Radiometer System for Depth Temperature Measurement in RF Ablation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current tissue ablation techniques, particularly in cardiac applications, face challenges in accurately measuring tissue temperature at depth due to limitations in existing thermocouple feedback, leading to uncertainties in procedure effectiveness and potential damage to adjacent tissues.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a radiometer system with an interface module that can be coupled to existing electrosurgical generators, allowing for radiometric temperature measurement and control during RF ablation, providing accurate feedback on tissue temperature at depth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a thermocouple is used to measure tissue temperature during ablation, then temperature feedback is provided, but the measurement only reflects surface temperature or irrigant temperature rather than tissue temperature at depth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtissue temperature information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical contact-based thermocouple measurement system with a radiometric measurement system. The radiometer detects thermal radiation emitted by the tissue, allowing non-contact measurement of tissue temperature at depth without being influenced by surface cooling irrigants or contact temperature artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces thermal radiation as an intermediary carrier of temperature information. Instead of directly contacting the tissue with a thermocouple, the radiometer detects the thermal radiation emitted by the tissue, which carries information about the tissue temperature at depth without being affected by surface conditions or cooling irrigants.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the surface of the tissue is cooled with an irrigant during ablation, then the ablation process is controlled, but the thermocouple measures the irrigant temperature instead of tissue temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation process controlVSAvoidtissue temperature feedback accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the contact-based thermocouple measurement system with a radiometric measurement system. The radiometer detects thermal radiation emitted by the tissue, allowing non-contact measurement of tissue temperature at depth without being influenced by surface cooling irrigants or contact temperature artifacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the temperature measurement function from the contact-based thermocouple system and implements it through radiometric detection. This separation allows the irrigant to perform its cooling function while the radiometer independently measures tissue temperature without contamination from the irrigant temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Productivity

If no temperature feedback is provided during ablation, then the procedure can be performed, but the clinician cannot determine whether the ablation was sufficient or if adjacent tissues were damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation procedure efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature feedback information

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback system where the radiometer continuously measures tissue temperature during ablation and provides real-time information to the clinician. This feedback allows the clinician to adjust ablation parameters, determine when sufficient ablation has occurred, and prevent damage to adjacent tissues, thereby improving procedure efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables clinicians to monitor and control tissue temperature accurately during procedures, improving the effectiveness of ablation and reducing the risk of incomplete or excessive tissue damage.

Implementation Method 1

a radiometer for measuring temperature at depth within the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

radio frequency (RF) ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8932284B2Methods of determining tissue temperatures in energy delivery procedures

Publication Date: 2015.01.13 ADVANCED CARDIAC THERAPEUTICS

AI summary

Methods and systems for treating tissue that employ a radiometer for measurement and/or control are provided. For example, methods and systems are provided for radiometrically measuring temperature, such as by calculating temperature based on signal(s) from a radiometer, thereby providing useful information about tissue temperature at depth, even during an optional irrigated procedure.