Disposable Microwave Probe Cooling Pump Head
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave applicator probes for tissue ablation face issues with overheating due to power losses and radiated energy, leading to potential burns and contamination risks, and current cooling solutions are not reliable or cost-effective for repeated use.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a detachable pump head and flexible duct assembly that allows for sterile and disposable cooling fluid circulation, reducing contamination risks and lowering replacement costs by containing the fluid and preventing direct contact with non-sterile parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a liquid cooling system is implemented in the probe, then the probe cooling effectiveness is improved, but the contamination risk increases and the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is divided into a reusable pump unit and a disposable probe assembly. The pump contains the fluid reservoir and pumping mechanism, while the probe includes only the necessary cooling channels and ducts. This segmentation allows the complex, contaminatable pump to be separated from the sterile, single-use probe, eliminating cross-contamination risks while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly including the cooling channels and flexible ducts is designed as a single-use disposable component. After each use, the entire probe assembly is discarded to eliminate any contamination risk, while the more expensive and complex pump unit is retained and reused. This approach prioritizes patient safety over cost efficiency for the disposable components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pump head is made detachable and sealed, then the contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is segmented into a permanent pump body and a detachable pump head assembly. The pump head contains the fluid propulsion means and is designed to be sealed against the pump body, creating a closed system that prevents contamination. This segmentation allows for easier cleaning and sterilization of the pump head while maintaining the overall pump functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed interface acts as an intermediary between the pump head and pump body. This seal prevents fluid leakage and contamination pathways between the reusable pump components and the disposable probe assembly, allowing for simplified cleaning protocols while maintaining system integrity.
3Device complexity
If the flow channels have small diameter, then the probe structure is simplified, but the pump performance requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump employs hydraulic principles with a fluid propulsion means that creates sufficient pressure differential to move cooling fluid through the narrow diameter flow channels. The sealed pump head design ensures efficient fluid transfer, compensating for the small channel dimensions and maintaining adequate cooling flow rates without requiring complex external pumping mechanisms.
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 provides reliable and sustained cooling of the probe, minimizing overheating risks and reducing contamination, while allowing for cost-effective disposal of the pump head and duct assembly, thus addressing both thermal management and contamination concerns.
Implementation Method 1
cooling fluid can be pumped through the probe to its distal end along one flow channel and then returned along another flow channel
Implementation Method 2
fluid propulsion means for creating a flow of said fluid between said ports and along said elongate flow duct upon energisation of said motor
Implementation Method 3
the pump head being arranged to sealingly contain said fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave applicator device comprising a probe (11) for ablating the body of a human or animal, a cooling passage (20,21) extending through the probe (11) and arranged to carry a cooling fluid, a pump (71) for pumping the fluid through the probe (11), and an elongate flexible duct (104) extending between the pump (71) and one end of the cooling passage (20,21), the pump comprising a pump body (73) including a motor (120) and a pump head (72) detachably mounted to the pump body (73), the pump head (72) comprising a first port (86) connected to a proximal end of the elongate flow duct (104), a second port (85) and fluid propulsion means (84,92) for creating a flow of fluid between the ports (85,86) and along the elongate flow duct 104 upon energization of the motor (120), the pump head (72) being arranged to sealingly contain the fluid. The pump head (72), the elongate flexible duct (104) and the probe (11) form a replaceable assembly that can be detached from the pump body (73) and discarded following use.