involving controlled coolant flow rates and power levels, including a 'stick mode' for adhering the needle to tissue, a 'treatment mode' for predictable ablation, and a 'track mode' to prevent cell seeding, utilizing a system with a controller to manage ablation processes and coolant flow for precise tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a microwave ablation needle is inserted through tissue to reach the target lesion, then the ablation procedure can be performed, but the needle may move during the procedure causing unpredictable ablation volumes and potential damage to healthy tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary 'stick mode' ablation phase before the main treatment, where low-power microwave energy is applied to create initial tissue adhesion to the needle. This preliminary action secures the needle in position before the higher-power treatment phase begins, preventing movement during the critical ablation process
Solution Approach 2:
The ablation process is divided into distinct periodic phases: an initial 'stick mode' phase with lower power to adhere the needle to tissue, followed by a 'treatment mode' phase with higher power for the actual ablation. This periodic switching of operational modes allows the system to first secure positioning, then perform precise ablation without needle movement
2Ease of operation
If the needle is moved through cancerous tissue during insertion, then the lesion can be accessed, but cancer cells may be spread along the needle track causing track seeding
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary 'track mode' ablation phase during needle withdrawal, where microwave energy is applied to create a coagulated tissue track along the needle path. This preliminary action destroys cancer cells that may have been displaced during insertion, preventing track seeding before the needle is fully removed
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potentially harmful needle track, which could spread cancer cells, into a beneficial coagulated barrier by applying microwave energy during withdrawal. The same needle path that poses a risk becomes the delivery mechanism for creating a protective coagulated track that prevents cancer cell dissemination
3Productivity
If high power is applied continuously to achieve effective ablation, then tumor destruction is efficient, but the risk of needle movement and track seeding increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by switching between different power modes: an initial low-power 'stick mode' to secure the needle without causing movement, followed by high-power 'treatment mode' for efficient ablation, and finally low-power 'track mode' during withdrawal to prevent seeding. This periodic switching maintains ablation efficiency while eliminating the continuous high-power risks
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary low-power ablation phases before and during needle withdrawal to secure positioning and prevent track seeding, respectively. These preliminary actions at lower power levels eliminate the harmful effects associated with high power application, allowing efficient high-power ablation to proceed safely
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 method ensures predictably sized and shaped ablation volumes, reduces the risk of needle movement, and minimizes track seeding by precisely controlling ablation zones and power delivery, enhancing the accuracy and safety of microwave tissue ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Microwave ablation is one of such treatments utilizing electromagnetic radiation to heat tissue
Implementation Method 2
utilize electromagnetic radiation to heat cancerous tissue to temperatures above 60° C.
Implementation Method 3
providing coolant to a microwave ablation device at a first flow rate
Implementation Method 4
providing coolant to the microwave ablation device at a second flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed apparatuses, systems, and methods that may include a microwave ablation system. The microwave ablation system may include a microwave ablation needle, a controller, a microwave generator configured to provide ablation power to the microwave ablation needle, and a pump configured to provide a coolant to the microwave ablation needle at a flow rate, such that the microwave ablation needle emits microwave radiation based on the received ablation power and the controller is configured to perform a plurality of predefined processes having an associated applied ablation power and coolant flow rate.