Visualization-Enabled Ablation Catheter with Segmented Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam-based ablation systems risk overheating or burning healthy tissue due to excessive heat transfer through medical tools, and there is a need for a safer, ergonomically designed catheter handle for precise tissue ablation, especially in areas like the prostate and endometrium, where urine presence complicates vapor delivery.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a sheath, heating component, and needle mechanism that includes a camera, light source, and optical data transmission for precise visualization, along with a handle mechanism allowing single-handed operation, to prevent unwanted ablation and ensure safe, controlled delivery of steam to target tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If steam-based ablation is delivered through a medical tool, then tissue ablation is achieved, but healthy tissue may overheat or burn due to excessive heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is divided into multiple discrete heating zones with independent temperature control, allowing selective ablation of target tissue while protecting surrounding healthy tissue from excessive heat. Each heating element can be independently activated and monitored to prevent collateral thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling medium is introduced as an intermediary substance between the heating element and surrounding healthy tissue. This cooling medium absorbs excess heat and prevents thermal propagation to non-target areas, enabling safe steam delivery to the intended ablation zone.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional catheter handle is used, then operation is possible, but precise control and single-handed operation are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter handle incorporates dynamic control mechanisms including adjustable knobs and sliders that allow real-time modification of steam flow rate, heating power, and needle position during the procedure. This enables precise control adaptation to different tissue types and procedural requirements while maintaining single-handed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Visual indicators such as colored lights or color-coded markings on the handle provide immediate feedback on operational status, temperature levels, and active heating zones. This allows the operator to monitor and adjust parameters with precision without visual distraction, maintaining ease of single-handed operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If urine is present in the treatment area, then anatomical access is possible, but vapor delivery is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the presence of urine or other fluids in the treatment area before steam delivery begins. Based on this detection, the system pre-adjusts heating parameters, steam flow rate, and delivery timing to compensate for fluid interference, ensuring effective ablation despite the challenging environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including temperature, steam pressure, and delivery duration based on real-time feedback from sensors that detect fluid presence. This adaptive parameter adjustment maintains effective vapor delivery and tissue ablation even when urine is present in the treatment area.
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 effectively prevents overheating of healthy tissues during ablation, provides precise control over steam delivery, and allows for safe, single-handed operation, enhancing the safety and efficacy of procedures like prostate and endometrial ablation.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electrode positioned within the first lumen... control a delivery of an electrical current to the at least one electrode
Implementation Method 2
at least one thermally conductive, elongate element positioned inside the catheter shaft... coupled to a distal tip of the catheter shaft
Implementation Method 3
control a delivery of an electrical current to the at least one electrode... control a delivery of vapor
Data Source
AI summary
Ablation catheters and systems include catheter tips with at least one hollow needle that is extendable at an angle from the catheter body to ablate a target prostate tissue while avoiding structures in regions near the prostate tissue, including the urethra, the ejaculatory duct, and the rectum wall. The vapor ablation system has a pump, a catheter that includes a connection port positioned on a proximal end of the catheter, a lumen in fluid communication with the connection port and configured to receive, via the connection port, saline from the pump, at least one electrode positioned within the lumen, and at least two positioning elements, having a lumen with vapor ports between them and configured to be coupled to the distal tip of the catheter. Embodiments of catheter handle mechanisms are described that provide ergonomic methods for handling and using the catheter.