Thermal feedback systems and methods of using the same

• US 9,833,287 B2
• Filed: 02/10/2015
• Issued: 12/05/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 01/31/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Covidien LP (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Buysse, Steven P., Ladtkow, Casey M., Gay, Brandon C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Peffley, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): Zink, Amanda
• Application Number:
  US14/618,113
• Publication Number:
  US 20150150628A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,029 Days
• Field of Search: 606 33
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1206 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/18 by applying electromagnetic radiation, e.g. microwaves radiation therapy A61N5/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1815 using microwaves
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00011 with fluids
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00702 Power or energy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00791 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00797 measured by multiple temperature sensors
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00815 measured by a thermistor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/00821 measured by a thermocouple
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/1823 Generators therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2018/183 characterised by the type of antenna
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/374 NMR or MRI
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/376 using X-rays, e.g. fluoroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/3762 using computed tomography systems [CT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2090/378 using ultrasound
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0036 including treatment, e.g., using an implantable medical device, ablating, ventilating
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/015 By temperature mapping of body part
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4836 Diagnosis combined with treatment in closed-loop systems or methods A61B5/0036 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/743 Displaying an image simultaneously with additional graphical information, e.g. symbols, charts, function plots

Abstract

A system for providing feedback during an electrosurgical procedure on a target tissue is provided. The system includes an electrosurgical energy source; an electrode probe assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein the electrode probe assembly includes at least one electrode assembly having a needle configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to the target tissue; at least one thermal feedback assembly connected to the electrosurgical energy source, wherein each thermal feedback assembly includes at least one temperature sensor assembly; and a hub configured to selectively support the electrode probe assembly and each thermal feedback assembly such that the needle of the electrode probe assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of each thermal feedback assembly are proximate one another when disposed proximate the target tissue.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

an electrosurgical generator configured to generate microwave energy;

an antenna assembly configured to couple to the electrosurgical generator and deliver the generated microwave energy to tissue;

a thermal feedback assembly including a plurality of temperature sensor assemblies, the thermal feedback assembly configured to measure a temperature of tissue during delivery of the generated microwave energy to tissue and transmit the measured temperature to the electrosurgical generator; and

a hub configured to support the antenna assembly and the thermal feedback assembly such that the antenna assembly and each temperature sensor assembly of the thermal feedback assembly are proximate to one another when disposed proximate tissue.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrosurgical generator is further configured to control generation of microwave energy based on the measured temperature.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the electrosurgical generator is further configured to estimate a desired thermal treatment volume based on the measured temperature.

4. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a coolant supply fluidly coupled to the antenna assembly, the coolant supply configured to circulate a coolant fluid through the antenna assembly.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal feedback assembly is configured to measure temperature proximate a distal portion of the antenna assembly.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna assembly includes an inner tube configured to circulate coolant fluid therethrough.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the hub is configured to house a portion of the antenna assembly and circulate coolant fluid therethrough.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the antenna assembly includes a distal radiating portion configured to deliver the generated microwave energy.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal feedback assembly includes at least one of a temperature sensor or a thermocouple.