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Advancing Precision in Medical Ablation with Fiber Optic Sensors
已发布 十月 30, 2025 由 Todd Huston, Lenny Shaver
Blog Summary
• Electrosurgery and thermal ablation require precise temperature control: Electrosurgery, especially thermal ablation, is widely used for treating tumors, cardiac arrhythmias and chronic pain. These procedures rely on heating tissue to cytotoxic levels, making accurate temperature monitoring essential to avoid damaging nearby healthy tissue.
• Fiber optic temperature sensors enhance safety and accuracy: Fiber optic temperature (FOT) sensors offer real-time, precise temperature readings and are immune to electromagnetic interference. Their small size, safety profile and ease of integration make them ideal for use in ablation tools like catheters and endoscopes, improving procedural outcomes.
• Advanced Sensing Technology Improves Medical Outcomes: Technologies like Advanced Energy’s FluorOptic® sensors use phosphorescence decay to measure temperature accurately, even in challenging environments. These sensors are increasingly used in cancer treatment, cardiac ablation and pain management to ensure effective therapy with minimal side effects.
• Electrosurgery and thermal ablation require precise temperature control: Electrosurgery, especially thermal ablation, is widely used for treating tumors, cardiac arrhythmias and chronic pain. These procedures rely on heating tissue to cytotoxic levels, making accurate temperature monitoring essential to avoid damaging nearby healthy tissue.
• Fiber optic temperature sensors enhance safety and accuracy: Fiber optic temperature (FOT) sensors offer real-time, precise temperature readings and are immune to electromagnetic interference. Their small size, safety profile and ease of integration make them ideal for use in ablation tools like catheters and endoscopes, improving procedural outcomes.
• Advanced Sensing Technology Improves Medical Outcomes: Technologies like Advanced Energy’s FluorOptic® sensors use phosphorescence decay to measure temperature accurately, even in challenging environments. These sensors are increasingly used in cancer treatment, cardiac ablation and pain management to ensure effective therapy with minimal side effects.
Electrosurgery has revolutionized the field of medicine, offering precise and efficient methods for tissue ablation. With advancements in technology, new trends are emerging, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in surgical interventions. In this blog, we'll explore the integration of fiber optic temperature (FOT) sensors within medical ablation applications, shedding light on their importance, functionality, and benefits.
Electrosurgery: A Brief Overview
Electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical current on biological tissues for different surgical purposes. Beyond traditional cutting and coagulation, there is growing interest in energy-based tissue management techniques, such as thermal ablation. These methods use energy sources like radiofrequency and microwave for tissue ablation.
Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that uses extreme heat or cold to destroy target cells. Typical applications of ablation are for cancerous tumors, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and chronic pain.
In electrosurgical procedures, the tissue is heated by an electric current. Thermal ablation occurs by heating targeted tissue to cytotoxic levels. Generally, cytotoxic temperatures of more than 60°C cause complete necrosis in most tissues, although temperature sensitivity can vary based on cell type.1
Thermal damage can occur as low as 45°C2. To prevent injury to nearby critical tissue, physicians must carefully monitor nearby critical tissue and structures. Thermal injuries may result from the unintended extension of the desired tissue effect beyond the targeted area, which is also known as the lateral thermal spread. An important approach to reducing thermal injury involves monitoring the temperature of nearby critical tissues during ablation procedures using temperature probes.
The Role of Temperature Sensing in Radiofrequency Ablation
A critical aspect of successful ablation treatment is the precise control of temperature. Accurate temperature monitoring ensures that the targeted tissues are effectively treated while minimizing collateral damage. Fiber optic temperature sensors are becoming increasingly significant in the field of medical ablation due to their precision, reliability, and versatility.
Fiber optic temperature sensors are valuable in the medical field due to unique properties making them ideal for use in ablation procedures:
1. Accuracy and Precision: These sensors provide highly accurate and real-time temperature readings, which are essential for controlling the ablation process.
2. Electromagnetic Immunity: Fiber optic sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for use in environments with high electromagnetic fields, such as the RF used for ablation.
3. Miniaturization: The small size of fiber optic cables allows for their integration into various medical instruments, including catheters and endoscopes.
4. Safety: The non-conductive nature of fiber optic sensors means that they do not pose an electrical hazard to patients or healthcare professionals.
5. Ease of Integration: Sensors can be easily incorporated into existing medical technologies, enhancing their functionality without requiring significant modifications.
Electrosurgery: A Brief Overview
Electrosurgery uses high-frequency electrical current on biological tissues for different surgical purposes. Beyond traditional cutting and coagulation, there is growing interest in energy-based tissue management techniques, such as thermal ablation. These methods use energy sources like radiofrequency and microwave for tissue ablation.
Thermal ablation is a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment that uses extreme heat or cold to destroy target cells. Typical applications of ablation are for cancerous tumors, cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), and chronic pain.
In electrosurgical procedures, the tissue is heated by an electric current. Thermal ablation occurs by heating targeted tissue to cytotoxic levels. Generally, cytotoxic temperatures of more than 60°C cause complete necrosis in most tissues, although temperature sensitivity can vary based on cell type.1
Thermal damage can occur as low as 45°C2. To prevent injury to nearby critical tissue, physicians must carefully monitor nearby critical tissue and structures. Thermal injuries may result from the unintended extension of the desired tissue effect beyond the targeted area, which is also known as the lateral thermal spread. An important approach to reducing thermal injury involves monitoring the temperature of nearby critical tissues during ablation procedures using temperature probes.
The Role of Temperature Sensing in Radiofrequency Ablation
A critical aspect of successful ablation treatment is the precise control of temperature. Accurate temperature monitoring ensures that the targeted tissues are effectively treated while minimizing collateral damage. Fiber optic temperature sensors are becoming increasingly significant in the field of medical ablation due to their precision, reliability, and versatility.
Fiber optic temperature sensors are valuable in the medical field due to unique properties making them ideal for use in ablation procedures:
1. Accuracy and Precision: These sensors provide highly accurate and real-time temperature readings, which are essential for controlling the ablation process.
2. Electromagnetic Immunity: Fiber optic sensors are immune to electromagnetic interference, making them suitable for use in environments with high electromagnetic fields, such as the RF used for ablation.
3. Miniaturization: The small size of fiber optic cables allows for their integration into various medical instruments, including catheters and endoscopes.
4. Safety: The non-conductive nature of fiber optic sensors means that they do not pose an electrical hazard to patients or healthcare professionals.
5. Ease of Integration: Sensors can be easily incorporated into existing medical technologies, enhancing their functionality without requiring significant modifications.
How is Temperature Measured using Fiber Optics?
Fiber optics measure temperature by using the principle of temperature-dependent changes in light properties. Advanced Energy’s Luxtron® FluorOptic® technology works by using the decay time of phosphorescent materials to measure temperature. When a phosphorescent material is excited by a light source, it emits light (fluoresces) for a duration that is dependent on the temperature. By measuring the decay time of this emitted light, which decreases as temperature increases, the sensor can accurately determine the temperature. This technology is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can measure temperatures ranging from -200 to 450°C with an accuracy of 0.1 to 0.5°C. This method allows for precise and reliable temperature measurements, especially in environments where traditional sensors might be impractical.
Fiber optics measure temperature by using the principle of temperature-dependent changes in light properties. Advanced Energy’s Luxtron® FluorOptic® technology works by using the decay time of phosphorescent materials to measure temperature. When a phosphorescent material is excited by a light source, it emits light (fluoresces) for a duration that is dependent on the temperature. By measuring the decay time of this emitted light, which decreases as temperature increases, the sensor can accurately determine the temperature. This technology is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and can measure temperatures ranging from -200 to 450°C with an accuracy of 0.1 to 0.5°C. This method allows for precise and reliable temperature measurements, especially in environments where traditional sensors might be impractical.
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Figure 1: Advanced Energy’s Luxtron M-1100 FOT
Use of Fiber Optic Temperature Sensors in Medical Applications
FOTs are useful in several different medical applications, including cancer treatment, cardiac ablation and pain management. In cancer treatment, ablation is often employed to destroy tumor cells in organs such as the liver, kidney, lung, and bone. Fiber optic temperature sensors play a crucial role in these procedures by providing real-time temperature data. This ensures that the entire tumor is adequately treated while protecting surrounding healthy tissue, thereby achieving effective tumor ablation with minimal side effects for the patient.
Used to treat arrhythmias, cardiac ablation involves creating scar tissue to disrupt abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. Accurate temperature monitoring is essential to heat the tissue to the precise temperature needed to form localized scar tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Fiber optic temperature sensors offer the real-time feedback necessary to adjust energy delivery and achieve desired outcomes.
In chronic pain management, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to destroy nerve tissues transmitting pain signals to the brain. Fiber optic sensors help monitor the temperature of surrounding critical structures, ensuring that only the targeted nerves are affected. This provides effective pain relief without damaging adjacent tissues.
Example in Cancer Treatment
Consider a scenario where a patient with liver cancer undergoes thermal ablation. A fiber optic temperature sensor embedded in the ablation needle measures the temperature in real-time. As the procedure progresses, the sensor data is displayed on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to adjust the energy delivery to maintain the optimal temperature range. This continuous monitoring ensures the entire tumor is treated while minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding healthy liver tissue.
FOTs are useful in several different medical applications, including cancer treatment, cardiac ablation and pain management. In cancer treatment, ablation is often employed to destroy tumor cells in organs such as the liver, kidney, lung, and bone. Fiber optic temperature sensors play a crucial role in these procedures by providing real-time temperature data. This ensures that the entire tumor is adequately treated while protecting surrounding healthy tissue, thereby achieving effective tumor ablation with minimal side effects for the patient.
Used to treat arrhythmias, cardiac ablation involves creating scar tissue to disrupt abnormal electrical pathways in the heart. Accurate temperature monitoring is essential to heat the tissue to the precise temperature needed to form localized scar tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. Fiber optic temperature sensors offer the real-time feedback necessary to adjust energy delivery and achieve desired outcomes.
In chronic pain management, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses heat to destroy nerve tissues transmitting pain signals to the brain. Fiber optic sensors help monitor the temperature of surrounding critical structures, ensuring that only the targeted nerves are affected. This provides effective pain relief without damaging adjacent tissues.
Example in Cancer Treatment
Consider a scenario where a patient with liver cancer undergoes thermal ablation. A fiber optic temperature sensor embedded in the ablation needle measures the temperature in real-time. As the procedure progresses, the sensor data is displayed on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to adjust the energy delivery to maintain the optimal temperature range. This continuous monitoring ensures the entire tumor is treated while minimizing thermal damage to the surrounding healthy liver tissue.
Figure 2: A fiber optic temperature sensor embedded in the ablation needle measures the temperature in real-time for liver cancer treatment.
Advantages Over Traditional Sensors
Traditional temperature sensors like thermocouples and thermistors, while useful, come with limitations that fiber optic sensors overcome. Thermocouples are susceptible to electromagnetic interference and may require frequent calibration and they are often not as easily miniaturized. This limits their applications in delicate medical procedures and why fiber optics sensors are used instead. Fiber optic sensors can be placed directly in or near tissue without risk of electrical conduction or interference. This allows precise thermal mapping during energy delivery, helping avoid overheating or collateral damage.
Conclusion
Electrosurgery continues to evolve, driven by advancements in technology and a growing demand for minimally invasive surgical techniques. The use of FOT sensors in medical ablation applications represents a significant advancement in precision medicine. The ability of these sensors to provide accurate, real-time temperature monitoring ensures that ablation procedures are both effective and safe. As technology continues to evolve, the integration of fiber optic sensors in medical devices promises to enhance the efficacy of ablation treatments, offering better outcomes for patients across a range of medical conditions.
With over 40 years of leadership in power conversion, measurement and control solutions, Advanced Energy continues to enable its customers’ innovations with a broad portfolio of medical standard, custom and configurable products. Further detail can be found through specific case studies and examples from clinical practice to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the applications and benefits of fiber optic temperature sensors in this transformative field.
References
• 1.Nikfarjam M, Muralidharan V, Christophi C. Mechanisms of focal heat destruction of liver tumors. J Surg Res. 2005:208–223. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2005.02.009. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 2. Yarmolenko, Pavel & Moon, Ejung & Manzoor, Ashley & Viglianti, Benjamin & Dewhirst, Mark. (2011). Thresholds for thermal damage to normal tissues: An update. International journal of hyperthermia: the official journal of European Society for Hyperthermic Oncology, North American Hyperthermia Group. 27. 320-43. 10.3109/02656736.2010.534527.
• 1.Nikfarjam M, Muralidharan V, Christophi C. Mechanisms of focal heat destruction of liver tumors. J Surg Res. 2005:208–223. doi: 10.1016/j.jss.2005.02.009. [DOI] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
• 2. Yarmolenko, Pavel & Moon, Ejung & Manzoor, Ashley & Viglianti, Benjamin & Dewhirst, Mark. (2011). Thresholds for thermal damage to normal tissues: An update. International journal of hyperthermia: the official journal of European Society for Hyperthermic Oncology, North American Hyperthermia Group. 27. 320-43. 10.3109/02656736.2010.534527.
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Todd Huston
Advanced Energy
As Advanced Energy’s Director of Strategic Marketing for Electrosurgery, Todd Huston develops strategic marketing plans for the company’s broad medical power portfolio of standard and configurable products to power the future of medicine. He is a senior technology and marketing professional with deep knowledge of the global healthcare industry as well as a passionate strategist with a proven track record leading teams in commercializing disruptive technologies at two Fortune 500 Companies. Todd previously served as an electrosurgery product manager for the Tumor Ablation portfolio at a leading medical device company.
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Lenny Shaver
Advanced Energy