Medical Devices
Monitoring Tumor Ablation in Real Time
WARF: P130294US01
Inventors: Christopher Brace, Peng Wang
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a method for controlling and monitoring tumor ablation using signals emitted from the treatment antenna.
Overview
As an alternative to surgery, thermal ablation is a method of treating tumors of the liver, kidney, lung and other body parts. In the process, a slender antenna or probe is inserted through the skin to drive energy into the tumor, causing cells to heat and die.
Ultrasound or other medical imaging typically is used before the probe is turned on (for treatment planning) and after it is turned off (for treatment verification). A more dynamic method would empower clinicians to monitor progress in real time.
Ultrasound or other medical imaging typically is used before the probe is turned on (for treatment planning) and after it is turned off (for treatment verification). A more dynamic method would empower clinicians to monitor progress in real time.
The Invention
UW–Madison researchers have developed a method that uses radiofrequency signals transmitted from a microwave ablation probe to monitor the boundaries between a tumor, ablation zone and background healthy tissue.
The probe emits and then detects the signals as they echo off the different tissue boundaries. Since the boundary between a tumor and background tissue becomes less distinct as the ablation progresses, clinicians can determine when treatment is complete based on these echoes.
The probe emits and then detects the signals as they echo off the different tissue boundaries. Since the boundary between a tumor and background tissue becomes less distinct as the ablation progresses, clinicians can determine when treatment is complete based on these echoes.
Applications
- Microwave ablation
- Treating cancer of the liver and lung, as well as renal, adrenal and bone malignancies
Key Benefits
- Provides real-time ablation monitoring and control
- Easily integrated with existing probes
- Useful in a variety of ablation treatments
- Simple and intuitive
- Any confounding echoes from the ablation region are removed.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
For current licensing status, please contact Jeanine Burmania at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9846