Microwave Thermal Therapy System for Esophageal Varices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for esophageal varices, such as medications and band ligation, are often poorly tolerated and can result in ulceration or mechanical trauma, and existing thermal therapy methods may cause surface tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive microwave thermal therapy system using an endoscopic device with cap-incorporated microwave delivery elements, capable of delivering thermal energy to esophageal varices while minimizing surface tissue damage through suction and optional surface cooling, to cause endothelial injury and coagulation without surface injury.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If thermal therapy is delivered to esophageal varices, then coagulation and bleeding control is achieved, but surface tissue damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoagulation effectivenessVSAvoidsurface tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap assembly creates a localized treatment zone where thermal energy is concentrated on the varices while the surrounding esophageal surface tissue is protected. The suction mechanism isolates the varices within the cap, allowing targeted thermal delivery that spares the overlying mucosa from direct thermal injury.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cap assembly acts as an intermediary device between the thermal energy source and the esophageal tissue. It mediates the thermal therapy by containing the varices through suction and directing thermal energy specifically to the submucosal varices while preventing direct contact between the heat source and the surface mucosa.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If medications or band ligation are used to treat varices, then bleeding control is achieved, but ulceration and mechanical trauma occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebleeding controlVSAvoidulceration and mechanical trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces mechanical band ligation with thermal energy delivery. Instead of using elastic bands that mechanically constrict and potentially traumatize the tissue, the system uses controlled thermal energy to achieve coagulation of the varices, eliminating the mechanical trauma and ulceration associated with band ligation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the treatment parameter from mechanical force (band ligation) to thermal energy. By controlling the thermal parameters (temperature, duration, delivery pattern), the system achieves reliable bleeding control through coagulation without the mechanical trauma inherent in band ligation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If microwave energy is delivered to cause rapid coagulation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but risk of surface injury increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoagulation speedVSAvoidsurface injury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The microwave energy is delivered in controlled pulses or cycles rather than continuous exposure. This periodic delivery allows for rapid coagulation of the varices while providing intervals that prevent excessive heat accumulation in the surface tissue, thereby maintaining treatment effectiveness while reducing surface injury risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor tissue response during microwave delivery. By detecting changes in tissue impedance or temperature, the system can adjust the microwave energy delivery in real-time, ensuring rapid coagulation of the varices while automatically preventing surface tissue injury by reducing power when thresholds are approached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 system effectively coagulates esophageal varices, reducing the risk of bleeding and mortality, while minimizing patient discomfort and recovery time, and avoiding substantial surface tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

The energy source may be a microwave energy source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation: Microwave Radiation

Implementation Method 2

microwave-delivered thermal therapy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

Surface cooling via endoscope cap ports or using an auxiliary cooling media supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10779886B2Thermal therapy systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.09.22 MAYO FOUNDATION FOR MEDICAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH

AI summary

Devices and methods can be used to deliver thermal therapy to treat tissue. For example, this document provides devices and methods for treating varices, varicosity, other bleeding vessels, polyps, and cancer using microwave-delivered thermal therapy in a minimally invasive fashion. In some embodiment's provided herein, a multidirectional thermal therapy that does not injure surface tissues but causes endothelial injury and coagulation is described. In some implementations, varices are suctioned into a cup that is configured to deliver thermal therapy to the varices, resulting in coagulation.