HK40001791B - Systems and method for energy delivery - Google Patents

Description

Systems and methods for energy delivery

Technical Field

The present invention relates to comprehensive systems and methods for delivering energy to tissue for various applications, including medical procedures (e.g., tissue ablation, resection, cauterization, vascular thrombosis, treatment of cardiac arrhythmias and rhythm disorders, electrosurgery, tissue harvesting, etc.). In certain embodiments, systems and methods are provided for identifying and treating target tissue areas that adjust for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., tissue shrinkage).

Background Art

Energy delivery devices (e.g., antennas, probes, electrodes, etc.) (e.g., microwave ablation devices) (e.g., radiofrequency ablation devices) are used to deliver energy to a desired tissue area to "treat" the desired tissue area. Ablation therapy (e.g., microwave ablation, radiofrequency ablation) is a widely used minimally invasive technique for treating various conditions and/or diseases (e.g., tumor cells). In such techniques, ablative energy (e.g., microwave energy) (e.g., radiofrequency energy) is used to heat a desired tissue area to a desired temperature to cause tissue destruction in the heated area.

The success of an ablation procedure generally depends on maximizing the amount of desired tissue ablation and minimizing the amount of undesired tissue ablation. Such success depends on precise and accurate identification of the target tissue region, positioning of the energy delivery device at such identified target tissue region, and delivery of such energy to the identified tissue region.

There is a need for improved techniques for accurately and precisely identifying target tissue regions for ablation procedures.

The present invention addresses this need.

Summary of the Invention

Current techniques for identifying target tissue regions for ablation procedures involve, for example, the use of CT imaging or other imaging modalities. For example, CT imaging is used to locate and identify a specific anatomical region to be ablated (e.g., in three-dimensional anatomical dimensions) and, based on the identified location, position an energy delivery device at the identified location and deliver ablation energy to the identified location.

However, a problem that limits the success of ablation procedures relates to the anatomical changes that the target tissue region undergoes while being ablated. In fact, the anatomical dimensions of the tissue region undergoing an ablation procedure change as the tissue region is ablated. For example, the anatomical dimensions of the tissue region undergo shrinkage during ablation, which changes the pre-operative and post-operative anatomical dimensions of the tissue region. Such anatomical changes (e.g., shrinkage) that occur during surgery result in undesirable tissue (e.g., healthy tissue) being exposed to the ablation energy. Such undesirable ablation of non-targeted tissue not only compromises the success of the ablation procedure, but can also lead to serious adverse health consequences, particularly if the ablation zone is close to healthy critical tissue or structures. If an attempt is made to compensate by selecting a smaller zone, all of the intended tissue may not be destroyed, which may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or, in the case of tumor ablation, allow tumor regrowth and metastasis.

Current techniques (eg, CT scanning) used to locate and identify specific anatomical regions (eg, three-dimensional anatomical dimensions) to be ablated cannot accommodate such anatomical changes (eg, tissue shrinkage) when a target tissue region undergoes an ablation procedure.

The present invention provides systems, materials, and methods that allow for the identification and location of target tissue regions that adapt to such anatomical changes (eg, tissue shrinkage) as the target tissue region undergoes an ablation procedure.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a system comprising an energy delivery device and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to identify, select, and/or modify a target tissue region to adjust for ablation-related anatomical changes.

In some embodiments, identifying a target tissue region to be adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes includes receiving information about a tissue region and an energy delivery device, calculating a contraction region within the tissue region, determining expected contraction points within the tissue region, calculating expected contraction deformations within the tissue region (e.g., determining an expected contraction distance (e.g., maximum and minimum) and direction for each contraction point), applying the calculated expected contraction deformations, and identifying and reporting the target tissue region to be adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes.

In some embodiments, the processor is in communication with the energy delivery device. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to position the energy delivery device at a desired tissue region and/or control energy delivery during an ablation procedure. In some embodiments, the desired tissue region is an identified target tissue region that is adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes.

In some embodiments, the processor provides information about the pinch points to the user (e.g., via a processor-based visual display; via wireless communication, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the tissue region is provided along with the pinch points during surgery and the calculated pinch point distance and direction for each point (e.g., before, after, and at any point during surgery). In some embodiments, the minimum and maximum edge distances between the tissue region and each pinch point are provided.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to measure the minimum and maximum distances between target tissue regions before and after ablation (e.g., ablation after contraction). In some embodiments, such measured distances are used to determine whether desired margins are met during and after an ablation procedure.

In some embodiments, the processor is configured to quantify and compare a distance difference and/or a directional difference between a target tissue region before adjustment for ablation-related anatomical changes and a target tissue region before adjustment for ablation-related anatomical changes. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to quantify and compare an actual distance difference and/or a directional difference between a target tissue region that has not been adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes and a target tissue region that has been adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., before an ablation procedure and after an ablation procedure).

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to monitor and/or control and/or provide feedback regarding one or more aspects during the ablation procedure. For example, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to monitor the predicted pinch point distance and direction of each pinch point during the ablation procedure. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to stop the ablation procedure if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual corresponding pinch point distance and/or direction. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to adjust the amount of energy delivered (e.g., increase or decrease) during the ablation procedure if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual corresponding pinch point distance and/or direction. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to recalculate the pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual corresponding pinch point distance and/or direction. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to identify a new pinch point and/or recalculate the pinch point distance and/or direction for one or more pinch points if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction for one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual pinch point distance and/or direction for each pinch point. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to make similar adjustments based on differences in predicted and actual temperatures within a tissue region, predicted and actual temperatures within an energy delivery device, and the like.

In some embodiments, the system further comprises a power source electrically connected to the energy delivery device.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for ablating a tissue region, comprising providing a system, identifying a target tissue region adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes with a processor, positioning an energy delivery device at the identified target tissue region adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes, and ablating the tissue region (e.g., without ablating tissue outside the target tissue region). In some embodiments, the target tissue region is identified and/or modified during the ablation procedure.

In some embodiments, the tissue region is within a subject (eg, a human subject).

In some embodiments, the ablated tissue region does not include tissue that is not included in the identified target tissue region adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary process for generating a target tissue region adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes (eg, tissue shrinkage).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

When a target tissue area undergoes an ablation procedure, current techniques (e.g., via CT scanning) for locating and identifying a specific anatomical region (e.g., three-dimensional anatomical dimensions) to be ablated cannot adapt to anatomical changes (e.g., tissue shrinkage). Such anatomical changes result in undesirable ablation of healthy tissue or otherwise lead to over-ablation or under-ablation of tissue, inconsistent with the surgical goals.

The present invention provides systems, materials, and methods that allow for identification, localization, and ablation of a target tissue region that accommodates such anatomical changes (eg, tissue shrinkage) as the target tissue region undergoes an ablation procedure.

In some embodiments, a processor (e.g., a computer) is used to identify and locate one or more target tissue regions from tissue imaging data that accommodates such anatomical changes (e.g., tissue shrinkage). In some embodiments, the processor uses software to evaluate the presence and absence of variables associated with the tissue region to be ablated and variables associated with the energy delivery device and the type of energy to be used during the procedure.

Examples of such variables associated with the tissue region to be ablated and variables associated with the energy delivery device and the type of energy to be used during the procedure include, but are not limited to, the type of energy to be used during the procedure (e.g., microwave or radiofrequency, or both), the length of the procedure, the temperature range to be achieved during the procedure (e.g., the temperature at the tissue), the type of tissue region undergoing the procedure (e.g., liver, lung, heart, kidney, solid tumor, etc.), the temperature of the tissue region, the age of the subject, the overall health of the subject, etc.

In some embodiments, identification of the target tissue region involves calculations based on input variables (eg, variables associated with the tissue region to be ablated and variables associated with the energy delivery device and type of energy to be used during the procedure).

In some embodiments, such calculations predict the amount and type of anatomical changes that a desired tissue region will undergo during surgery based on the input variable information.

In some embodiments, such calculations involve determining a contraction point, calculating a contraction area, calculating a contraction deformation, applying such contraction deformation, and generating a target tissue region adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes (eg, tissue contraction).

This assessment is not limited to a particular way of determining the contraction point and calculating the contraction area. In some embodiments, the method determines the contraction point by calculating an approximation of the total extent of the tissue area (e.g., organ tissue) that contracts during the ablation procedure. The approximation can be morphological or based on the type of tissue and nearby structures. In some embodiments, the method calculates the contraction area by utilizing the knowledge that the tissue will contract the most at the contraction point and will decrease as a function of the distance and direction from the point. In such embodiments, the method calculates one or more contraction points within the ablation zone. The calculation can be based on the geometry of the ablation zone or the positioning of the ablation probe.

These methods are not limited to a particular manner of calculating contraction deformation. In some embodiments, the method exploits the knowledge that, due to the nature of contraction, every location within a contraction region is transformed to some degree, and the amount of transformation is a function of the distance and direction from the contraction point. In some embodiments, the calculated contraction deformation may include a set distance and direction, or may include multiple distances for multiple directional changes. The function may be a geometric function based on the distance and direction from the contraction point, or a physical function based on characteristics of the tissue at that location and structures in the region. In some embodiments, the actual contraction distance of each contraction point is predicted before and after ablation. In some embodiments, the actual contraction direction of each contraction point (including possible multiple directional changes) is predicted before and after ablation. In some embodiments, the actual contraction distance and direction of each contraction point (including possible multiple directional changes) are predicted before and after ablation. For example, for a particular contraction point, the amount of contraction distance and direction (including possible multiple directional changes) is measured. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to compare the predicted contraction distance and direction of each contraction point with the actual contraction distance and direction.

Those transformations can be described as deformations stored in a deformation grid. The deformation at each location can be described as a vector whose magnitude and direction characterize the contraction. For example, in some embodiments, each element of the deformation grid can be defined by a vector pointing in the direction of the contraction point, and its magnitude can be defined as a linear function of the distance from the contraction point.

These methods are not limited to a particular way of applying deformation. In some embodiments, the process applies the characteristics of contraction as described by the deformation to the tissue area to be ablated. At each location within the ablation area, when it is determined that it intersects with the target, the amount of transformation from the deformed grid at that corresponding location is determined. In some embodiments, if the target does not intersect with the ablation area, a value (e.g., zero) is applied to the size of the transformation. In some embodiments, the size of the tissue area to be ablated is adjusted based on such adjustments (e.g., the tissue area is transformed to a new location based on the direction and size of the transformation).

FIG1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary method for generating a target tissue region that is adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., tissue shrinkage). As can be seen, a storage device (e.g., a computer) receives information about the tissue region to be ablated and additional factors. Next, the system determines a contraction point and calculates a contraction area. Next, a contraction deformation is calculated based on the determined contraction point and the calculated contraction area. Finally, a deformation is applied based on the calculated contraction deformation, and a target tissue region adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., tissue shrinkage) is generated.

In certain embodiments, the system communicates with the energy delivery device or an operator so that the energy delivery device is appropriately positioned at the identified target tissue region to achieve ablation of the desired tissue, thereby addressing tissue shrinkage caused by the ablation procedure.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a system for treating a tissue region in a subject. In some embodiments, such a system includes a processor as described above (with associated software), and one or more energy delivery devices. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to communicate with the energy delivery device. In some embodiments, the system further includes an energy generator in communication with the energy delivery device.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a system for delivering ablation energy, which includes a power supply, a delivery power management system (e.g., a power splitter for controlling power delivery to two or more probes), a processor, an energy emitting device (e.g., an ablation probe), a cooling system, an imaging system, a temperature monitoring system, and/or a surgical tracking system.

In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to quantify and compare the distance and direction differences between the target tissue area before adjustment for ablation-related anatomical changes and the target tissue area before adjustment for ablation-related anatomical changes. Similarly, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to quantify and compare the actual distance and direction differences between the target tissue area not adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes and the target tissue area adjusted for ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., before and after the ablation procedure).

In certain embodiments, the processor provides information about the pinch points to the user (e.g., via a processor-based visual display, via wireless communication, etc.). For example, in some embodiments, the tissue region is provided along with the pinch points during surgery and the calculated pinch point distance and direction for each point (e.g., before, after, and at any point during surgery). In some embodiments, the minimum and maximum edge distances and directions for the tissue region and each pinch point are provided.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to measure the minimum and maximum distances between target tissue regions before and after ablation (e.g., ablation after contraction). In some embodiments, such measured distances are used to determine whether desired margins are met during and after an ablation procedure.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to monitor and/or control and/or provide feedback regarding one or more aspects during the ablation procedure. For example, in some embodiments, the processor is configured to monitor the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of each pinch point during the ablation procedure. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to stop the ablation procedure if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual corresponding pinch point distance and/or direction. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to adjust the amount of energy delivered (e.g., increase or decrease) during the ablation procedure if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual corresponding pinch point distance and/or direction. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to recalculate the pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction of one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual corresponding pinch point distance and/or direction. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to identify a new pinch point and/or recalculate the pinch point distance and/or direction for one or more pinch points if the predicted pinch point distance and/or direction for one or more pinch points is inconsistent with the actual pinch point distance and/or direction for each pinch point. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to make similar adjustments based on differences in predicted and actual temperatures within a tissue region, temperature differences within an energy delivery device, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the processor is configured to measure the minimum and maximum distances between target tissue regions before and after ablation (e.g., ablation after contraction). In some embodiments, such measured distances are used to determine whether desired margins are met during and after an ablation procedure.

The systems of the present invention can be combined in various system/kit embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the system includes a computer having a processor, a generator, a power distribution system, and an energy applicator, as well as one or more or all of any one or more additional components (e.g., surgical instruments, temperature monitoring devices, etc.). Exemplary system components are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,101,369, 9,072,532, 9,119,649, and 9,192,438, and U.S. Publication No. 20130116679, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The systems of the present invention may be used in any medical procedure involving the delivery of energy (eg, radiofrequency energy, microwave energy, laser, focused ultrasound, etc.) to a tissue region.

The system is not limited to treating a particular type or kind of tissue area (e.g., brain, liver, heart, blood vessels, foot, lung, bone, etc.). In some embodiments, the system can be used to ablate tumor areas. Other treatment methods include, but are not limited to, treating arrhythmias, tumor ablation (benign and malignant), bleeding control during surgery, post-traumatic bleeding control, for any other bleeding control, soft tissue removal, tissue resection and harvesting, treating varicose veins, intracavitary tissue ablation (e.g., treating esophageal lesions such as Barth's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma), bone tumor treatment, normal bone and benign bone disease, intraocular use, for cosmetic surgery, pathologies of the central nervous system including brain tumors and treatment of electrical interference, sterilization surgery (e.g., fallopian tube ablation), and vascular or tissue cauterization for any purpose. In some embodiments, surgical applications include ablation therapy (e.g., to achieve coagulative necrosis). In some embodiments, surgical applications include tumor ablation to target, for example, primary or metastatic tumors. In some embodiments, surgical applications include controlling bleeding (e.g., electrocautery). In some embodiments, surgical applications include tissue cutting or removal.

The energy delivery system contemplates the use of any type of device (e.g., ablation device, surgical device, etc.) configured to deliver (e.g., emit) energy (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 7,101,369, 7,033,352, 6,893,436, 6,878,147, 6,823,218, 6,817,999, 6,635,055, 6,471,696, 6,383,182, 6,312,427, 6,287,302, 6,277,113, 6,251,128, 6,245,062, 6,026,331, 6,016,811, 6,810,016, ,803, 5,800,494, 5,788,692, 5,405,346, 4,494,539, U.S. Patent Application Serial Nos. 11/728,460, 11/728,457, 11/728,428, 11/237,136, 11/236,985, 10/980,699, 10/961,994, 10/961,761, 10/834,802, 10/370,179, 09/847,181; UK Patent Application Nos. 2,406,521, 2,388,039; European Patent No. 1395190; and International Patent Application No. WO 06/008481, WO 06/002943, WO 05/034783, WO 04/112628, WO 04/033039, WO 04/026122, WO 03/088858, WO 03/039385, WO 95/04385; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). These devices include any and all medical, veterinary, and research application devices configured for energy emission, as well as devices used in agricultural settings, manufacturing settings, mechanical settings, or any other application where energy is to be delivered.

In some embodiments, the energy delivery system utilizes a processor to monitor and/or control and/or provide feedback about one or more components of the system. In some embodiments, the processor is provided in a computer module. For example, in some embodiments, the system provides software for adjusting the amount of microwave energy provided to the tissue area by monitoring one or more features of the tissue area, including but not limited to the size and shape of the target tissue, the temperature of the tissue area, etc. (for example, through a feedback system) (see, for example, U.S. patent application serial numbers 11/728,460, 11/728,457 and 11/728,428; each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, the software is configured to provide information (for example, monitoring information) in real time. In some embodiments, the software is configured to interact with the energy delivery system so that it can increase or decrease (for example, tune) the amount of energy delivered to the tissue area. In some embodiments, the software is designed to adjust a coolant. In some embodiments, the tissue type to be treated (for example, liver) is input into the software to allow the processor to adjust (for example, tune) the energy delivery to the tissue area based on a pre-calibrated method for the tissue area of that particular type. In other embodiments, the processor generates a chart or graph based on a specific type of tissue region that displays characteristics that are useful to the system user. In some embodiments, the processor provides an energy delivery algorithm so that, for example, the power is slowly increased to avoid tissue rupture due to rapid exhaust caused by high temperature. In some embodiments, the processor allows the user to select power, treatment duration, different treatment algorithms for different tissue types, simultaneous application of power to antennas in a multi-antenna mode, switching power delivery between antennas, coherent and incoherent phasing, etc. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to create a database of information related to ablation treatment of a specific tissue region based on previous treatments with similar or dissimilar patient characteristics (e.g., required energy levels, treatment duration for tissue regions based on specific patient characteristics). In some embodiments, the processor is operated by remote control.

In some embodiments, user interface software is provided for monitoring and/or operating components of the energy delivery system. In some embodiments, the user interface software is operated by a touch screen interface. In some embodiments, the user interface software can be implemented and operated in a sterile environment (e.g., an operating room) or in a non-sterile environment. In some embodiments, the user interface software is implemented and operated in a surgical device hub (e.g., via a processor). In some embodiments, the user interface software is implemented and operated in a surgical cart (e.g., via a processor). The user interface software is not limited to specific functions. Examples of functionality associated with the user interface software include, but are not limited to, tracking the number of times each component within the energy delivery system is used (e.g., tracking the number of times the energy delivery device is used), providing and tracking real-time temperature of each component or portion of each component (e.g., providing real-time temperature at different locations along the energy delivery device (e.g., at the handle, at the shaft, at the tip)) (e.g., providing real-time temperature of a cable associated with the energy delivery system), providing and tracking real-time temperature of tissue being treated, providing automatic shutdown for part or all of the energy delivery system (e.g., emergency shutdown), generating reports based on data accumulated, for example, before, during, and after a procedure, providing audible and/or visual alerts to the user (e.g., an alert indicating that a procedure has begun and/or completed, an alert indicating that the temperature has reached an abnormal level, an alert indicating that the length of a procedure has exceeded a default value, etc.).

In some embodiments, the energy delivery system utilizes an imaging system including an imaging device. The energy delivery system is not limited to a specific type of imaging device (e.g., an endoscopic device, a stereotactic computer-assisted neurosurgery navigation device, a thermal sensor positioning system, a motion rate sensor, a wire-controlled steering system, intra-procedural ultrasound, interstitial ultrasound, microwave imaging, acoustic tomography, dual-energy imaging, fluoroscopy, computed tomography magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear medicine imaging device triangulation imaging, thermoacoustic imaging, infrared and/or laser imaging, electromagnetic imaging) (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 6,817,976, 6,577,903 and 5,697,949, 5,603,697), and international patent application WO 06/005,579; each of these patents is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, the system utilizes an endoscopic camera, an imaging component, and/or a navigation system that allows or helps place, locate, and/or monitor any article used in conjunction with the energy system of the present invention.

In some embodiments, the energy delivery system utilizes a tuning element to adjust the amount of energy delivered to a tissue region. In some embodiments, the tuning element is manually adjusted by a user of the system. In some embodiments, a tuning system is incorporated into the energy delivery device to allow the user to adjust the device's energy delivery as desired (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 5,957,969 and 5,405,346; each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, the energy delivery system utilizes a coolant system to reduce undesirable heating within and along the energy delivery device (eg, a tissue ablation catheter).The system is not limited to a particular cooling system mechanism.

In some embodiments, the energy delivery system utilizes a temperature monitoring system. In some embodiments, the temperature monitoring system is used to monitor the temperature of the energy delivery device (e.g., using a temperature sensor). In some embodiments, the temperature monitoring system is used to monitor the temperature of a tissue region (e.g., the tissue being treated, surrounding tissue). In some embodiments, the temperature monitoring system is designed to communicate with a processor to provide temperature information to a user or to the processor, thereby allowing the processor to adjust the system appropriately.

The system may also employ one or more additional components that directly or indirectly utilize or assist with the features of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, one or more monitoring devices are used to monitor and/or report the function of any one or more components of the system. In addition, any medical device or system that can be used directly or indirectly with the device of the present invention may be included in the system. Such components include, but are not limited to, sterilization systems, devices, and components, other surgical, diagnostic, or monitoring devices or systems, computer equipment, manuals, instructions, labels, and guides, robotic equipment, and the like.

The system is not limited to a specific application. In fact, the energy delivery system of the present invention is designed for any environment in which energy emission is applicable. Such applications include any and all medical, veterinary and research applications. In addition, the system and device of the present invention can be used in agricultural environments, manufacturing environments, mechanical environments or any other application to deliver energy. In some embodiments, the system is configured for open surgery, percutaneous, intravascular, intracardiac, endoscopic, intracavitary, laparoscopic or surgical energy delivery. In some embodiments, the energy delivery device can be positioned in the patient's body (e.g., N.O.T.E.S. surgery) by a catheter, by an opening developed by surgery and/or by a body orifice (e.g., mouth, ear, nose, eye, vagina, penis, anus). In some embodiments, the system is configured to deliver energy to a target tissue or region.

The present invention is not limited by the properties of the target tissue or region. Uses include, but are not limited to, treatment of arrhythmias, tumor ablation (benign and malignant), intraoperative bleeding control, post-traumatic bleeding control, for any other bleeding control, soft tissue removal, tissue resection and harvesting, treatment of varicose veins, intracavitary tissue ablation (e.g., treatment of esophageal lesions, such as Barth's esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma), bone tumor treatment, normal bone and benign bone disease, intraocular use, for cosmetic surgery, pathology of the central nervous system including the treatment of brain tumors and electrical interference, sterilization surgery (e.g., fallopian tube ablation), and cauterization of blood vessels or tissues for any purpose. In some embodiments, surgical applications include ablation therapy (e.g., to achieve coagulative necrosis). In some embodiments, surgical applications include tumor ablation to target, for example, metastatic tumors. In some embodiments, the device is configured for movement and positioning with minimal damage to tissue or organism at any desired location (including but not limited to brain, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis). In some embodiments, the system is configured for guided delivery, for example, by computed tomography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, fluoroscopy, etc.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method for treating a tissue region, comprising providing a tissue region and a system as described herein (e.g., an energy delivery device, and at least one of the following components: a processor, a power supply, a temperature monitor, an imager, a tuning system, and/or a temperature reduction system utilizing an algorithm of the present invention); identifying and locating a target tissue region, adjusting for expected ablation-related anatomical changes (e.g., tissue shrinkage); positioning a portion of the energy delivery device near the tissue region, and delivering an amount of energy to the tissue region along with the device. In some embodiments, the tissue region is a tumor. In some embodiments, the delivery of energy results in, for example, ablation of the tissue region and/or thrombosis of a blood vessel, and/or electroporation of the tissue region. In some embodiments, the tissue region is a tumor. In some embodiments, the tissue region comprises one or more of the heart, liver, genitals, stomach, lungs, large intestine, small intestine, brain, neck, bones, kidneys, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, prostate, bladder, and spinal cord.

The full text of all publications and patents mentioned in the above description are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Without departing from the scope and spirit of the described technology, various modifications and variations of the compositions, methods and uses of the described technology will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Although the technology has been described in conjunction with specific exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that the claimed invention should not be unduly limited to these specific embodiments. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications of the described modes for implementing the present invention are intended to fall within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (7)

1. A system comprising an energy delivery device and a processor, wherein the processor is configured to identify target tissue regions adjusted in response to ablation-related anatomical changes. The target tissue regions identified for adjustment in response to anticipated ablation-related anatomical changes include: a) Receive information about the tissue region and the energy delivery device. b) Calculate the contraction area within the tissue region. c) Identify the contraction points within the tissue region. d) Calculate the shrinkage deformation within the tissue region. e) Apply the calculated shrinkage deformation, and f) Identify the target tissue region adjusted in response to ablation-related anatomical changes. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the processor communicates with the energy delivery device. 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to guide the energy delivery device to a desired tissue region. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the desired tissue region is an identified target tissue region. 5. The system of claim 1 further includes a power source electrically connected to the energy delivery device. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the shrinkage deformation includes the shrinkage point distance and shrinkage point direction at each shrinkage point. 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the contraction direction of each contraction point includes one or more directional changes.