Vented Surgical Positioner for Microwave Energy Device Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The unpredictable nature of overlapping electromagnetic fields from multiple microwave energy delivery devices in surgical procedures makes precise placement and control of these devices challenging, leading to unpredictable ablation regions during tissue treatment.
Innovation Solution
A microwave energy delivery device positioner with a body, legs, and ribs that includes multiple apertures to guide and maintain the precise orientation of microwave energy delivery devices, ensuring controlled placement and airflow for effective energy delivery and cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microwave energy delivery devices are used in close proximity to treat different tissue regions, then the treatment coverage and versatility of the surgical procedure is improved, but the overlapping electromagnetic fields cause unpredictable interactions that worsen the reliability and control of energy delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner device serves as an intermediary structure that mediates between multiple microwave energy delivery devices. It provides a mechanical framework with apertures and guide structures that constrain and orient each microwave device, preventing unpredictable electromagnetic field interactions while allowing multiple devices to operate simultaneously for extended treatment coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic field-based positioning with a mechanical positioning system. The positioner uses physical apertures, guide channels, and structural constraints to control device placement and orientation, substituting the need for precise electromagnetic field coordination with straightforward mechanical constraints that ensure predictable and controlled energy delivery
2Productivity
If microwave energy delivery devices are placed in close proximity to deliver energy to different tissue regions, then the productivity and efficiency of the surgical procedure is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise placement and interaction control
Solution Approach 1:
The positioner device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple microwave energy delivery devices simultaneously. It provides a multi-functional system with multiple apertures, guide structures, and a stable framework that simplifies the management of multiple devices, reducing the overall complexity of coordinating multiple energy delivery systems during a single surgical procedure
3Manufacturing precision
If a stable positioning structure is provided for microwave energy delivery devices, then the manufacturing precision and consistency of device placement is improved, but the device complexity and structural requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning structure is segmented into distinct functional components: a stable framework, multiple apertures for device insertion, guide channels for proper orientation, and connection interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity, achieving precise device placement without excessive structural complexity
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 placement and controlled interaction of microwave energy delivery devices, reducing unpredictable outcomes and enhancing the predictability and effectiveness of microwave energy delivery during surgical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of legs includes one or more feet extending beyond the patient facing surface of the body with the distal end of the feet being configured to contact patient tissue and elevate the patient facing surface of the body
Implementation Method 2
The antenna of the microwave energy delivery device, when provided with a microwave energy signal, generates electromagnetic fields in the adjacent tissue without the generation of electrosurgical currents
Implementation Method 3
generates electromagnetic fields in the adjacent tissue without the generation of electrosurgical currents between an active electrode and a return electrode
Implementation Method 4
The plurality of ribs form at least one air flow aperture
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a device positioner for guiding and positioning energy delivery devices during a surgical procedure. The energy delivery device positioner includes a body, a plurality of legs coupled to the body and a plurality of ribs connected to the body. The body includes a body facing surface and a plurality of device positioner apertures defined therein. The device positioner apertures are configured to receive an energy delivery device therethrough. The plurality of legs includes at least one foot extending beyond the patient facing surface of the body with the distal end of the foot configured to contact patient tissue and elevate the patient facing surface of the body such that the patient facing surface is spaced away from patient tissue. The plurality of ribs form one or more air flow aperture.