Self-Centering Microwave Probe Tip for Repeatable Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microwave ablation probes face challenges in achieving a small, repeatable, and high-quality ablation zone while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues, due to manufacturing complexities and the need for precise positioning of components.
Innovation Solution
The microwave ablation probe features a robust tip design with self-centering capabilities, ceramic material construction, and protective features to ensure accurate positioning and prevent interference, utilizing annular grooves and an angled seating surface for secure attachment and alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the microwave ablation antenna size is reduced to minimize damage to surrounding tissues, then the size of the ablation probe is reduced, but the manufacturing complexity increases and positioning precision becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is segmented into functionally distinct portions: a post portion for secure attachment to the antenna assembly and an insertion portion for tissue penetration. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility and positioning precision in the miniaturized probe.
Solution Approach 2:
The post portion is designed to be received within a receptacle in the antenna assembly, creating a nested structure. This nesting approach allows the tip to be securely attached to the antenna while maintaining a compact overall size, resolving the contradiction between miniaturization and secure component positioning.
2Reliability
If the ablation probe is designed with all elements precisely positioned to achieve repeatable ablation zones, then the ablation performance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tip geometry, including the angled insertion portion and post portion with specific dimensions, is pre-configured during manufacturing to ensure proper positioning relative to the antenna. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex post-assembly adjustments, achieving repeatable ablation zones while keeping the device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The tip features an asymmetric design with an angled insertion portion rather than a symmetric cylindrical shape. This asymmetry provides inherent positioning cues that ensure the tip aligns correctly with the antenna assembly, improving ablation zone repeatability without requiring additional complex positioning mechanisms.
3Manufacturing precision
If the tip design includes robust attachment features and protective elements to prevent manufacturing defects, then the product quality is improved, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The post portion and insertion portion are combined into a single integrated tip structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for multiple tip components, reducing manufacturing process complexity while maintaining robust attachment features through the integrated design.
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 improved tip design ensures precise and repeatable ablation zones with reduced manufacturing defects, minimizing tissue damage and maintaining a spherical ablation shape.
Implementation Method 1
A microwave ablation antenna can be included in the probe and be used to deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy such as microwave energy to a target tissue to heat the target tissue and destroy the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A microwave ablation probe tip includes a post portion configured to be received in an ablation probe needle, the post portion comprising one or more annular grooves, and an insertion portion comprising a shoulder at which the insertion portion is connected to the post portion, wherein the insertion portion tapers in a direction away from the shoulder.