Sensor-Guided Ablation Parameter Determination Along Probe Shafts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current needle ablation procedures face challenges related to limited visualization of tumor boundaries during insertion, potential inaccuracies in probe placement due to tumor shifts, and the inability to monitor real-time tumor perfusion, which hinders the customization of ablation energy based on tumor vascularity and probe position.
Innovation Solution
A method involving sensors strategically positioned along the ablation probe to capture real-time data, allowing for the determination of ablation parameters such as energy, position, and safety margin, utilizing machine learning and deep learning to enhance precision and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional imaging modalities are used for tumor visualization during ablation, then the procedure is simple and widely available, but the tumor boundaries and internal heterogeneity cannot be adequately discerned
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices that directly measure tumor characteristics (temperature, perfusion, electrical properties) at the probe tip, serving as a mediator between the ablation probe and the tumor tissue. These sensors provide real-time data about tumor boundaries and heterogeneity without requiring complex external imaging systems, thus improving measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of advanced imaging modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/optical imaging systems (CT, MRI, ultrasound) with sensor-based detection systems that directly measure tumor properties through electrical, thermal, or optical sensors integrated into the probe. This substitution eliminates the need for complex external imaging equipment while providing more precise real-time measurements of tumor characteristics during the ablation procedure.
2Reliability
If ablation energy is increased to ensure complete tumor destruction, then treatment efficacy improves, but damage to surrounding healthy tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback systems using sensors that continuously monitor temperature, tissue properties, and ablation zone characteristics during the procedure. This feedback allows dynamic adjustment of ablation energy delivery, ensuring complete tumor destruction while automatically reducing energy when approaching healthy tissue boundaries, thus resolving the contradiction between treatment efficacy and healthy tissue protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different ablation energy levels to different spatial zones based on real-time sensor data. High energy is concentrated in the tumor region identified by sensor measurements, while energy delivery is automatically reduced or stopped near healthy tissue boundaries. This localized energy distribution ensures complete tumor destruction while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy structures.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are positioned along the ablation probe for real-time monitoring, then measurement precision and treatment accuracy improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the ablation probe with multi-functional sensors that can measure multiple parameters (temperature, electrical impedance, perfusion) simultaneously using a single integrated sensor system. This universal approach provides comprehensive real-time monitoring of tumor characteristics without requiring separate specialized sensors for each measurement type, thus improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
One or more example embodiments relates to a method for determining an ablation parameter for an ablation treatment, the method comprising receiving sensor data acquired by at least two sensors, the at least two sensors being spatially arranged along a shaft of an ablation probe, each of the at least two sensors having a distinct sensor position, wherein the sensor data for at least one measurement parameter includes two measured values obtained at different sensor positions; determining the ablation parameter based on at least one of the sensor data or the two measured values of the same measurement parameter at different sensor positions; and providing the determined ablation parameter.