Vibrating Cryoprobe Axial Insertion and Ice-Ball Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryosurgical systems face challenges in penetrating dense tumors while minimizing trauma to non-target tissues and achieving a sufficiently large ice-ball for effective necrosis, with existing solutions relying on ultrasound or not addressing both issues simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating cryoprobe with a shaft, tip, and handle that includes a vibration section to provide axial vibrations during the freezing process, enhancing penetration and ice-ball formation by facilitating heat transfer through the cryotip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pointed distal penetrating segment is used to facilitate penetration into dense tumors, then penetration capability is improved, but trauma to non-target tissue behind the tumor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration to the cryoprobe shaft to facilitate penetration into dense tissue. The vibration mechanism generates oscillating motion that reduces friction and resistance during insertion, enabling easier penetration without requiring a traumatic pointed tip, thereby protecting non-target tissue behind the tumor.
2Reliability
If a larger ice-ball is formed to enlarge the necrosis zone, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but the complexity of the cryosurgical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration mechanism enhances heat transfer from the surrounding tissue to the cryoprobe, accelerating ice-ball formation and enlargement. This allows achieving effective necrosis zones without adding complex control systems or multiple cryogen delivery pathways, maintaining system simplicity while improving treatment effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the vibration frequency and amplitude to optimize heat transfer efficiency during different stages of ice-ball formation. By adjusting vibration parameters, the system achieves larger necrosis zones through enhanced thermal conduction rather than increasing system 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
The vibrating cryoprobe enables easier and more effective penetration into dense tissues and enlarges the necrosis zone by improving heat transfer and ice-ball formation, addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration section that selectively causes vibration along the axis... the vibration section selectively causes the male socket section to vibrate along the axis
Implementation Method 2
a cryogen feeding pipe extending from the tip through the male socket section along the axis, and a cryogen return passage extending from the tip through the male socket section... the cryogen exhaust passage is in communication with the cryogen return passage
Data Source
AI summary
Cryoprobes and a cryotherapy method. A cryoprobe includes: a shaft having a central axis, a tip at a first end, a male socket section at a second end opposite the first end, a cryogen feeding pipe extending from the tip through the male socket section along the axis, and a cryogen return passage extending from the tip through the male socket section; and a handle having a female socket adapted and configured to receive and connect with the male socket section in a quick connect manner, a vibration section that selectively causes vibration along the axis, a cryogen exhaust passage extending from the female socket to an exterior of the handle, and a cryogen supply tube connected to the female socket at an end of the tube.