Multi-source Tissue Ablation System with Simultaneous EM Wave Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue ablation technologies, such as radiofrequency (RF), microwave (MW), and laser (LS) ablation, have limitations in terms of effectiveness and convenience, particularly when used separately or in combination during procedures like tumor treatment and vascular stenting.
Innovation Solution
A tissue ablation system that integrates an EM wave generator capable of producing RF, MW, and LS waves simultaneously, allowing for simultaneous or alternating delivery of these energy sources through a needle or catheter with active distal ends, along with a navigation catheter and rapid-exchange ablation needles/catheters for precise tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple EM wave sources (RF, MW, LS) are integrated into a single system, then treatment effectiveness and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates RF, MW, and LS ablation sources into a single hybrid ablation system with a unified generator and control unit. The generator includes separate RF and MW output circuits that can be selectively activated, while the applicator combines RF electrodes, MW antennas, and laser fiber delivery capabilities. This merging approach provides multiple ablation modalities through one device, improving treatment versatility while managing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid ablation system is designed as a universal platform capable of performing RF ablation, MW ablation, laser ablation, and combined ablation sequences. The control unit automatically adjusts operating parameters based on the selected ablation mode, and the applicator incorporates multiple functional elements (electrodes, antennas, optical fibers) that can be activated independently or in combination. This multi-functionality allows a single device to address diverse treatment requirements across different tissue types and clinical scenarios.
2Reliability
If RF ablation is used for tumor treatment, then local tumor control is improved, but risk of thermal damage to surrounding critical structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or pulsed ablation sequences where RF, MW, and laser energy are delivered in alternating intervals rather than continuously. This periodic action allows thermal diffusion periods between energy delivery pulses, preventing excessive temperature accumulation in surrounding tissues while maintaining effective ablation at the target site. The control unit manages pulse timing and duration to optimize the balance between tumor destruction and thermal protection of adjacent structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system uses multiple energy modalities as intermediaries to achieve controlled ablation. For example, MW energy can be used to create a larger initial ablation zone with less thermal spread, while RF provides more localized heating. Laser energy can be used for precise ablation of specific structures. By selecting appropriate energy intermediaries based on the anatomical location and treatment goals, the system achieves effective tumor control while minimizing thermal damage to surrounding critical structures through energy-specific characteristics.
3Device complexity
If a single EM wave source is used for ablation, then device simplicity is maintained, but treatment versatility and effectiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic switching capabilities that allow real-time selection and combination of different ablation modalities based on treatment requirements. The control unit dynamically adjusts operating parameters (power levels, pulse durations, frequency) and can switch between RF-only, MW-only, laser-only, or combined modes during a single procedure. This dynamic adaptability provides treatment versatility while maintaining a relatively simple integrated platform compared to having separate dedicated devices for each modality.
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 system enables more effective and controlled tissue ablation by combining the advantages of RF, MW, and LS waves, potentially improving treatment outcomes and reducing complications by allowing for real-time temperature and impedance control during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The generator includes at least two EM wave outputs and is adapted to provide three types of EM waves through said outputs, namely RF, MW and LS
Implementation Method 2
The ions of targeting tumors adjacent to the electrode tip vibrate rapidly in response to these alternating currents. This vibrating friction energy is transformed into heat
Implementation Method 3
laser (LS) ablation, have limitations in terms of effectiveness and convenience
Data Source
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Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
Tissue ablation system for the internal treatment of parenchymal organs, hollow anatomical conduits or blood vessels (7); said system comprising an Electromagnetic (EM) wave generator (1) and a catheter (8-14,16-40) with an active distal end; characterized by the fact that said generator (1) includes at least two EM wave outputs (3-6) and is adapted to provide three types of EM waves through said outputs (3-6), namely Radiofrequency (RF), Microwave (MW) and Laser (LS); said generator (1) furthermore comprising a processing unit that is programmed, among other things, to emit all three EM waves at the same time and control the interaction among them.