Thermoablation Probe Shape-Memory Curved Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermoablation probes for treating brain lesions are rigid and ineffective in treating peripheral regions of the lesion that are offset from the linear path of deployment, limiting their ability to address brain tumors with complex geometries.

Innovation Solution

A thermoablation probe with a rigid sheath and a flexible treatment device featuring a shape-memory wire that deploys along a predefined curvature axis, allowing for a snake-like trajectory and effective treatment of peripheral regions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rigid straight-line probe is used for thermoablation, then the probe structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the probe cannot effectively treat peripheral regions of the lesion that are offset from the linear path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to treat peripheral regionsVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into a rigid sheath for insertion and a flexible treatment device that can be deployed independently. The treatment device is further segmented into multiple radiating elements that can be positioned at different locations along the curved path, allowing treatment of both central and peripheral lesion regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment device is designed with a pre-curved configuration that follows a curved trajectory when deployed from the rigid sheath. This curvature enables the probe to reach peripheral regions of the lesion that are offset from the linear insertion path, while the shape-memory wire ensures the device returns to its pre-curved shape after deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flexible treatment device with shape-memory wire is deployed, then the probe can follow a curved path to treat peripheral regions, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecurved path deployment capabilityVSAvoidtreatment device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shape-memory wire changes its physical state based on temperature parameters. When heated, the wire transforms from a constrained linear state to a pre-curved configuration, enabling the treatment device to follow a curved path. This parameter-based transformation allows the device to achieve complex deployment patterns without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The shape-memory wire automatically transforms the treatment device from a linear to a curved configuration through thermal activation during deployment. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external actuation systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to follow curved paths for treating peripheral lesion regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Extent of automation

If the treatment device is pre-curved to follow a predefined curvature axis, then the probe automatically targets multiple predefined target points, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic following of predefined curvature axisVSAvoidpre-curved shape accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The treatment device is pre-curved during manufacturing to follow a predefined curvature axis that passes through multiple predefined target points within the lesion. This preliminary configuration ensures that when the device is deployed, it automatically follows the desired curved path and targets multiple locations without requiring complex real-time control systems, though it does require precise manufacturing of the pre-curved shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates imaging guidance that provides feedback on the position of the treatment device relative to the predefined curvature axis and target points. This feedback mechanism allows for verification and adjustment of the device's curved path during deployment, compensating for minor manufacturing variations and ensuring accurate targeting of peripheral lesion regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 minimally-invasive heat injury to target tissue, improving treatment of brain tumors by effectively ablating both central and peripheral regions, reducing morbidity associated with surgical resection.

Implementation Method 1

The treatment device has a substantially continuous covering and a shape-memory wire enveloped by the covering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory: Shape Memory Alloy

Data Source

PatentUS10751123B2Thermoablation probe

Publication Date: 2020.08.25 WASHINGTON UNIV IN SAINT LOUIS

AI summary

A thermoablation probe for performing an interstitial thermal therapy (ITT) procedure on a brain lesion generally includes a rigid sheath and a flexible treatment device telescopically slidable within the sheath. The treatment device has a substantially continuous covering and a shape-memory wire enveloped by the covering.