Microwave Applicator Probe With Integrated Flow Divider
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave applicators for medical use face issues such as power losses and heating problems due to transmission line inefficiencies, which can lead to undesirable skin burns and require complex cooling systems that increase the probe's diameter, making them less invasive.
Innovation Solution
A microwave applicator with an elongate shaft featuring an external tubular wall and internal flow dividing means that creates discrete flow passages for cooling fluid, minimizing the need for complex cooling pipes and reducing the probe's diameter, while allowing for efficient cooling and temperature sensing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If cooling fluid is passed along the probe using traditional cooling pipes or formers, then the probe can be cooled effectively, but the probe diameter increases and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission line and cooling flow divider into a single integrated structure. The transmission line serves dual purposes: transmitting microwave energy and acting as a flow divider for cooling fluid. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling pipes or formers, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission line is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it transmits microwave energy from the generator to the radiating tip, and also serves as a flow divider that channels cooling fluid through the probe. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate cooling components needed, simplifying the overall structure
2Temperature
If cooling fluid is passed along the probe using traditional cooling pipes or formers, then the probe can be cooled effectively, but the probe diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the transmission line and cooling flow divider into a single integrated structure. The transmission line serves dual purposes: transmitting microwave energy and acting as a flow divider for cooling fluid. This merging eliminates the need for separate cooling pipes or formers, reducing structural complexity while maintaining effective cooling capability
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling flow passages are nested within the existing transmission line structure. The flow divider is positioned inside the transmission line, and cooling fluid flows through passages formed between the flow divider and the transmission line outer wall. This nesting approach utilizes the existing structural space efficiently without requiring additional external cooling components that would increase probe diameter
3Temperature
If liquid cooling is used to cool the probe, then the probe temperature is controlled, but the liquid fills the wound and flows out of or into the body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cooling fluid delivery function from the traditional method of filling the body cavity and redirects it through a controlled pathway. Instead of allowing liquid to fill the wound and flow freely in the body cavity, the system channels cooling fluid through the flow divider and along the probe shaft, where it can be precisely controlled and contained, preventing harmful leakage into the body cavity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow divider acts as an intermediary structure that controls the cooling fluid pathway. It directs the cooling fluid along the probe shaft and prevents it from entering the body cavity, serving as a barrier and guide that mediates between the cooling requirement and the need to prevent fluid leakage into the patient's body
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 solution effectively cools the probe and prevents overheating, maintaining a safe temperature and minimizing the probe's diameter for more invasive procedures while enabling reliable temperature sensing.
Implementation Method 1
cooling fluid is passed along the first passage to cool the probe, the cooling fluid then returning along the second passage
Implementation Method 2
the heat from the ablation can be conducted back along the probe
Implementation Method 3
A thin elongate microwave transmission line extends inside the probe from the handle to a radiating tip disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the probe
Implementation Method 4
the microwave field radiated from the tip heats and ablates the surrounding tissue in a localised area
Implementation Method 5
heats and ablates the surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave applicator having a probe which comprises an elongate shaft (14), the shaft having an external tubular wall (18), a radiating portion (15) disposed at the distal end of the shaft (14), a transmission line (17) extending to the radiating portion internally of the tubular external wall (18), and an elongate flow dividing member (19) which co-extends with the transmission line (17) longitudinally of the shaft (14), the side wall of the transmission line (17) and the side wall of the flow dividing member (19) contacting each other and contacting the internal surface of the external tubular wall (18) at two-spatially separated discrete positions, thereby defining a pair of flow channels (20, 21) inside the shaft (14). In use, cooling fluid can pass down one channel (20) and return via the other channel (21). The structure of the probe is uncomplicated and the probe is straightforward to assemble.