Movable Probe Holders for Interstitial Laser Therapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing probe holders for interstitial laser energy treatment are limited in accommodating variations in body size and shape, tumor size and shape, and tissue surrounding the treatment area, restricting effective positioning of laser and thermal probes for precise delivery of ablative laser energy and temperature monitoring.

Innovation Solution

The development of independently movable probe holders that allow for flexible positioning of laser and thermal probes in multiple geometries and distances, enabling precise placement based on the exact position, size, and shape of the tissue and body part, facilitating effective delivery of laser energy and temperature monitoring during interstitial laser therapy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed geometry probe holder is used to hold the laser probe and thermal probe, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different body sizes, shapes, and tissue variations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different body sizes and tissue variationsVSAvoidprobe holder structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe holder incorporates movable components that allow dynamic adjustment of the thermal probe's position relative to the laser probe. The holder can be positioned at multiple locations along the laser probe, and the thermal probe can be adjusted to different distances and orientations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic, adaptable system that accommodates various body sizes, shapes, and tissue characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The probe holder is divided into separate, independently adjustable components rather than a single fixed structure. The holder can be positioned at different locations along the laser probe, and the thermal probe can be independently adjusted to multiple positions, creating segmented functionality that provides versatility without requiring complete redesign of the entire assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If the thermal probe is held at a single fixed distance from the laser probe in a single plane, then the manufacturing precision is easier to maintain, but the measurement precision for temperature monitoring at different tissue locations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement precision at different tissue locationsVSAvoidprobe positioning precision requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic positioning of the thermal probe at multiple predetermined distances from the laser probe tip along the probe shaft. This dynamic adjustment capability enables temperature monitoring at different tissue locations without requiring extremely precise fixed manufacturing tolerances, as the positioning can be adjusted during operation to account for variations in tissue anatomy and treatment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The probe holder is configured to automatically position the thermal probe at predetermined distances from the laser probe tip before the treatment begins. This preliminary positioning ensures that the thermal probe is correctly placed for temperature monitoring at the intended location, reducing the need for complex real-time adjustments and simplifying the manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 consistent and reliable positioning of probes for effective interstitial laser energy treatment, accommodating variations in tissue and body anatomy, thereby improving the precision and effectiveness of tumor treatment by allowing for precise delivery of laser energy and monitoring of tissue temperature.

Implementation Method 1

delivering ablative laser energy to tissue such as tumors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser energy: Laser

Implementation Method 2

ablative laser energy treatment of tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

positioning a thermal probe relative to the laser probe to monitor the temperature of surrounding tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature measurement: Thermography

Data Source

PatentUS8926677B2Interstitial energy treatment probe holders

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 NOVIAN HEALTH INC

AI summary

An interstitial laser energy treatment apparatus having co-acting movable probe holders which facilitate positioning of a laser probe and thermal probe in different positions relative to a tissue mass such as the tumor to be treated and relative to each other to facilitate treating tissue masses based on the exact position, size and shape of the tissue mass.