Segmented Ablation Probe Cable Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation systems face challenges in accessing hard-to-reach body locations due to large diameter applicators causing tissue damage and excessive electrical losses in small diameter cables, leading to inefficient power delivery and prolonged treatment times.
Innovation Solution
An ablation probe with a feeding cable having a distal portion of smaller cross-sectional size and a proximal portion of larger cross-sectional size, connected by a mechanically and electrically strong joining member, which reduces electrical losses and maintains flexibility, allowing for efficient power delivery and minimizes tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a large diameter applicator is used for percutaneous delivery, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but tissue damage during insertion increases and accessibility to certain body locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The feeding cable is segmented into two portions with different cross-sectional sizes: a proximal portion with larger cross-section for efficient power delivery, and a distal portion with smaller cross-section for reduced tissue damage during insertion. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the feeding cable are given different local qualities (cross-sectional sizes) appropriate to their functional requirements. The proximal portion has larger cross-section where high power handling is needed, while the distal portion has smaller cross-section where flexibility and reduced trauma are prioritized.
2Ease of operation
If a small diameter cable is used to improve flexibility and reduce insertion profile, then ease of navigation is improved, but electrical losses increase and power delivery becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The cable system is divided into two segments with different diameters. The distal segment has small diameter for flexibility and easy navigation through tortuous pathways, while the proximal segment has large diameter to minimize electrical losses and ensure sufficient power delivery to the applicator.
Solution Approach 2:
Each cable segment is assigned a local quality (diameter) matched to its operational context. The distal cable portion has small diameter where flexibility is critical for navigation, while the proximal portion has large diameter where electrical conductivity and power handling are paramount.
3Ease of manufacture
If a uniform cross-sectional feeding cable is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but either power delivery efficiency or flexibility must be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than attempting to manufacture a single uniform cable that compromises performance, the system segments the feeding cable into two portions that can be manufactured to different specifications and then joined together, allowing each portion to be optimized for its specific functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A connector serves as an intermediary element that joins the proximal and distal cable portions. This connector facilitates the transition between different cross-sectional sizes while maintaining electrical continuity and mechanical strength, enabling the composite cable structure to function as a unified system.
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 solution enables effective power delivery to ablation sites with reduced electrical losses, minimizing tissue damage and shortening treatment times, while maintaining flexibility for navigation through narrow anatomical pathways.
Implementation Method 1
a feeding cable arranged to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator
Implementation Method 2
an applicator arranged to apply radiation to heat surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 3
Current ablation systems use applicators that deliver Radio Frequency (RF) energy (or microwave energy) to the tissue surrounding the applicator tip
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation probe (1; 100; 200), comprising: an applicator (2; 102; 202) arranged to apply radiation to heat surrounding tissue; a feeding cable (4; 104; 204) arranged to supply electromagnetic energy to the applicator. The feeding cable comprises a distal portion (2a, 202a) and a proximal portion (2b; 202b). The distal portion of the feeding cable has a distal cross sectional size and the proximal portion of the feeding cable has a proximal cross sectional size, wherein the distal cross sectional size is less that the proximal cross sectional size. The ablation probe further comprises a connector (24; 224) arranged to mechanically and electrically couple the distal portion (2a, 202a) of the feeding cable (2; 202) to the proximal portion (2b; 202b) of the feeding cable (2; 202). The connector comprises a joining member (12) comprising a proximal end (12b) shaped to receive an end of the proximal portion (2b; 2b) of the feeding cable and a distal end (12a) shaped to receive an end of the distal portion (2a; 202a) of the feeding cable.