Flexible Microwave Ablation Probe With Tethered Applicator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation probes face challenges in navigating tortuous paths within the body, particularly in reaching lung sites, due to the need for flexibility and precise positioning of the ablation zone while avoiding critical anatomical structures, and maintaining energy delivery performance.
Innovation Solution
A microwave ablation probe with a flexible tubular member and a restriction means, such as a tethering member, to control the relative movement between the applicator and the tip portion, ensuring accurate positioning and maintaining flexibility while preventing detuning and damage to critical structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the ablation probe is made flexible to navigate tortuous paths, then the ability to reach distant ablation sites is improved, but the relative position between the applicator and tip becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation probe is divided into distinct segments: a flexible catheter body for navigation, and a separately positionable applicator component. The applicator can be advanced independently through the catheter to the target site, allowing the catheter to follow tortuous paths while the applicator maintains precise positioning at the distal end. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling flexibility in the catheter while maintaining stability in the applicator-tip relationship through independent positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter acts as an intermediary between the operator and the applicator. It provides a flexible conduit that can navigate complex anatomical paths while carrying the applicator to the target site. The catheter's flexibility allows it to adapt to tortuous paths, while its structure as a guiding medium ensures the applicator reaches the intended location, thus mediating between the need for flexibility and positional stability.
2Manufacturing precision
If the applicator is rigidly fixed to maintain positioning, then the ablation zone accuracy is improved, but the probe cannot navigate tortuous paths
Solution Approach 1:
The probe system is segmented into a flexible catheter portion and a rigid applicator portion. The catheter provides flexibility for navigation through tortuous paths, while the applicator maintains rigidity for precise ablation zone positioning. The applicator can be advanced through the flexible catheter to the target site, combining the advantages of both flexibility and rigidity in different components.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the probe have different mechanical properties tailored to their specific functions. The catheter is designed with high flexibility to navigate complex anatomical paths, while the applicator is designed with rigidity to maintain precise positioning and stable ablation zone generation. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility for navigation and rigidity for positioning accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the components are allowed to move relative to each other for flexibility, then the ability to reach target sites is improved, but the energy delivery performance deteriorates due to detuning
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed as a separable component that can be advanced independently through the catheter. Once positioned at the target site, the applicator can be securely deployed or locked into place, ensuring stable electrical connection and consistent energy delivery performance. The segmentation allows flexibility during insertion while maintaining reliability during operation through secure positioning mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator is pre-positioned and secured within the catheter during the insertion phase, ensuring that once the catheter reaches the target site, the applicator is already in the correct position for stable energy delivery. This preliminary positioning action prevents relative movement that could cause detuning, while still allowing the catheter to navigate tortuous paths during insertion.
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 ablation probe achieves precise positioning of the ablation zone, reduces the risk of detuning, and maintains flexibility, allowing safe and effective treatment with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator having a radiating section arranged to emit electromagnetic energy to cause heating in tissue
Implementation Method 2
deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy or more specifically microwave energy to the tissue surrounding an applicator tip. This causes localised heating and destruction of the malignant cells
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A microwave ablation probe (100), comprising: an applicator (106) having a radiating section (106a) arranged to emit electromagnetic energy to cause heating in tissue; a feed cable (108) having a distal end and a proximal end and being arranged to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator (106), the applicator (106) being coupled to the distal end of the feed cable (108); a flexible tubular member (110) comprising a shaft portion (111) and a tip portion (112), the tip portion (112) located at a distal end of the tubular member (110) and being adapted for insertion into tissue, wherein the applicator (106) and at least part of the feed cable (108) are located within the tubular member (110); and a restriction means (114) arranged to restrict the separation between the applicator (106) and the tip portion (112) of the tubular member (110). The restriction means (114) comprises a flexible tethering member (116) extending between the applicator (106) and the tip portion (112), the tethering member (116) being arranged to restrict at least proximal movement of the applicator (106) relative to the tip portion (112) of the tubular member (110). Also disclosed is a method (1000) of manufacturing the ablation probe (100).