Implanted RF Absorber for Repeated Thermal Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating lesions, tumors, and nerve pain using radio frequency ablation require repeated insertion of needles, leading to discomfort, infection risks, and temporary pain relief due to regrowth of ablated nerves, necessitating a more efficient and minimally invasive solution.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a radio frequency generator, miniaturized thermometer, and wireless transmitter to generate and monitor heat at a target area, with implanted RF absorbers and probes to deliver heat without repeated needle insertion, employing a controller to optimize RF energy and frequency for sustained pain relief.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radio frequency ablation is performed using needle or probe insertion, then heat can be generated at the target area to treat lesions and tumors, but the need for repeated insertion increases infection risk and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implanting an RF absorber at the target location before the actual treatment. This pre-placed absorber enables multiple treatment sessions without repeated needle insertions, thereby reducing infection risk while maintaining treatment effectiveness. The absorber is positioned in advance to facilitate subsequent RF energy delivery.
2Reliability
If repeated needle insertion is performed for periodic heat treatment, then pain relief can be achieved, but the procedure causes pain and discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The RF absorber is implanted in advance at the target location, enabling multiple treatment sessions without repeated needle insertions. This preliminary placement eliminates the pain and discomfort associated with repeated procedural interventions while maintaining sustained pain relief through periodic RF heat application.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF absorber acts as an intermediary device that mediates between the external RF generator and the internal target tissue. It converts RF energy to heat at the target location without requiring repeated needle insertions, thereby maintaining pain relief while improving patient comfort by eliminating repeated invasive procedures.
3Power
If needles are inserted through multiple tissue layers to reach the target, then heat can be delivered to the target area, but the complexity and risk of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The RF absorber is pre-implanted at the target location, eliminating the need for repeated needle insertions through multiple tissue layers. This preliminary action simplifies the procedure by replacing complex percutaneous access with a minimally invasive implantable device that enables subsequent RF energy delivery.
4Reliability
If ablation is performed to destroy nerves or tumors, then pain can be relieved, but the nerves grow back and pain returns requiring repeated treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuity of useful action by allowing multiple RF treatment sessions through the same implanted absorber at different time intervals. This facilitates repeated heat application to prevent nerve regrowth and extend pain relief duration, addressing the limitation of single-session ablation.
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 allows for repeated heat application at target areas with reduced risk of infection and discomfort, providing sustained pain relief by eliminating the need for frequent needle insertions and enhancing treatment efficacy through real-time temperature monitoring and optimized RF energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
Radio frequency waves are employed to generate heat at the tip of a needle or probe
Implementation Method 2
A radio frequency (RF) absorber or distributor comprising a plurality of closed loop circuits is provided
Data Source
AI summary
The embodiments herein provide a method and system for generating heat at a target area of a patient's body for treatment of lesions, tumors, cancer cells, body pain and nerve pain. The heat generated inside a target tissue is distributed throughout the target area. The system and method provides a real time monitoring of the generated heat and the temperature of the tissue. The system comprises a radio frequency (RF) antenna/transducer for receiving the generated RF waves from the RF generator. A controller/optimizer is provided for controlling a frequency of the RF waves and a transmission timing of the RF waves. A RF absorber/distributor comprising a plurality of closed loop circuits is provided. A miniaturized thermometer is arranged inside the RF absorber is arranged close to irradiation area for measuring the temperature which is transmitted to the controller. Several needles/probes are implanted at the target location of patient's body.