Microwave Antenna Assembly with Compressive Pre-Stress for Direct Tissue Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microwave antennas for tissue ablation are structurally weak and require invasive procedures with introducers or catheters, making them cumbersome, expensive, and increasing the risk of complications due to their flexibility and manufacturing complexities, especially when treating hard-to-reach malignancies.
Innovation Solution
A robust microwave antenna assembly with a tapered tip and a bi-directional stress state achieved by using a high-strength polyimide material and ceramic layer, bonded to provide mechanical strength and prevent mechanical failure during insertion, allowing for direct percutaneous insertion without additional tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional flexible microwave antennas are used for tissue ablation, then the antenna can be inserted into body orifices, but the antenna is structurally weak and requires introducers or catheters which increase procedure complexity and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the antenna by introducing a compressive pre-stress state through controlled bending during manufacturing. This pre-applied compression counteracts the tensile stresses that would otherwise cause failure during insertion, transforming the antenna from a fragile flexible structure to one that can withstand insertion forces without requiring protective catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-bending the antenna to induce compressive stress before the actual insertion procedure. This pre-stressing is performed during manufacturing or setup, so that when the antenna is later inserted into tissue, the compressive pre-stress is already in place to prevent mechanical failure, eliminating the need for introducers or catheters.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional microwave antennas with long thin inner conductors are used, then microwave energy can be delivered to tissue, but the antennas are cumbersome and require additional introducer tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the stress state parameter of the antenna structure by introducing compressive pre-stress, which fundamentally changes the mechanical behavior of the long thin inner conductor. This allows the conductor to maintain its shape and structural integrity without requiring protective catheters or introducers, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity while preserving microwave energy delivery capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible microwave antennas are used to treat hard-to-reach malignancies, then access to difficult locations is possible, but the risk of mechanical failure and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stress state parameter from neutral or tensile to compressive through controlled pre-bending. This parameter change allows the antenna to maintain its flexibility for reaching difficult locations while simultaneously increasing its mechanical reliability by preventing failure during insertion and deployment in hard-to-reach malignancies.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fabricating a microwave antenna assembly is disclosed. The fabrication method includes providing a proximal portion having an inner conductor and an outer conductor, the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. The method further includes providing a distal portion disposed distally of the proximal portion, with the inner conductor extending at least partially therein. A high strength material may be injected from an inflow slot to an outflow slot of the distal portion such that the material is disposed in-between the inner conductor and a ceramic layer. The material bonds the distal portion and the ceramic layer to the proximal portion while providing mechanical strength to the distal portion.