Enhanced Ablation Probe with Real-Time Tissue Characteristic Monitoring

Publication ID: 24-11857241_0001_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Ablation Probe with Real-Time Tissue Characteristic Monitoring,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857241_0001_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857241_0001_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,241.

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

SectionClassGroup
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

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

Source Patent Element
Ablation probe with deployable sensors for monitoring tissue characteristics
PTD Variation
Adding a thermal energy storage module to manage excess thermal energy during the procedure
Obviousness Reasoning
A PHOSITA would recognize thermal energy management as a predictable design optimization for medical devices, using known thermal storage techniques to improve procedural consistency and safety
Source Patent Element
Thermal ablation energy sources including RF, HiFU, and thermoelectric heat
PTD Variation
Implementing a control unit that dynamically adjusts thermal energy output based on real-time sensor measurements
Obviousness Reasoning
Adaptive energy delivery represents a standard control engineering approach for medical devices, utilizing feedback mechanisms to optimize treatment parameters
Source Patent Element
Probe with multiple sensor capabilities for monitoring tissue characteristics
PTD Variation
Expanding sensor measurement to include weighted combinations of temperature, pressure, and electrical impedance
Obviousness Reasoning
Multiparameter sensor fusion is a known technique in medical device design, allowing more comprehensive tissue characterization through integrated measurement strategies
Source Patent Element
Longitudinal probe body with deployable sensing capabilities
PTD Variation
Incorporating concentric tube designs with integrated thermal and sensing elements
Obviousness Reasoning
Modular, concentric medical device architectures are standard design approaches for maximizing functionality within constrained spatial configurations
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on US Patent 11857241, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in ablation probe design represent obvious extensions of prior art, employing standard medical device engineering techniques to incrementally improve thermal ablation monitoring and energy delivery. A person having ordinary skill in the art would find the disclosed technical variations predictable and non-inventive when considered in light of the existing technological landscape.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,241
TitleAblation probe with deployable sensors
Assignee(s)CPSI Holdings LLC