Enhanced Ablation Probe with Real-Time Tissue Characteristic Monitoring
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An improved ablation probe integrating deployable sensors and thermal energy sources, enabling real-time tissue characteristic monitoring and optimized thermal ablation procedures.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent, 'Ablation probe with deployable sensors,' presented a significant advancement in tissue ablation technology. However, it had limitations in terms of real-time tissue characteristic monitoring and thermal energy control. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating advanced sensors and thermal energy management systems, ensuring more efficient and safer thermal ablation procedures.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The enhanced ablation probe features a longitudinal body integrating a thermal energy source and at least one sensor, which measures tissue characteristics in real-time during thermal treatments. The thermal energy source is selectively activatable to provide controlled thermal energy to the target tissue. The probe also includes a thermal energy storage module, configured to store excess thermal energy generated during the thermal ablation procedure, and to release the stored thermal energy as needed to maintain a consistent thermal treatment profile. The system further comprises a control unit, which receives real-time tissue characteristic data from the sensors and adjusts the thermal energy output based on the received data.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept's novelty lies in the integration of real-time tissue characteristic monitoring and thermal energy management systems, enabling optimized thermal ablation procedures. The inventive step is the incorporation of advanced sensors and thermal energy storage modules, which significantly improve the efficiency and safety of thermal ablation treatments.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the enhanced ablation probe could include varying sensor configurations, thermal energy sources, and control algorithms. For instance, the probe could incorporate additional sensors to measure other tissue characteristics, such as blood perfusion or thermal conductivity. The thermal energy source could be replaced with alternative energy sources, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound or thermoelectric resistive heat.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The enhanced ablation probe has significant commercial potential in the medical technology industry, particularly in the fields of cancer treatment, cardiac arrhythmia treatment, and other thermal ablation applications. The target market includes hospitals, clinics, and medical research institutions, with potential for widespread adoption and revenue growth.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B18/02 |
| A | A61 | A61B18/1477 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00106 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00577 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00773 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00797 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00875 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/0262 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/0293 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device technology, specifically interventional medical devices for thermal ablation and tissue monitoring, requiring advanced understanding of medical engineering, sensor integration, and thermal energy delivery systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer or medical device designer with expertise in thermal ablation technologies, sensor integration, and minimally invasive medical instrumentation, holding advanced degrees in biomedical engineering or related fields
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's enhanced ablation probe represents predictable variations on the source patent's core technology by integrating known sensor monitoring techniques and thermal energy management strategies into an existing ablation probe design. The disclosed improvements represent logical extensions of the source patent's fundamental approach to tissue ablation monitoring, utilizing standard engineering design optimization principles. The variations demonstrate incremental technical enhancements that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve thermal ablation procedural effectiveness.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,241 |
|---|---|
| Title | Ablation probe with deployable sensors |
| Assignee(s) | CPSI Holdings LLC |