Multi-Prong Cryoablation Probe for Controlled Tissue Necrosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryoablation devices suffer from limited control over the area of necrosis, causing collateral thermal damage and difficulty in positioning the probe for optimal results, leading to unwanted necrosis of adjacent tissue during minimally invasive procedures for pain relief.
Innovation Solution
A cryoablation device with at least two parallel prongs that release a pressurized material to cool the exterior surface to a temperature suitable for ablating nerve and soft tissue, allowing for controlled ablation over a larger surface area with reduced adjacent tissue damage, featuring a probe design with adjustable prong spacing and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single needle cryoablation device is used to form an ice ball, then tissue ablation capability is achieved, but control over the area of necrosis is limited and collateral damage to adjacent tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The single needle device is segmented into multiple parallel prongs (at least two prongs spaced apart), each capable of forming its own ice ball. This segmentation allows independent control of freezing zones, enabling precise definition of the necrosis area while reducing unintended spread to adjacent healthy tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point (single needle) ablation approach to a multi-point linear arrangement (multiple parallel prongs). This dimensional change allows the ice balls to be spaced at controlled intervals, creating a controlled ablation zone that limits collateral damage to areas between the prongs.
2Reliability
If cryoablation is used to destroy tissue by forming an ice ball, then nerve and soft tissue ablation is achieved, but positioning difficulty leads to unwanted necrosis of adjacent tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple parallel prongs that can be independently positioned and controlled. This segmentation allows the operator to target specific tissue areas more precisely, reducing the risk of damaging adjacent healthy tissue while maintaining reliable ablation of the intended target.
Solution Approach 2:
Each prong can be independently controlled to create localized ice balls at specific positions. This local quality control allows precise targeting of pathological tissue while sparing adjacent healthy structures, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If deep tissue freezing is performed to achieve cell destruction, then ablation of nerve and soft tissue is achieved, but surrounding tissue is frozen causing increased pain and slower recovery
Solution Approach 1:
By using multiple spaced prongs instead of a single deep-freezing needle, the freezing effect is segmented into discrete zones. This allows the operator to limit the depth and lateral spread of freezing to only the necessary treatment areas, preventing unnecessary freezing of surrounding healthy tissue and reducing post-procedure pain.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses partial freezing action by spacing prongs to create discrete ice balls only where needed, rather than excessive deep freezing that would affect surrounding tissue. This partial action approach achieves sufficient ablation precision while minimizing harmful effects to adjacent structures.
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 device enables efficient destruction of nerve and soft tissue with minimal collateral damage, providing improved pain relief by allowing precise control over the ablation area and reducing the risk of necrosis in adjacent tissues.
Implementation Method 1
A filament is disposed in the internal passage of the at least two prongs having an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the at least two prongs so as to cool the exterior surface of the at least two prongs
Implementation Method 2
cool the exterior surface of the at least two prongs to a temperature configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue
Implementation Method 3
During freezing, ice formation within the extracellular space creates an osmotic gradient, resulting in cellular dehydration. Ice crystals then form within the cells causing cell membranes to rupture resulting in cell death.
Implementation Method 4
The low temperature generated by these systems causes freezing of the surrounding tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Ablation devices comprising a probe or needle useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The probe comprises at least two prongs spaced apart and parallel to each other. The at least two prongs each having an interior surface and an exterior surface and an internal passage disposed in the interior surface of the at least two prongs. A filament is disposed in the internal passage of the at least two prongs that has an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the at least two prongs so as to cool the exterior surface of the at least two prongs to a temperature configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.