Vapor Delivery Needle Actuation for Complete Prostate Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal ablation methods for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are not effective in the long term due to incomplete ablation of smooth muscle tissue and alpha adrenergic receptors around the prostatic urethra, leading to recurring tissue growth and urethra compression.
Innovation Solution
A vapor delivery system with a solenoid actuator and vapor delivery needle is used for transurethral access, delivering condensable vapor to ablate prostate tissue adjacent to the urethra, utilizing magnetic fields to control needle movement and precise vapor delivery, with optional pharmacologic agents for enhanced treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal ablation is applied to prostate tissue, then tissue destruction is achieved, but smooth muscle tissue and alpha adrenergic receptors around the prostatic urethra are not completely ablated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the ablation agent from liquid to vapor phase. The vapor form allows for more complete penetration and distribution around the prostatic urethra, ensuring thorough ablation of smooth muscle tissue and alpha adrenergic receptors that were previously incompletely treated by liquid thermal ablation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition from liquid to vapor to enhance ablation effectiveness. The vapor phase enables better dispersion and contact with target tissues including smooth muscle and nerve structures, achieving complete ablation where previous methods failed due to insufficient tissue penetration and distribution.
2Manufacturing precision
If vapor delivery is used to ablate prostate tissue, then localized ablation is achieved, but precise control of needle movement is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical needle control systems with magnetic field actuation. Magnets embedded in the needle can be remotely controlled by external magnetic fields, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages and reducing device complexity while maintaining precise control for localized vapor delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary to control needle movement and vapor delivery. The magnetic field acts as a mediator between the control system and the needle, enabling precise positioning and actuation without direct mechanical connection, thus simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 localized ablation of prostate tissue, effectively treating BPH by targeting smooth muscle tissue and nerve structures near the urethra without damaging adjacent tissues, offering durable relief from prostate enlargement.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid actuator disposed around the magnet, the solenoid actuator comprising a push winding coupled to a source of RF current and a pull winding coupled to the source of RF current, the push winding being configured to apply a first magnetic field to the magnet, the pull winding being configured to apply a second magnetic field to the magnet
Implementation Method 2
a vapor generator disposed in the handle and configured to generate a condensable vapor
Implementation Method 3
delivering condensable vapor to ablate prostate tissue
Implementation Method 4
The system provides localized ablation of prostate tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A vapor delivery needle is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the energy delivery probe is that it can apply condensable vapor energy to tissue, such as a prostrate, to shrink, damage, denaturate the prostate. In some embodiments, the vapor delivery needle can be advanced a predetermined distance into the prostate with a solenoid actuation mechanism. Methods associated with use of the energy delivery probe are also covered.