RF Torso Applicator for Selective Heating of Diseased Lung Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for lung diseases like emphysema struggle to selectively heat diseased lung tissue without causing excessive heating of healthy tissues, often requiring precise mapping and accurate device guidance, and result in collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A system using a radiofrequency signal applicator that extends around the torso, controlled by a power source and controller, selectively heats diseased lung tissue to therapeutic temperatures while maintaining healthy tissue below safe thresholds through localized electromagnetic energy and temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an ablation device is inserted through the trachea and bronchi into the diseased area, then the diseased tissue can be heated, but collateral damage is caused to tissue located along the path of the device and only a small part of the lung is accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical insertion approach with an external electromagnetic field application system. Radiofrequency coils are positioned externally on the chest wall to generate electromagnetic fields that penetrate and heat diseased lung tissue non-invasively, eliminating the need for physical device insertion through trachea and bronchi, thus avoiding collateral damage along the insertion path
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary between the external applicator and the target tissue. The radiofrequency coils generate electromagnetic fields that selectively interact with diseased lung tissue through the chest wall, allowing energy delivery without direct mechanical contact or insertion into the lung, thereby protecting healthy tissues along the path
2Manufacturing precision
If an ablation device is accurately guided to a precise location, then treatment can be focused on the diseased area, but precise mapping of the diseased area is required and the device must be accurately guided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical guidance systems with a computational approach using electromagnetic field modeling and control. The system uses computer-controlled adjustment of coil positions, orientations, and operating parameters to achieve precise targeting of diseased tissue, eliminating the need for complex mechanical guidance mechanisms and invasive device navigation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal treatment system where the same external radiofrequency coils can treat various diseased areas in the lung by adjusting coil positions and field parameters. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for different specialized devices for different lung regions, simplifying the overall system while maintaining treatment precision
3Object-affected harmful factors
If healthy tissue is cooled to maintain safe temperatures, then collateral damage is minimized, but the cooling system adds complexity to the treatment apparatus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems with a field-based selective heating approach. By using multiple radiofrequency coils with independent control, the system selectively concentrates electromagnetic energy in diseased tissue while healthy tissues receive sub-therapeutic energy levels, eliminating the need for active cooling mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from passive cooling to active parameter control. The system dynamically adjusts radiofrequency power levels, coil positions, and operating frequencies to create selective heating patterns that spare healthy tissues, using parameter optimization rather than thermal management hardware
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 effectively heats diseased lung tissue to achieve therapeutic effects like ablation or necrosis while keeping healthy tissue temperatures safe, minimizing collateral damage.
Implementation Method 1
the applicator, when energized by the RF signal, operative to couple an electromagnetic energy signal into tissues of the patient, such that the tissues of the patient are heated by the electromagnetic energy signal
Implementation Method 2
whereby the heating raises the diseased tissues to temperatures exceeding a treatment threshold temperature while temperatures of the healthier tissues are kept below a safe threshold temperature lower than the treatment threshold temperature by blood circulation through the healthier tissues
Data Source
Figure 1~1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C~2
AI summary
The present technology may be applied to selectively heat one or more diseased areas in the lung while limiting heating to the healthy area and surrounding tissue. This heating provides a therapeutic effect. The selective heating of diseased tissues may be achieved by exposing the lung to an electromagnetic field to cause dielectric or eddy current heating. The present technology is particularly useful for treating emphysema as the diseased areas in emphysema patients have reduced blood flow. The diseased areas will heat up rapidly while the healthy tissue will be cooled by blood flow. This is particularly effective for treating emphysema because of the low mass of the lungs and the high blood flow. In one described embodiment the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation is selected to satisfy certain resonance conditions of the apparatus. In another described embodiment the electromagnetic radiation is applied with a coil whose geometric parameters are chosen so as to produce an electric field maximum in the area to be heated. In another described embodiment the electromagnetic radiation is applied with a pair of electromagnetic energy signal applicators which are positioned around the torso of the patient, one positioned cranially from the treated area and the other positioned caudally from the treated area, and which are shaped to wrap or partially wrap around the circumference of the torso.