MRI-Guided Cryosurgery System with Real-Time Ablation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current MRI-compatible cryosurgery systems are limited by their inability to provide real-time, accurate visualization of the ablation volume during procedures, requiring surgeons to estimate based on incomplete information, leading to potential damage to healthy tissues or incomplete treatment of pathological tissues.
Innovation Solution
An MRI-compatible cryosurgery system that integrates real-time MRI monitoring and control, allowing surgeons to directly control cryosurgery components within the MRI environment, with algorithms estimating the ablation volume's borders and automatically adjusting the procedure based on tissue temperature data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time MRI monitoring is used during cryosurgery, then measurement precision of ablation volume is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines MRI imaging system and cryosurgery system into an integrated platform where MRI provides real-time monitoring of the ablation zone during cryosurgery. The systems share common control interfaces and data processing channels, allowing simultaneous imaging and treatment with unified system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces specialized MRI-compatible cryoprobes as intermediaries that can be monitored by MRI while delivering cryogenic treatment. These probes serve as the bridge between the MRI monitoring system and the cryosurgery treatment delivery, enabling real-time visualization without compromising treatment efficacy.
2Ease of operation
If surgeons control cryosurgery components directly within MRI environment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases due to magnetic interference with electrical circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electromagnetic shielding materials and Faraday cage structures around electrical circuits and control components within the MRI environment. These shielding layers block magnetic field interference while allowing surgeons to maintain direct control of cryosurgery components through shielded interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional electrical control circuits with MRI-compatible alternatives such as pneumatic control systems for cryoprobe manipulation and optically-isolated electrical circuits. This substitution eliminates magnetic interference issues while preserving surgeon control capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If algorithms automatically adjust procedure based on MRI data, then manufacturing precision of ablation volume is improved, but extent of automation increases system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback loops where MRI data on iceball formation and temperature distribution is continuously fed to control algorithms. These algorithms automatically adjust cryoprobe parameters such as cooling rate, duration, and positioning to achieve precise ablation volume control while maintaining the ability for surgeon override.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pre-programmed treatment protocols and predictive algorithms that calculate optimal cryosurgery parameters before treatment begins. Based on preliminary MRI imaging of the target tissue, the system pre-determines probe positioning, cooling rates, and treatment duration to achieve accurate ablation volumes.
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 control of cryosurgery procedures, reducing the risk of damaging healthy tissues and ensuring complete ablation of pathological tissues, thereby improving surgical outcomes and patient recovery.
Implementation Method 1
MRI imaging was used to visualize body tissues and to locate and evaluate problematic tissue structures
Implementation Method 2
Cryoablation of tissues has become an increasingly popular method of treatment for a variety of pathological conditions
Implementation Method 3
When a cryoprobe is cooled to cryoablation temperatures, a volume of frozen tissue forms around the probe, commonly called an 'iceball'
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is of systems and methods for MRI-guided cryosurgery. The systems enable a surgeon positioned next to a patient and within an MRI magnetic environment both to monitor progress of a cryosurgical intervention by observing MRI images of the intervention in real time, and to fully control aspects of operation of a cryosurgery apparatus by remotely controlling a fluid supply source positioned external to that magnetic environment, which fluid supply source supplies cryogenic fluids to cryoprobes operable within that magnetic environment, thereby enabling real-time MRI-guided control of a cryoablation process. A preferred embodiment enables calculation and display of borders of an ablation volume surrounding a cooled cryoprobe in real time, and further enables automatic control of elements of a cryoablation procedure, which elements are triggered when shape and position of that calculated ablation volume are found to bear a predefined relationship to the shape and position of a predefined treatment target.