Microwave Antenna Probe Coupling for Consistent Ablation Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave antenna probes face challenges in maintaining optimal axial spacing between the distal end of the radiating portion and the trocar, which affects the ablation zone and performance, due to variations in component lengths, assembly inconsistencies, and engagement positions.
Innovation Solution
The probes incorporate flexible couplings, spacers, and phase-change materials to maintain a target axial distance between the radiating portion and the trocar, allowing for axial movement and adjustment to ensure consistent performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If rigid fixed-length components are used in the probe assembly, then manufacturing precision can be improved, but adaptability to different tissue depths and angles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid fixed-length components with flexible couplings that allow axial movement. The flexible coupling enables the antenna assembly to move axially relative to the outer jacket, allowing the probe to adapt to different tissue depths and insertion angles while maintaining optimal spacing between the antenna and tissue target.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flexible couplings are introduced to allow axial movement, then adaptability to different tissue conditions is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a flexible coupling as a mediator between the antenna assembly and outer jacket. This flexible coupling acts as a buffer that absorbs variations in component lengths and assembly inconsistencies, maintaining consistent axial spacing between the antenna radiating portion and the tissue target despite manufacturing tolerances.
3Ease of manufacture
If the axial distance between radiating portion and trocar is not precisely controlled, then ease of assembly is improved, but ablation performance and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the beforehand cushioning principle by designing the flexible coupling to preemptively compensate for axial distance variations. The flexible coupling is pre-configured with appropriate flexibility characteristics to absorb assembly variations and maintain optimal axial spacing, ensuring consistent ablation performance without requiring precision assembly procedures.
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 solutions facilitate optimal performance by maintaining the target axial distance, ensuring complete tissue ablation and preventing degradation, despite variations in probe components and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
The phase-change material is transitionable, upon activation of the antenna assembly, between a solid state, for maintaining the target axial distance between the distal end member and the radiating portion, and a fluid state, for absorbing heat to maintain the antenna assembly in a relatively cooled state during use.
Implementation Method 2
The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue
Implementation Method 3
microwave energy is used to ablate and/or coagulate tissue to denature or kill cancerous cells
Implementation Method 4
One or more of the coupling between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the coupling between the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the coupling between the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A surgical probe includes a connection hub, an antenna assembly, and an outer jacket. The antenna assembly is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally from the connection hub, and includes a radiating portion coupled thereto at the distal end thereof. The radiating portion is configured to deliver energy to tissue to treat tissue. The outer jacket is coupled to the connection hub, extends distally therefrom, and is disposed about the radiating portion. The outer jacket includes a distal end member configured to be spaced-apart from the radiating portion a target axial distance. One or more of the couplings between the antenna assembly and the connection hub, the radiating portion and the antenna assembly, and the outer jacket and the connection hub defines a flexible configuration permitting axial movement therebetween to maintain the target axial distance between the radiating portion and the distal end member.