Vapor Phase Media Tissue Ablation via Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical instruments using radiofrequency, laser, and microwave energy struggle to deliver controlled and localized thermal effects for tissue ablation due to non-linear tissue characteristics, often resulting in uncontrolled thermal effects and tissue carbonization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method employing a vapor phase media that undergoes a vapor-to-liquid phase change to deliver thermal energy to tissue, using an expandable structure with permeable walls to ensure controlled energy application without direct electrical current flow, and incorporating sensors for monitoring and modulating energy parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If radiofrequency, laser, or microwave energy is applied directly to tissue, then thermal energy delivery is achieved, but controlled and localized thermal effects cannot be obtained due to non-linear tissue characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a vapor phase media as an intermediary between the energy source and tissue. The vapor phase condensable media is deposited onto the tissue surface, and its phase change from vapor to liquid delivers thermal energy. This intermediary approach allows controlled thermal effects by preventing direct electromagnetic energy interaction with tissue, thereby avoiding carbonization while achieving precise thermal ablation at the vapor-tissue interface.
2Power
If direct electromagnetic energy is applied to tissue, then energy delivery is achieved, but tissue carbonization occurs due to lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor and back to liquid as the core mechanism. Liquid water is converted to vapor phase media through controlled vaporization, and upon contact with tissue, the vapor condenses to liquid, releasing latent heat. This phase change process provides a controlled thermal delivery mechanism that prevents direct electromagnetic energy absorption by tissue, thereby avoiding carbonization while delivering sufficient thermal energy for ablation.
3Manufacturing precision
If vapor phase media is used for energy delivery, then controlled thermal effects are achieved, but system complexity increases due to need for sensors and monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors to monitor vapor phase media flow parameters and tissue response in real-time. The system uses feedback from these sensors to dynamically adjust energy delivery parameters, ensuring controlled thermal effects. The sensors detect parameters such as vapor flow rate, temperature, and tissue impedance, allowing the system to modulate the vaporization process and prevent overheating or insufficient treatment.
4Manufacturing precision
If expandable structure with permeable walls is used, then controlled energy application is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an expandable structure with permeable walls made from thin film or flexible shell materials. This structure can be collapsed for insertion and expanded at the target site to deliver vapor phase media uniformly across a larger surface area. The permeable walls allow controlled passage of vapor phase media to the tissue, enabling precise energy application. The flexible nature of the structure allows it to conform to irregular tissue surfaces while maintaining control over energy delivery.
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
This approach allows for precise, controlled thermal energy delivery to targeted tissue volumes, preventing tissue carbonization and achieving desired therapeutic effects such as ablation, coagulation, or lesion creation without the limitations of traditional energy modalities.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor phase media wherein a subsequent vapor-to-liquid phase change of the media applies thermal energy to the tissue to cause an intended therapeutic effect
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the thin wall structure is permeable to allow transfer of a medium through the structure to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument and method for tissue thermotherapy including an inductive heating means to generate a vapor phase media that is used for interstitial, intraluminal, intracavity or topical tissue treatment. In one method, the vapor phase media is propagated from a probe outlet to provide a controlled vapor-to-liquid phase change in an interface with tissue to thereby apply ablative thermal energy delivery.