Optical Fiber-Powered Ablation Antenna to Reduce Thermal Loss
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Solution Overview
Problem
Minimally invasive tissue ablation antennas face power limitations due to thermal energy loss in conventional coaxial cable-based designs, which can lead to burns in patient anatomy.
Innovation Solution
An antenna system comprising an elongate flexible member with an optical fiber and an energy conversion device at the distal end, converting optical signals to electrical signals to power the antenna, thereby reducing thermal energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional coaxial cable-based designs are used to deliver power to the antenna, then the antenna can be powered, but thermal energy loss occurs along the cable length causing burns to patient anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional coaxial cable-based electrical power delivery system with an optical fiber-based system. Optical energy is transmitted through the flexible elongate device to an energy conversion device at the distal end, which converts optical energy to electrical energy to power the antenna. This substitution eliminates thermal energy loss along the transmission path while maintaining the required power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the energy transmission parameter from electrical energy through coaxial cable to optical energy through optical fiber. This parameter change fundamentally alters the transmission characteristics, allowing high-power delivery without the thermal losses inherent in electrical conduction through cable, thereby resolving the contradiction between power delivery and thermal safety.
2Productivity
If higher power is delivered to the ablation antenna, then more effective tissue ablation is achieved, but thermal energy loss increases causing burns to surrounding anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
By substituting optical energy transmission for electrical energy transmission through coaxial cable, the system can deliver higher power levels to the ablation antenna without proportionally increasing thermal energy loss. The optical fiber transmission medium does not suffer from the same resistive heating issues as electrical cables, enabling higher productivity without increased harmful thermal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical fiber as an intermediary medium for energy transmission. This intermediary allows power to be delivered to the distal end of the flexible elongate device without the thermal losses that would occur in direct electrical conduction, thereby enabling effective high-power ablation while protecting surrounding anatomy from thermal damage.
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 effectively increases power delivery to high-frequency ablation antennas while minimizing thermal energy loss, ensuring safe temperatures and reducing the risk of burns during minimally invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber extending within the elongate flexible member
Implementation Method 2
The energy conversion device is operable to convert an optical signal received from the optical fiber to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An antenna system comprises an elongate flexible member and an optical fiber extending within the elongate flexible member. The system also comprises an energy conversion device optically coupled to a distal end of the optical fiber. The energy conversion device is operable to convert an optical signal received from the optical fiber to an electrical signal. The system also includes an antenna body coupled to the energy conversion device and powered by the electrical signal from the energy conversion device.