Variable Length Probe with Adjustable Depth Stop for Thermal Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for tumors and abnormal cellular masses, such as brain tumors, face challenges in precisely targeting and minimizing damage to surrounding tissues during thermal and cryotherapy procedures, particularly in accessing lesions at varying depths and achieving precise temperature modulation.
Innovation Solution
A variable length probe apparatus with an adjustable depth stop and integrated thermal and cryotherapy-generating elements, allowing for real-time temperature modulation and precise positioning, along with recording elements for monitoring and adjusting therapy, enables targeted and minimally invasive thermal and cryotherapy treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length probe is used for thermal therapy, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot access lesions at varying depths
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates an adjustable depth stop mechanism that allows the effective length of the probe to be dynamically changed during procedures. This enables the same probe to access lesions at varying depths by repositioning the depth stop, providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed-length probes.
2Reliability
If thermal therapy is applied to destroy tumors, then treatment efficacy is improved, but surrounding normal tissue may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The probe integrates both thermal therapy-generating elements and cryotherapy-generating elements at its tip, enabling localized temperature modulation. The system can apply heat to destroy tumor cells while using cold to protect adjacent normal tissue, creating spatially differentiated treatment zones that preserve healthy structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature modulation system alternates between thermal therapy (heating) and cryotherapy (cooling) in periodic cycles. This allows the treatment to achieve cumulative tumor destruction while providing periodic relief to surrounding tissues, reducing collateral damage through rhythmic temperature variation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single therapy modality is used, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot provide temperature modulation therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The probe combines thermal therapy-generating elements and cryotherapy-generating elements into a single integrated device. This merging of opposites (heat and cold) allows the system to deliver temperature modulation therapy by coordinating both modalities, providing versatile treatment options while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can deliver both thermal therapy and cryotherapy through its integrated elements. The single probe structure performs multiple therapeutic functions, allowing temperature modulation to be achieved without requiring separate devices for heating and cooling therapies.
4Length of moving object
If the probe extends fully to reach deep lesions, then access to deep tissue is achieved, but inadvertent extension into tissue beyond the treatment area occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable depth stop is configured to connect to or rest upon a probe follower before the probe is fully inserted. This preliminary positioning action establishes a predetermined stopping point that prevents the probe from extending beyond the intended treatment depth, ensuring precise positioning and avoiding inadvertent tissue damage.
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 solution enables precise and effective thermal and cryotherapy treatments by allowing for variable depth access, real-time temperature modulation, and reduced tissue damage, improving treatment efficacy and safety.
Implementation Method 1
at least one warmer temperature applied at least in part by the thermal therapy-generating element
Implementation Method 2
at least one colder temperature applied at least in part by the cryotherapy-generating element
Implementation Method 3
The variable length probe apparatus may be configured to accommodate lesions located at varying depths by repositioning over the adjustable depth stop
Implementation Method 4
The adjustable depth stop may be configured to connect to or otherwise rest upon a probe follower for remote rotational and/or linear positioning of the variable length probe apparatus and to prevent inadvertent extension into tissue beyond a treatment area
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, recording instruments, probes, probe sheaths, and probe sleeves may include one or more recording elements, such as one or more ECG wires, EEG wires, and/or SEEG wires. A recording element may be used for lesion localization and assessment at the time of cryotherapy, thermal therapy, or temperature modulation therapy. A recording element may be used to provide positioning and monitoring during functional neurosurgery; to apply local tissue stimulation responsive to detection of an abnormal event to regulate cellular behaviors during treatment; to effect deep brain stimulation during a neurosurgical operation; to monitor internal electrical signals and identify abnormalities. Recording instruments may be deployed in vivo for hours or days while monitoring and analyzing signals. For signal analysis, leads disposed between recording element contact surfaces and along a shaft of the recording instrument may deliver recorded signals to a controller external to the patient for analysis.