Microwave Antenna With Inflatable Balloon for Tumor Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating spinal metastases and vertebral compression fractures, such as balloon kyphoplasty and radiofrequency/microwave ablation, face challenges in quickly repairing fractures while effectively ablating tumors without damaging nearby neural pathways or vital organs.

Innovation Solution

A microwave antenna system with an inflatable balloon and a coaxial structure that uses microwave energy to heat a saline mixture, which conducts heat to the tumor, allowing for tumor ablation and fracture reduction while minimizing damage to adjacent structures, followed by stabilization with bone cement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If microwave energy is used to heat tissue directly, then tumor ablation is achieved, but neural pathways and vital organs are damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor ablation speedVSAvoiddamage to neural pathways

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fluid-filled balloon as an intermediary medium between the microwave antenna and the tumor. The balloon contains a fluid that absorbs microwave energy and converts it to thermal energy, which then conducts heat to the tumor tissue. This intermediary approach allows selective heating of the tumor while protecting adjacent neural pathways from direct microwave exposure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces direct mechanical contact heating with electromagnetic energy transmission. Instead of using a probe that directly contacts and heats the tumor through mechanical means, the system uses microwave electromagnetic energy to heat the fluid in the balloon, which then indirectly heats the tumor through thermal conduction. This substitution enables more precise and controlled heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If radiofrequency ablation is used, then tumor destruction is achieved, but procedure duration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetumor ablation speedVSAvoidprocedure duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the ablation medium by using a fluid-filled balloon instead of solid tissue contact. The fluid in the balloon has different thermal properties compared to solid tissue, allowing for more rapid and uniform heat distribution. This parameter change enables faster tumor ablation while reducing procedure duration compared to traditional radiofrequency methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If balloon kyphoplasty is used for fracture repair, then vertebral stabilization is achieved, but tumor ablation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture stabilizationVSAvoidtumor ablation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges two previously separate procedures - balloon kyphoplasty for fracture repair and tumor ablation - into a single integrated procedure. The same fluid-filled balloon used to stabilize the fracture is filled with ablation fluid and used to destroy the tumor. This combination allows simultaneous achievement of fracture stabilization and tumor ablation, eliminating the need for separate procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the balloon serve multiple functions: it acts as both a fracture stabilization device and a tumor ablation device. By filling the balloon with a mixture of saline and contrast material, the system achieves both mechanical support for the fracture and thermal ablation for the tumor, demonstrating multi-functionality that addresses both clinical needs simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables rapid tumor ablation and vertebral fracture stabilization, reducing procedure duration and minimizing risk to neural pathways by using indirect heating through conduction, thus effectively addressing the need for simultaneous fracture repair and tumor treatment.

Implementation Method 1

The other end of the probe is connected to a microwave generator which sends microwave energy through the end of the probe and causes the nearby tissue to heat up

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

The microwave energy heats the mixture in the balloon, which conducts the heat into the tumor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

the surgeon depresses the plunger on the high pressure syringe, which forces saline and contrast material into the balloon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11744630B2Tumor ablation system

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 MEDTRONIC EUROPE SÀRL

AI summary

A system for use in tumor ablation. The tumor ablation system includes a microwave antenna which has a channel along the length thereof. There are two ports proximate the proximal end of the microwave antenna. The first port is an energy port configured to connect the antenna to an energy source. The second port is a fluid port configured to connect the channel to a fluid delivery mechanism. The system also includes an inflatable balloon configured to be attached to a distal end of the antenna. The channel permits fluid access from the fluid port to an interior of the balloon for inflation thereof.