Plasma Delivery Probe Feedback for Uniform Dosage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plasma delivery systems struggle to ensure uniform and accurate dosage of cold plasma to target regions, leading to inconsistencies and inefficiencies in medical treatments.

Innovation Solution

A system with a plasma delivery probe, motion controller, and processor that adjusts the operation of the plasma delivery probe by modifying planned movements based on real-time feedback from sensors, ensuring the actual dosage matches the specified total specific dosage by changing speed, position, and power levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the plasma delivery probe moves at a constant speed according to a pre-planned trajectory, then the motion control is simple and straightforward, but the actual plasma dosage delivered to sub-regions may not match the specified total specific dosage due to spatial non-uniformities and hysteresis effects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplasma dosage uniformityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the actual plasma delivery rate and compares it with the expected rate based on pre-planned movements. When deviations are detected (indicating under-delivery or over-delivery), the system automatically adjusts the probe's movement speed and positioning in real-time to compensate, ensuring the actual dosage matches the specified total specific dosage for each sub-region

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system dynamically modifies the pre-planned movement trajectory by adjusting the plasma delivery probe's speed and position based on real-time feedback. The system transitions from static pre-planned movements to dynamic adaptive movements, allowing the probe to pause longer in under-delivered regions and move faster through over-delivered regions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the system uses pre-planned movements without real-time adjustment, then the control process is simpler and faster, but it cannot account for variations in actual plasma delivery rate caused by spatial non-uniformities and hysteresis

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosage accuracyVSAvoiddosage adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements real-time monitoring of actual plasma delivery rate and automatically adjusts probe movements during treatment. Sensors continuously measure the actual dosage being delivered, and the control system modifies the probe's speed and position on-the-fly to compensate for deviations, ensuring accurate dosage delivery without requiring time-consuming post-treatment adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system autonomously detects dosage deviations and self-corrects by adjusting probe movements without external intervention. The system monitors its own performance and automatically modifies its operation to maintain dosage accuracy, eliminating the need for manual adjustments or external monitoring

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures precise and uniform plasma delivery to target regions, reducing inconsistencies and enhancing treatment efficacy by maintaining the specified dosage, even in the presence of spatial non-uniformities and hysteresis in plasma delivery.

Implementation Method 1

Plasma may be produced by electric discharge through gas, causing gas atoms or molecules to be excited and ionize

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric discharge: Electric Arc

Implementation Method 2

Plasma is a general term encompassing compositions of ionized gas, generally including free electrons and ions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 3

the at least one sensor measures power dissipated by plasma generation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower dissipation measurement: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

the at least one sensor includes a spectral emission detector configured to measure spectral emissions from the plasma

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpectral emission detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP4346661B1Plasma control
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 CAPS MEDICAL
  • EP4346661B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4346661B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP4346661B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D

AI summary

Systems and methods for controlling plasma dosage; particularly, in some embodiments, using small diameter intrabody plasma delivery probes. Control of administration of a selected dosage of plasma to be applied to tissue may include selection of a pattern of motion of the probe as it moves to deliver plasma: not only to where, but also for how long the probe remains and/or at what speed the probe moves. In some embodiments, feedback from measurements is used to help ensure the targeted dosage of plasma is delivered; for example measurements of power which generates plasma, and/or spectral characteristics of generated plasma. In some embodiments, a joint relationship between probe position and plasma generation exists, such that maximum power is obtained at a certain distance from the target which allows the plasma plume to fully develop, rate of plasma delivery, accordingly, may itself be adjusted by motions of the plasma delivering probe.