Multi-Element Ultrasound Applicator for Dynamic Thermal Lesion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interstitial thermal therapy technologies are limited in their ability to dynamically control the three-dimensional pattern of energy deposition during treatments, making it difficult to accurately target complex geometries and failing to fully utilize imaging information for precise thermal damage control.
Innovation Solution
The use of a multi-element ultrasound heating applicator with controlled directional energy deposition, where temperature measurements from MRI guide the adjustment of power, frequency, and rotation to create site-specific thermal lesions that conform to the target volume, minimizing damage to adjacent tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If point or line source applicators are used for interstitial thermal therapy, then the device structure is simple, but the three-dimensional energy deposition pattern cannot be dynamically controlled to match complex target geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is divided into multiple independent transducer elements that can be individually controlled. Each element can be activated selectively to deposit energy in specific three-dimensional regions, enabling dynamic control of the overall energy deposition pattern to match complex target geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the applicator are designed with different characteristics (e.g., varying transducer element sizes, spacing, or material properties) to create localized variations in energy deposition. This allows specific areas to treat different depths or volumes of tissue according to the target geometry requirements.
2Measurement precision
If conventional interstitial heating applicators are used, then the treatment procedure is simple, but real-time temperature measurement and feedback control are not available
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time temperature measurement capabilities (e.g., using MRI thermometry or other imaging modalities) to monitor the thermal state of the target tissue during treatment. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust the energy delivery parameters of the applicator, ensuring precise temperature control and preventing overheating of adjacent normal tissues.
3Manufacturing precision
If symmetric energy deposition patterns are used, then the energy delivery is uniform, but it is difficult to treat targets with complex geometry accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The energy deposition pattern is made dynamic rather than static. The applicator can be rotated, translated, or reconfigured during treatment to adapt to the three-dimensional shape of the target. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to maintain precision when treating complex geometries while ensuring uniform energy distribution throughout the target volume.
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
This approach enables precise, site-specific thermal ablation of diseased tissues with minimal incidental damage to normal tissues, effectively treating complex geometries like the prostate gland with real-time temperature control and visualization.
Implementation Method 1
The invention relates to treatment of various medical conditions using thermal therapy... embodiments of the present invention relate to treatment of diseased tissue using controlled ultrasound thermal therapy
Implementation Method 2
a target volume of tissue is sufficiently heated to achieve a therapeutic effect, such as thermal coagulation... temperatures in the range of 55-60° C. are generally considered sufficient to provide enough energy to cause such coagulation
Implementation Method 3
Various aspects include interstitial treatment of tumors, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and in particular, prostate cancer... permitting non-invasive real-time temperature measurement of the treatment volume and visualization of regions of thermal damage
Implementation Method 4
Tissue thermal coagulation depends on a number of factors, and temperatures in the range of 55-60° C. are generally considered sufficient to provide enough energy to cause such coagulation. Cell death results from heating to these temperatures
Implementation Method 5
The present invention includes a thermal therapy method using an ultrasound heating applicator to generate site-specific thermal lesions in diseased tissues
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for delivering and controlling thermal therapy to a volume of diseased tissue. Specifically, the invention includes using thermal imaging and other inputs to determine an acoustic (ultrasonic) treatment regime employing interstitial ultrasound applicators to deliver a required therapeutic temperature or thermal dose to the affected region in a body or organ. Various aspects of the treatment that can be controlled include individual transducer element operating power and frequency, as well as the rate of cooling and rotation of the entire applicator.