Microwave Ablation Probe Cycling for Predictable Treatment Volumes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microwave ablation devices face challenges in creating predictably sized and shaped ablation volumes, particularly when multiple devices are used, due to interference and increased power requirements, which can lead to incomplete ablation and tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A tissue ablation system with multiple probes and generators that cycles through activation states using duty cycling to ensure only a subset of probes receive power at any given time, minimizing interference and optimizing ablation volume formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If multiple ablation devices are used to ablate tissue, then the ablation volume can be increased, but the power consumption increases and portability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation volumeVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements duty cycling where multiple ablation probes are activated in sequential cycles rather than simultaneously. Each probe receives ablation power for a predetermined time interval, then is deactivated while other probes are activated. This periodic activation pattern allows the same set of probes to create overlapping ablation zones over time, achieving the required ablation volume while significantly reducing the instantaneous and average power consumption compared to continuous simultaneous operation of all probes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Volume of stationary object

If multiple ablation devices are used to ablate tissue, then the ablation volume can be increased, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation volumeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines multiple ablation probes into a single integrated ablation device assembly, where all probes are controlled by a single generator through duty cycling. This merging approach allows the system to achieve increased ablation volume through multiple probes while managing complexity by using one generator and centralized control rather than requiring separate generators for each probe.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of stationary object

If multiple ablation devices are used to ablate tissue, then the ablation volume can be increased, but interference between devices increases leading to incomplete ablation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation volumeVSAvoidablation completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses duty cycling to activate probes in sequential time intervals rather than simultaneously. This periodic activation with predetermined time intervals allows the electromagnetic fields from different probes to be separated in time, preventing destructive interference between microwave radiation from multiple probes. Each probe completes its ablation cycle before the next probe is activated, ensuring complete and uniform ablation throughout the target volume without interference patterns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Volume of stationary object

If multiple ablation devices are used to ablate tissue, then the ablation volume can be increased, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation volumeVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The duty cycling system activates probes sequentially in predetermined time intervals rather than simultaneously, which significantly reduces the total power consumption and operating cost. By timing the activation of each probe to avoid overlap, the system achieves the required ablation volume with lower energy expenditure, thereby reducing the cost of the ablation procedure while maintaining effective treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 system achieves predictable, shaped ablation volumes with reduced interference and power consumption, enhancing surgical precision and safety.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

Microwave tissue ablation is a less invasive procedure than surgical removal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250302528A1Cycling of ablation devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 BIOCOMPATIBLES UK LTD

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 probes, each ablation probe 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 probes, and a controller configured to cause each of the plurality of ablation probes to selectively receive ablation power and configured to cycle through activation of a plurality of ablation states.