Ablation Probe Handle With Offset Connections for Stable Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation probe handles are unwieldy due to thick and heavy lead cables, making it difficult to accurately position the ablation probe at the desired site and maintain stability during the procedure, and they lack a comfortable grip and ease of access to controls, especially for pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons.
Innovation Solution
The ablation probe handle features parallel and offset connection axes for the lead cable and working channel, allowing improved weight distribution and easier manipulation, along with a ergonomic grip design, tactile feedback, and integrated controls for secure and comfortable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thick and heavy lead cable is used to connect the handle to the ablation console, then the cable can safely transmit microwave energy and coolant, but the handle becomes unwieldy and difficult to accurately control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the lead cable connection interface to be offset from the central axis of the handle, creating a parallel but separated connection path. This spatial reconfiguration allows the heavy lead cable to be anchored away from the grip axis, preventing it from creating leverage against the user's hand while still maintaining safe transmission of microwave energy and coolant to the ablation probe.
2Reliability
If the lead cable is connected to the handle, then the cable can supply microwave energy and coolant, but the cable creates a levering effect that makes it difficult to maintain the position of the ablation probe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the lead cable connection from the central functional axis of the handle, placing it in a separate offset position. This separation removes the source of the levering effect that caused position instability, while the connection interface remains fully functional for supplying microwave energy and coolant to the ablation probe through the catheter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the handle is designed with traditional connection interfaces, then it can connect to the lead cable and working channel, but it lacks a comfortable grip and ease of access to controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the handle by positioning the lead cable connection interface offset from the central axis, while maintaining symmetric ergonomic grip contours and strategically placing controls within easy reach of the user's hand. This asymmetric connection layout eliminates leverage issues while preserving comfortable operation and control access.
4Ease of manufacture
If the lead cable connection interface is positioned traditionally, then the connection is simple, but the weight distribution of the handle is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the lead cable connection interface from the central axis to an offset position in parallel dimension, creating a balanced weight distribution where the heavy lead cable is anchored away from the grip axis. This spatial reconfiguration improves handle balance and reduces leverage while maintaining simple connection functionality through the adapted interface design.
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An ablation probe handle (114; 214) for use with an ablation probe (112; 212), the ablation probe being suitable for use with an internal anatomy access system (102), the ablation probe handle (114; 214) comprising: a housing (126; 216) adapted to be gripped by the user; a lead cable connection interface (128; 228) adapted for connection to a lead cable (116; 216) for supplying a source of microwaves, the lead cable connection interface (128; 228) defining a lead cable connection axis (X); an ablation probe mounting (134) adapted to mount the catheter (122; 222) of an ablation probe within the housing (126; 226); a working channel connection interface (130; 230) adapted for connection to a working channel (110; 210) of an internal anatomy access system (102), wherein the catheter (122; 222) of the ablation probe is arranged to extend from the housing (126; 226) along the working channel (110; 210) when the working channel is connected to the handle (114; 214), the working channel connection interface (130; 230) defining a working channel connection axis (Y), and wherein the lead cable and working channel connection axes are parallel and offset relative to each other and the connection interfaces (128; 228; 130,230) are arranged such that when the working channel (110; 210) and the lead cable (116; 216) are connected to the handle (114; 214) the working channel (110; 210) extends from the housing (126; 226) in the same direction relative to the housing as the lead cable (116; 216). Also disclosed is a handle system and an ablation system.