Robotic Laser Ablation for Tumor Precision
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current surgical robotics lack the precision and effectiveness in ablating tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, particularly for larger tumors, as they rely on ionizing radiation which has limitations in volume and precision.
Innovation Solution
A computer-assisted robotic system equipped with a laser beam emitter that uses imaging data from MRI, CT scans, or ultrasound to precisely control the emission parameters of a laser beam, including direction, intensity, and duration, to destroy pre-defined shapes and volumes of cellular tissue while avoiding normal tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If ionizing radiation (X-Rays or Gamma Radiation) is used for stereotactic radio-surgery, then small tumors can be treated, but the treatment is limited to small tumors due to ionizing radiation limits and cannot effectively treat bigger tumors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ionizing radiation (X-Rays/Gamma Radiation) with a laser beam delivery system coupled to a robotic arm. The laser beam is delivered through a needle into the tumor tissue, substituting the radiation-based approach with a mechanical/optical approach that allows for larger treatment volumes without ionizing radiation limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy delivery from ionizing radiation to laser energy. This parameter change enables treatment of bigger tumors because laser ablation does not have the same cumulative dose limitations as ionizing radiation, while still maintaining precision through robotic control and imaging guidance.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional robotic arms are used for surgical procedures, then basic surgical tasks can be performed, but precision ablation of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple systems into an integrated platform: a robotic arm for precise positioning, a laser beam emitter for tissue ablation, and imaging systems (MRI, CT, ultrasound) for real-time guidance. This combination enables precision ablation by coordinating all components under computer control to treat tumors while sparing surrounding normal tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates imaging systems that provide real-time feedback on needle position and tumor location. The computer system uses this imaging data to adjust laser emission parameters (direction, intensity, duration) dynamically, ensuring precise ablation boundaries and preventing damage to adjacent normal tissue.
3Shape
If laser ablation is performed without robotic control, then simple ablation can be performed, but pre-programmed ablation volumetric shape containing the tumor cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-programming of the ablation volumetric shape based on tumor imaging data. Before the procedure, the computer system calculates and programs the precise three-dimensional shape and volume that needs to be ablated. During the procedure, the robotic arm automatically executes this pre-programmed path, delivering the laser beam along predetermined trajectories to create the exact desired ablation shape.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic robotic control system that can adjust the laser emission parameters (direction, intensity, duration) in real-time based on pre-programmed instructions and real-time imaging feedback. This dynamic control enables the creation of complex three-dimensional ablation shapes that conform to the tumor volume while protecting surrounding structures.
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
Enables precise ablation of tumors with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, allowing for the treatment of larger tumors without exceeding the limits of ionizing radiation, improving surgical precision and efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The lasers are used for ablation of human tissue... the laser ablates only a few millimeters per beam shot... configured to destroy pre-defined shape and volume of cellular tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An example system may include a processor of a computer node operatively connected to a computer-guided robotic arm configured to manipulate a medical instrument attachable to the robotic arm and comprising a laser beam emitter located at a distal end of the medical instrument; a memory on which are stored machine readable instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: cause the robotic arm to perform movements comprising extend, retreat or spin, acquire imaging data of a patient concurrent to the movements of the robotic arm, and configure emission parameters of the laser beam based on the imaging data.