Refrigerant Tank Heating Control for Stable Cryoablation Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryotherapy systems face challenges with refrigerant pressure inconsistencies, particularly in cold environments, leading to prolonged warm-up times and increased risk of malfunction, which affect the efficacy and safety of cryoablation and cryomapping procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system with a heating element affixed to the refrigerant tank or reservoir, controlled by an electronic controller that regulates refrigerant pressure and temperature based on sensor inputs, ensuring rapid pressure adjustment and consistent delivery to the cryoablation catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If refrigerant is stored in a tank without heating control, then the system structure is simple, but the refrigerant pressure becomes inconsistent in cold environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback control by continuously monitoring refrigerant pressure and temperature through sensors, then adjusting the heating element accordingly. The electronic controller receives signals from pressure and temperature sensors, processes this information, and regulates the heating element to maintain optimal refrigerant conditions, ensuring consistent pressure delivery despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes physical parameters (temperature and pressure) of the refrigerant by controlling the heating element. The electronic controller adjusts the heating power based on sensor feedback, thereby changing the refrigerant's temperature and pressure parameters to maintain optimal delivery conditions throughout the procedure.
2Loss of time
If refrigerant tank is heated rapidly, then warm-up time is reduced, but pressure control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action through controlled heating cycles. The electronic controller regulates the heating element by turning it on and off in controlled intervals based on sensor feedback, preventing continuous overheating while ensuring rapid warm-up when needed. This periodic control maintains pressure precision during the warm-up phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static heating to dynamic heating control. The electronic controller continuously adjusts the heating element's power output based on real-time temperature and pressure sensor readings, enabling the system to adapt heating intensity dynamically. This ensures rapid warm-up initially, then transitions to precise pressure maintenance as optimal conditions are approached.
3Reliability
If manual monitoring of refrigerant pressure is used, then the system is simple to operate, but malfunction risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated monitoring and control. The electronic controller continuously receives signals from pressure and temperature sensors, processes this information, and automatically adjusts the heating element without requiring manual intervention. This self-regulating mechanism prevents malfunctions by maintaining refrigerant pressure within optimal ranges throughout the cryoablation procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical monitoring with electronic control and sensing. Instead of relying on manual pressure gauge readings and adjustments, the system uses electronic sensors to continuously monitor pressure and temperature, with an electronic controller automatically regulating the heating element. This substitution of manual mechanical operations with electronic systems enhances reliability and prevents malfunctions.
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 ensures rapid and consistent delivery of pressurized refrigerant, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of cryoablation and cryomapping procedures by maintaining optimal pressure and temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical heater arranged to heat the confined volume
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the refrigerant-delivery line
Implementation Method 3
a temperature sensor in thermal contact with the exterior surface of the tank
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for controllable delivery of pressurized refrigerant to a medical device, such as a cryoablation catheter. In some examples, a delivery system includes a tank holding the pressurized refrigerant, an electrical heater arranged to heat the tank, and an electronic controller connected to regulate the heater based on input signals received from a plurality of sensors including a temperature sensor in thermal contact with the exterior surface of the tank and a pressure sensor for measuring pressure in the refrigerant-delivery line connecting the tank to the medical device. In operation, the electronic controller processes the input signals by comparing values of at least some of the input signals with respective threshold values and uses logic operations configured for combined processing of two or more of the input signals to decide when to switch the heater between an ON state and an OFF state.