Temperature-Controlled Tissue Ablation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical technologies lack effective methods for creating controlled lesions in tissue using temperature control, particularly in vertebral bodies, where precise temperature monitoring and energy delivery are necessary to achieve desired tissue ablation without damaging surrounding tissue.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a shaft and energy transfer portion, equipped with temperature detecting elements, applies energy to create a region of heated tissue while monitoring temperature to control expansion, using feedback to adjust energy delivery and prevent overheating, allowing for precise ablation of tumors or bone tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If energy is applied to create a region of heated tissue, then the size of the treated area increases, but the risk of damaging surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs temperature monitoring elements that continuously measure temperature in the tissue during energy application. The control system receives this temperature feedback and automatically adjusts the energy delivery parameters to maintain the treated region within safe temperature boundaries, preventing thermal damage to surrounding healthy tissue while achieving the desired treatment volume
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts energy delivery parameters (power, duration, distribution) based on real-time temperature measurements and the evolving state of the heated region. This dynamic control allows the treatment zone to expand controllably while maintaining a protective temperature gradient between the treated and untreated tissue regions
2Manufacturing precision
If temperature monitoring is implemented to control lesion growth, then precision of tissue ablation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring function is divided into separate monitoring elements distributed at specific locations within the treatment device. Each element independently measures temperature at its local position, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive temperature mapping without requiring a single complex centralized sensing system
Solution Approach 2:
The control system integrates multiple functions including temperature acquisition, analysis, energy delivery control, and safety monitoring into a unified platform. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise be separate complex subsystems, achieving precise ablation control while managing overall device complexity
3Manufacturing precision
If energy delivery is continuously adjusted based on temperature feedback, then control over heated region expansion improves, but energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic or pulsed energy delivery patterns rather than continuous energy application. Between energy pulses, temperature measurements are taken to assess the state of the heated region. This periodic approach maintains precise control over thermal expansion while allowing thermal diffusion to occur, reducing the total energy required compared to continuous delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies energy in controlled partial increments rather than attempting to achieve the full treatment effect in a single continuous application. This allows the thermal field to develop and stabilize between energy inputs, improving control precision while reducing overall energy consumption by avoiding excessive heating and subsequent cooling requirements
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 and controlled tissue ablation in vertebral bodies and other tissues, ensuring effective treatment while minimizing damage to surrounding areas through real-time temperature monitoring and energy control.
Implementation Method 1
applying energy to the energy transfer portion to produce a region of heated tissue about the energy transfer portion
Implementation Method 2
measuring an actual temperature of a tissue area adjacent to the first temperature detecting element
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention relates to medical methods, instruments and systems for creating a controlled lesion using temperature to control the growth of the lesion. The treatment can be used in any tissue area and is particularly useful in or around a vertebral body. The features relating to the methods and devices described herein can be applied in any region of soft or hard tissue including bone or hard tissue.