Radiometric Ablation Volume Prediction With Anatomical Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue ablation techniques lack accurate temperature feedback during procedures, particularly when using microwave heating, leading to uncertainty about tissue destruction and potential damage to adjacent tissues, and there is a need for improved radiometric temperature measurement systems to predict ablation volume in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A system using a radiometric antenna with a Dicke switch and thermocouple for accurate temperature measurement, combined with an ablation volume prediction algorithm that processes radiometric signals to determine tissue type and volume, and displays the predicted ablation volume on medical images in real-time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thermocouples are used for temperature measurement during ablation, then temperature feedback is provided, but the measurement is inaccurate because thermocouples only measure surface temperature and are affected by irrigant cooling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoiddeep tissue temperature information

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based thermocouple system with a radiometric measurement system. The radiometer measures microwave radiation emitted by the tissue, providing non-contact temperature measurement that penetrates through the irrigant and measures deep tissue temperature accurately, eliminating the limitations of surface-level thermocouple measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces microwave radiation as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from deep tissue to the measurement device. The radiometer detects microwave radiation emitted by the tissue, allowing temperature measurement through the irrigant layer without direct contact with the tissue, thus obtaining accurate deep tissue temperature data.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If ablation is performed without accurate temperature feedback, then the procedure can be completed, but the clinician cannot determine if adequate tissue destruction occurred or if adjacent tissues were damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation procedure efficiencyVSAvoidablation outcome certainty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time temperature feedback during ablation using the radiometer. The system continuously measures tissue temperature and provides feedback to the clinician, enabling monitoring of ablation progress and detection of overheating or inadequate destruction, thereby ensuring reliable ablation outcomes without requiring repeated procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the ablation procedure is repeated to ensure adequate tissue destruction, then treatment reliability improves, but the risk of damaging adjacent tissues increases and procedure time extends

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue destruction adequacyVSAvoiddamage to adjacent tissues

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The real-time temperature feedback from the radiometer allows the clinician to monitor the ablation process continuously and stop the procedure when adequate tissue destruction is achieved, preventing over-ablation and damage to adjacent tissues. This eliminates the need for repeated procedures and reduces the risk of harmful effects on surrounding structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Measurement precision

If radiometric temperature measurement is implemented, then accurate deep tissue temperature measurement is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeep tissue temperature measurementVSAvoidradiometric measurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the radiometer into the existing ablation catheter system, allowing the same device to perform both ablation and temperature measurement functions. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate measurement devices, while still providing accurate deep tissue temperature measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides precise temperature feedback and predicts ablation volume, ensuring adequate tissue destruction while minimizing damage to adjacent tissues, and reduces the need for repetitive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

measuring parameters during ablation such as temperature of the target tissue... using a radiometric antenna with a Dicke switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave radiation emission: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

thermocouple for accurate temperature measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 3

ablation volume prediction algorithm that processes radiometric signals to determine tissue type and volume

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12390278B2Systems and methods for adaptive ablation volume prediction based on tissue temperature measurements and anatomical segmentation

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 HEPTA MEDICAL SAS

AI summary

Systems and methods for ablating target tissue, measuring parameters during ablation such as temperature of the target tissue, and predicting volume of the ablation based on the measured parameters are provided. The system may include a switching antenna for both heating of target tissue and radiometry to monitor the temperature of the heated tissue, and a processor for calculating the temperature of the target tissue, segmenting medical images, and predicting volume of the ablation based on radiometric signals indicative of the target tissue temperature. The predicted ablation volume may be adapted to account for tissue boundaries and anatomical structures. The processor further may determine properties of the target tissue such as tissue type.