Thermal Feedback Probe for Electrosurgical Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical energy systems for tissue ablation are limited by the size of lesion volumes produced, and there is a need for more precise control and feedback during procedures to predict and estimate the depth and volume of treatment effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermal feedback system that includes an electrosurgical energy source, an electrode probe assembly with a needle and thermal feedback assemblies equipped with temperature sensors, which are connected to a computer for real-time monitoring and Arrhenius model calculations to optimize energy delivery and predict ablation volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If multiple electrodes are inserted into the body in an array to enlarge ablation volumes, then the lesion volume is increased, but the device complexity and procedural difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple temperature sensors and multiple electrodes into a single integrated probe assembly. This merging approach allows the system to achieve enlarged ablation volumes through multiple electrodes while avoiding the complexity of separate insertion procedures for each electrode, as they are pre-arranged in a array configuration within one probe
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly is segmented into multiple functional components including multiple electrodes arranged in arrays, multiple temperature sensors positioned at different locations, and a hub structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system integration and simplifying the insertion procedure
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are positioned at known distances from the electrode to predict treatment depth, then measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensors are pre-positioned at known, predetermined distances from the electrode tip during probe manufacturing. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for complex real-time calibration or measurement during the procedure, as the spatial relationships are already established and known before insertion
Solution Approach 2:
The hub structure serves as an intermediary component that holds and positions both the electrodes and temperature sensors in fixed spatial relationships. This hub acts as a reference frame that maintains known distances between sensing elements and energy delivery elements, enabling accurate temperature monitoring at predictable depths
3Reliability
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented during energy delivery, then reliability of treatment is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring temperatures at multiple locations during RF energy delivery and using this information to control the energy application. The computer processes temperature data from sensors and adjusts energy delivery parameters to achieve desired thermal effects while preventing overheating or inadequate treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors within the probe assembly self-monitor the thermal conditions during treatment without requiring external monitoring equipment. The system uses its own integrated sensors to provide real-time temperature data, enabling self-regulation of the thermal ablation process
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 provides precise monitoring and feedback, enabling more accurate prediction and control of treatment depth and volume, improving the effectiveness of electrosurgical procedures by ensuring targeted thermal damage while minimizing unnecessary tissue exposure.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly
Implementation Method 2
when the RF electrode is connected to an external source of radiofrequency power, e.g., an electrosurgical generator (device used to generate therapeutic energy such as radiofrequency (RF)), and current is delivered to the RF electrode, heating of tissue occurs near and around the exposed conductive tip portion
Implementation Method 3
connected to a computer for real-time monitoring and Arrhenius model calculations to optimize energy delivery and predict ablation volumes
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.