Advanced Tissue Ablation and Assessment System with Multi-Frequency Antenna
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
An enhanced system for tissue ablation and assessment featuring a multi-frequency antenna designed to optimize energy delivery, minimize tissue damage, and provide real-time feedback on lesion progression and tissue-electrode contact.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed a system for tissue ablation and assessment, but it had limitations in terms of antenna design, energy delivery, and real-time feedback. The new inventive concept addresses these limitations by introducing a multi-frequency antenna and advanced signal processing capabilities, enabling more efficient and safer tissue ablation procedures.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The advanced system consists of a multi-frequency antenna configured to transmit and receive assessment signals having frequencies of at least 1 MHz to and from tissue, and to transmit ablation signals having frequencies of 1 MHz or less. The antenna is designed to optimize energy delivery and minimize tissue damage. The system also includes a signal processing device that analyzes the received assessment signals to provide real-time feedback on lesion progression and tissue-electrode contact. This enables the operator to adjust the ablation signal frequency and power in real-time to minimize tissue damage and optimize lesion formation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a multi-frequency antenna that can transmit and receive signals of different frequencies, allowing for real-time feedback and optimization of tissue ablation procedures. This is a significant improvement over the original patent, which did not provide for real-time feedback or adjustable antenna impedance.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include using different types of antennas, such as phased arrays or slot antennas, or incorporating additional sensors to provide more detailed information on tissue properties. The system could also be adapted for use in various medical procedures, such as cardiac ablation or cancer treatment.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The advanced tissue ablation and assessment system has significant commercial potential in the medical device industry, particularly in the areas of cardiac ablation, cancer treatment, and neurosurgery. The system's ability to provide real-time feedback and optimize tissue ablation procedures could lead to improved patient outcomes, reduced procedure times, and increased adoption in hospitals and clinics worldwide.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A61 | A61B18/1815 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/0093 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/05 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/0507 |
| A | A61 | A61B5/0538 |
| A | A61 | A61B18/1492 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00026 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00039 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00084 |
| A | A61 | A61B2017/00106 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00023 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00029 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00351 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00577 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00636 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00702 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00773 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00785 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00791 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00827 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/00875 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1435 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/183 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1823 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1838 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1846 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1853 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1861 |
| A | A61 | A61B2018/1892 |
| A | A61 | A61B2090/065 |
| A | A61 | A61B2218/002 |
| A | A61 | A61B2576/023 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Medical device engineering, specifically radiofrequency (RF) tissue ablation systems with electromagnetic signal analysis, requiring advanced electrical engineering, medical device design, and signal processing expertise
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A biomedical engineer with advanced degree, specialized knowledge in RF antenna design, signal processing, medical imaging, and interventional medical device technologies, familiar with electromagnetic interaction with biological tissues
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the PTD's multi-frequency antenna with real-time feedback represents a predictable engineering optimization of the source patent's core tissue ablation system. The disclosed variations leverage standard signal processing techniques and known antenna design principles to enhance the original device's functionality. The improvements are consistent with incremental medical device development approaches that seek to improve diagnostic precision and procedural control.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,253 |
|---|---|
| Title | Tissue ablation and assessment system and method of use thereof |
| Assignee(s) | The Johns Hopkins University |