Multi-probe ablation simulation for tissue targeting accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation technologies face inaccuracies and inefficiencies due to difficulties in predicting ablation volumes, leading to prolonged procedures and potential damage to non-target tissues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-probe ablation simulation system that uses real-time imaging and computing to predict and display the ablation volume, allowing clinicians to interactively adjust probe positioning to ensure accurate targeting of the treatment volume, incorporating a multi-active probe controller, imaging device, computing system, and PACS network for precise ablation volume computation and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional tissue ablation procedures are performed without real-time simulation, then the procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the treatment time exceeds one hour and accuracy is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simulation of ablation volumes before the actual ablation procedure. The computing system calculates predicted ablation volumes based on probe positions and tissue properties, allowing clinicians to plan and optimize probe placement in advance, thereby reducing actual treatment time and improving accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual copy of the ablation process through simulation. By generating a digital model that predicts ablation volumes based on probe positions and tissue characteristics, the system allows clinicians to visualize and adjust the treatment plan before execution, reducing the need for lengthy trial-and-error adjustments during the actual procedure.
2Measurement precision
If ablation probes are positioned without real-time simulation feedback, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the accuracy of ablation volume prediction is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by displaying predicted ablation volumes to clinicians during probe positioning. The computing system continuously calculates and updates the predicted ablation volume based on current probe positions, allowing clinicians to see the impact of their positioning decisions and make real-time adjustments to achieve the desired treatment volume with higher accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds a visual dimension to probe positioning by displaying three-dimensional predicted ablation volumes on a screen. This visual representation transforms the abstract concept of ablation volume into a tangible, observable form, enabling clinicians to better understand and control the treatment zone without increasing the physical complexity of probe manipulation.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple ablation probes are used to increase treatment coverage, then the ablation volume can be expanded, but the procedure becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the overall ablation volume into contributions from individual probes. By calculating and displaying the predicted ablation volume for each probe separately and collectively, the system helps clinicians optimize the number, position, and configuration of probes needed to achieve the desired treatment volume, avoiding unnecessary complexity from using more probes than required.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides dynamic simulation that updates predicted ablation volumes in real-time as probe positions are adjusted. This dynamic feedback allows clinicians to optimize probe configurations interactively, finding the most efficient arrangement that achieves the required ablation volume with the minimum number of probes and simplest configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a multi-probe ablation simulation and guidance system and method for use in tissue ablation procedures. In use, the relative locations of a plurality of ablation probes capable of providing ablation energy are determined, and the effect of energy provided by the probes based on the determined locations is predicted to identify a simulated ablation volume. This simulated ablation volume is compared with a target tissue volume. The relative locations of the probes can be adjusted based on the comparison between the simulated ablation volume and the target tissue volume, and the predicted effect rerun until the simulated ablation volume encompasses the target tissue volume to be ablated and necrotized.