Continuous Wire-Mesh Chokes for Ablation Antenna Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Minimally invasive ablation systems face challenges in effectively managing heat generation and temperature control during tissue ablation procedures, which can lead to tissue damage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a choke member formed from a continuous wire mesh within the antenna system, which includes a choke body and connector, allows for direct fluid contact and fluid delivery paths to manage heat, coupled with a fluid cooling system to maintain temperature control and uniform current flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ablation energy is transmitted through the antenna system to destroy targeted tissue, then the effectiveness of tissue ablation is improved, but heat generation causes tissue damage and temperature control issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue ablation effectivenessVSAvoidheat generation and tissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A fluid cooling system is introduced as an intermediary between the energy transmission member and the surrounding tissue. The fluid flows through a delivery path formed by the choke member, absorbing excess heat generated during ablation and preventing thermal damage to non-targeted tissue while maintaining effective ablation at the target site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the thermal parameters of the ablation field by introducing a cooling fluid that absorbs heat. This creates a controlled thermal environment where the ablation zone maintains high temperature for effective tissue destruction while surrounding areas are cooled to prevent collateral damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a choke member is integrated into the antenna system to control current flow, then temperature control and precision are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control and ablation precisionVSAvoidantenna system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The choke member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls current flow along the energy transmission member, provides a structural support for the fluid cooling system, and creates the fluid delivery path through its mesh structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fluid cooling system is merged with the choke member structure. The choke member's continuous wire mesh forms both the current control element and the fluid delivery pathway, combining thermal management and electrical control functions into a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fluid cooling is applied through the choke member, then overheating and tissue damage are reduced, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoverheating and tissue damageVSAvoidchoke member fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The choke member is constructed from a continuous wire mesh that creates a porous structure with inherent channels for fluid flow. This porous design allows cooling fluid to pass through the choke member and reach the energy transmission member without requiring separate cooling channels or complex internal passages, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effective heat dissipation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 effectively reduces overheating and tissue damage by maintaining uniform current flow and temperature control, enhancing the precision and safety of minimally invasive ablation procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The choke connector is in direct contact with fluid from the fluid source and forms a delivery path for the fluid between the choke body and the energy transmission member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

Ablation instruments transmit energy in the form of electromagnetic waves to a targeted area of tissue, such as a tumor or other growth, within the patient anatomy to destroy the targeted tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion to thermal energy: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12408980B2Cooled chokes for ablation systems and methods of use

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

An antenna system for tissue ablation comprises an energy transmission member, an antenna body coupled to the energy transmission member, a fluid source, and a choke member including a choke body and a choke connector electrically coupling the choke body to the energy transmission member. The choke connector is in direct contact with fluid from the fluid source and forms a delivery path for the fluid between the choke body and the energy transmission member. The choke connector and the choke body are integrally formed of a continuous wire mesh.