Microwave Sealer Interference Control for Targeted Vessel Coagulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrosurgical sealing systems, such as monopolar and bipolar sealers, lack the ability to provide targeted depth of treatment and require sanitation or disposal after use, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing multiple electromagnetic signal generators with different frequencies to create constructive and destructive interference patterns, allowing for targeted treatment at a distance without physical contact, and a reusable or easily cleanable device design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional monopolar or bipolar systems are used, then sealing of bleeding vessels is achieved, but the treatment depth is limited to shallow depths and physical contact is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based sealing system (monopolar/bipolar probes requiring physical contact with tissue) with an electromagnetic field-based system using multiple oscillators and antennas. This substitution enables non-contact treatment while achieving precise depth control through constructive interference of electromagnetic waves at targeted depths, resolving the contradiction between treatment depth precision and physical contact requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of control by using multiple oscillators operating at different frequencies and phases to create constructive interference at specific depths. This transforms the traditional single-plane contact approach into a multi-dimensional electromagnetic field approach, where depth is controlled by frequency and phase parameters rather than physical probe insertion depth.
2Manufacturing precision
If bipolar system is used, then current path is controlled shallowly near tips, but targeted depth treatment at greater depths is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the system by using multiple oscillators with different frequencies and phases instead of a single current path. By adjusting frequency and phase parameters, the system creates constructive interference at targeted depths, enabling precise control of current path depth and improving treatment effectiveness for vessels at various depths without being limited to shallow paths.
3Reliability
If handpiece is disposed or sanitized after use, then patient safety is maintained, but waste increases and cleaning costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a disposable interface layer (such as a disposable antenna or coupling medium) that acts as an intermediary between the reusable oscillator system and the patient. This intermediary maintains patient safety by being disposable while protecting the expensive oscillator components from contamination, thereby reducing device waste and cleaning costs compared to disposing of the entire handpiece.
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
Enables precise, non-invasive treatment at a desired depth with reduced waste and cleaning costs by using constructive interference to focus energy on the target, facilitating reuse and minimizing patient contact.
Implementation Method 1
A device with multiple signal generators operating at different frequencies and phases, combined and amplified to create a directional signal for targeted coagulation without physical contact, using a directional antenna and a processor to control the oscillators, allowing for constructive interference at a specific depth.
Implementation Method 2
A device with multiple signal generators operating at different frequencies and phases, combined and amplified to create a directional signal for targeted coagulation without physical contact, using a directional antenna and a processor to control the oscillators
Implementation Method 3
combining and amplifying the first output and the second output to generate a signal
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, kits, and methods described herein are usable for medical treatments by generating local maxima using constructive interference of multiple oscillator outputs. Where constructive interference occurs between the oscillator waves, the output signal can have significant strength to cause heating and coagulation at a bleeding vessel, for instance, while at areas with little interaction (or with destructive interference) there is insufficient power dissipated by the output signal to cause heating sufficient to cause coagulating heating.