A balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge

Abstract

The present invention provides a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising: an inner tube; a balloon sealed around the inner tube; a corona generator located in a accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon; an electrolyte liquid stored in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon; a power pulse generator electrically connected to the corona generator; the corona generator located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon and the inner tube; the corona generator receives a pulsed electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator, and under the action of the pulsed electrical signal, causes the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction, thereby generating molecular ionization in the electrolyte liquid. Steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure in the balloon and driving the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube. The solution of the present invention can improve the safety, ease of operation, reusability, and precise controllability of the balloon catheter.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of balloon catheters, in particular to a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge. Background Art

[0002] In the medical device field, balloon catheters are primarily used to dilate narrowed blood vessels, a treatment method that has been proven to be sufficiently safe and effective. Currently, balloon catheters primarily inflate the balloon based on the principle of arc discharge, a discharge phenomenon in which a high-density plasma channel is formed through a dielectric under high voltage. Arc discharge occurs when the dielectric between electrodes is completely broken down under high voltage conditions, forming a continuous high-temperature, high-density plasma channel. Arc discharge is a strong discharge phenomenon characterized by high temperature and high current density. Arc discharge is an overall effect, with the arc penetrating the dielectric between electrodes, forming a continuous high-temperature, high-current channel. Under sufficiently high electric fields, the liquid dielectric is completely broken down, forming a high-density plasma channel. This process is accompanied by intense energy release and high temperature generation. The shock wave energy of arc discharge is enormous and difficult to control precisely, which may cause unforeseen damage to surrounding tissues; the shock wave effect of arc discharge is strong, and although it can quickly break up calcified plaques, it has a greater impact on surrounding vascular tissues, which may cause vascular damage or other complications; the high-energy shock wave of arc discharge may cause high-risk complications such as blood vessel rupture and thrombosis; during the arc discharge process, the high temperature in the arc area may spread to the surrounding tissues, causing unnecessary thermal damage. The shock wave effect of arc discharge is strong at one time, making it difficult to perform multiple treatments with precise control and cumulative effects. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, which can improve the safety, operability, reusability and precise controllability of the balloon catheter.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the technical solutions of the present invention are as follows:

[0005] A balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising:

[0006] inner tube;

[0007] a balloon sealed around the inner tube;

[0008] a corona generator located in the accommodation space between the inner tube and the balloon; an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodation space between the inner tube and the balloon;

[0009] a power pulse generator electrically connected to the corona generator;

[0010] The corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon and the inner tube; the corona generator receives a pulse electrical signal sent by a power pulse generator, and under the action of the pulse electrical signal, causes the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction, resulting in molecular ionization of the electrolyte liquid. The steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid to increase the pressure inside the balloon, thereby driving the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube.

[0011] Optionally, the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge further includes: an outer tube that is sealed around the inner tube and sealed to the balloon, the cross-sectional diameter of the balloon is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer tube, and the accommodating space between the inner tube and the outer tube is connected and stores electrolyte liquid.

[0012] Optionally, the corona generator is electrically connected to the power pulse generator via a wire, the wire is co-extruded with the inner tube, or coaxially fixed in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon, and the outside of the wire is wrapped with insulating material.

[0013] Optionally, the corona generator includes at least two electrodes, which are arranged at a preset interval and are fixedly connected to the inner tube. The at least two electrodes receive a pulse electrical signal sent by a power pulse generator, and cause the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal.

[0014] Optionally, the corona generator includes: a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode are separated by a first preset distance; wherein, the first electrode is connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator, and the second electrode is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator; the first electrode and the second electrode receive the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator, and form an electric field between the electrodes, and under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction.

[0015] Optionally, the corona generator includes: a third electrode, a fourth electrode and a fifth electrode, and the third electrode, the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode are arranged in sequence along the inner tube, and a second preset distance is separated between two adjacent electrodes; wherein, the third electrode and the fifth electrode are connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator, and the fourth electrode is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator; the third electrode, the fourth electrode and the fifth electrode receive the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator, and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal.

[0016] Optionally, the corona generator includes: a sixth electrode, a seventh electrode, an eighth electrode, a ninth electrode and a tenth electrode, and the sixth electrode, the seventh electrode, the eighth electrode, the ninth electrode and the tenth electrode are arranged in sequence, and any two adjacent electrodes are spaced apart by a third preset distance; wherein, the sixth electrode, the eighth electrode and the tenth electrode are connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator, and the seventh electrode and the ninth electrode are connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator; the sixth electrode, the seventh electrode, the eighth electrode, the ninth electrode and the tenth electrode receive the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator, and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal.

[0017] Optionally, the power pulse generator includes:

[0018] diode;

[0019] a capacitor electrically connected to the diode;

[0020] an insulated gate bipolar transistor electrically connected to the diode and the capacitor;

[0021] a first resistor electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor;

[0022] a second resistor electrically connected to the first resistor;

[0023] A relay group is electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor and the first resistor.

[0024] Optionally, the balloon is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliance balloon.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising: applying the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge described in the above scheme, wherein a corona generator is located in a accommodating space between an inner tube and a balloon; an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon; the corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon and the inner tube; the method comprises:

[0026] Receive control instructions;

[0027] According to the control instruction, a pulse electrical signal output by a power pulse generator is received according to a preset pulse width. Under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization, and the steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid to increase the pressure in the balloon, drive the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube, and transmit the pressure to the target part; wherein, the expansion size of the steam bubble is proportional to the pressure value in the balloon; the impulse generated by the balloon expansion is proportional to the duration of the steam bubble; and the stress caused by the balloon expansion on the target part is proportional to the impulse.

[0028] The above solution of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0029] The liquid corona discharge-based balloon catheter described in the above embodiment of the present invention includes: an inner tube; a balloon sealed around the inner tube; a corona generator located in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon; an electrolyte liquid stored in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon; a power pulse generator electrically connected to the corona generator; the corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon and the inner tube; the corona generator receives a pulsed electrical signal from the power pulse generator, and under the action of the pulsed electrical signal, causes the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction, resulting in molecular ionization of the electrolyte liquid. The steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure in the balloon and driving the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube. This improves the safety, ease of operation, reusability, and precise controllability of the balloon catheter. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the liquid corona discharge-based balloon catheter of the present invention in a state where it is not filled with liquid;

[0032] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a liquid-filled balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of corona vapor bubbles of a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the enlargement of corona vapor bubbles in a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention's balloon catheter completing treatment based on liquid corona discharge;

[0036] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of three electrodes of a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of a three-electrode vapor bubble balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0038] Figure 9 This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a three-electrode vapor bubble balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 10 Schematic diagram of a five-electrode balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 11 Schematic diagram of a five-electrode vapor bubble balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0041] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 13 This is a circuit diagram of a power pulse generator for a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 14 is a coordinate diagram of the relationship between steam bubbles and current time of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 15 It is a coordinate diagram of the relationship between current and voltage time of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention.

[0045] Description of reference numerals:

[0046] 1-inner tube, 2-outer shell, 21-outer tube, 22-balloon, 31-first electrode, 32-second electrode, 33-third electrode, 34-fourth electrode, 35-fifth electrode, 36-sixth electrode, 37-seventh electrode, 38-eighth electrode, 39-ninth electrode, 310-tenth electrode, 4-power pulse generator, 5-connector, 6-wire, D-diode, C-capacitor, G-insulated gate bipolar transistor, R1-first resistor, R2-second resistor, K-relay group. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure and to fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0048] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising:

[0049] Inner tube 1;

[0050] A balloon 22 is sealed and arranged around the inner tube 1;

[0051] A corona generator is located in the accommodation space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22; an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodation space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22;

[0052] A power pulse generator 4 electrically connected to the corona generator;

[0053] The corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon 22 and the inner tube 1; the corona generator receives the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator 4, and under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization, and the steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid to increase the pressure in the balloon 22, driving the balloon 22 to expand radially along the inner tube 1.

[0054] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the corona generator is placed in the electrolyte liquid; the corona generator receives the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator 4, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction, causing the liquid to produce molecular ionization; the plasma generated by the molecular ionization vaporizes the surrounding liquid at high temperature to produce steam bubbles; as the ionization reaction continues, the volume of the steam bubbles continues to expand and squeeze the surrounding liquid environment. Due to the non-squeezable nature of the liquid, the internal pressure of the balloon 22 is forced to increase instantaneously, driving the balloon 22 to expand radially until the ionization reaction ends and the balloon recovers; the time of the ionization reaction is determined by the set pulse signal duration and pulse width parameters.

[0055] Balloon catheters based on liquid corona discharge can be used to treat vascular stenosis and calcified lesions. When used, the balloon catheter is first introduced into the target site, i.e. the target vascular segment, through a guide wire under imaging guidance; Figure 2 As shown, when the balloon 22 is not filled with electrolyte solution, the balloon catheter can pass through the stenosis and calcification area smoothly; when the balloon catheter reaches the target position, the electrolyte liquid is filled into the balloon 22 through the catheter system to a preset pressure of 2 standard atmospheres, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, make it adhere to the blood vessel wall, ensure that the balloon 22 is in full contact with the lesion area, and apply pulsed high voltage, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the corona generator generates corona discharge, and the intensity of the breakdown discharge is not reached. The corona discharge phenomenon causes the electrolyte liquid to generate steam bubbles, which squeeze the electrolyte liquid and increase the pressure in the balloon 22 continuously. Figure 5 As shown, the balloon 22 is driven to expand radially along the inner tube 1, and then the pressure is transmitted to the target site, breaking up the calcified material and expanding the blood vessel cavity, as shown in FIG. Figure 6As shown, multiple corona discharges can be performed, depending on the severity of the lesion and treatment needs, to ensure complete removal of the lesion. After each discharge, balloon 22 can be slightly deflated, and the catheter position adjusted to cover the entire lesion area. After treatment is complete, balloon 22 is deflated and retracted, and the catheter is removed from the body. Postoperative imaging examinations are performed to confirm vascular patency, thereby ensuring a good therapeutic effect. This solution effectively breaks up calcium in calcified lesions in blood vessels through controlled, instantaneous radial expansion, preparing for subsequent vascular treatment. This significantly improves the effectiveness, safety, ease of operation, reusability, and precise control during interventional treatment of calcified vessels.

[0056] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge further includes:

[0057] An outer tube 21 is sealed around the inner tube 1 and is sealed to the balloon 22. The cross-sectional diameter of the balloon 22 is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer tube 21. The accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the outer tube 21 is connected and stores electrolyte liquid.

[0058] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge further includes:

[0059] Connector 5 , the corona generator and the power pulse generator 4 are electrically connected via the connector 5 , and the corona generator receives the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator 4 via the connector 5 .

[0060] In this embodiment, the connector 5 can control whether the corona generator is powered on and set the voltage level, making the operation of the balloon catheter more convenient.

[0061] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the corona generator is electrically connected to the power pulse generator 4 via a wire 6, the wire 6 is co-extruded with the inner tube 1, or is coaxially fixed in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22, and the outside of the wire 6 is wrapped with insulating material.

[0062] In this embodiment, the corona generator is electrically connected to the power pulse generator 4 using a wire 6, and can also be electrically connected to the power pulse generator 4 through a connector 5. During processing, the wire 6 and the inner tube 1 are co-extruded into one piece, which can improve the integrity of the inner tube and improve the service life and stability of the balloon catheter; or, the wire 6 is fixed axially on the inner tube 1 and is located in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22, and the outside of the wire 6 is wrapped with insulating material to prevent voltage leakage.

[0063] In this embodiment, the corona generator and the power pulse generator 4 are directly electrically connected to the power pulse generator 4 using a wire 6 to receive the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator 4 .

[0064] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the wire 6 is fixedly connected to the at least two electrodes by laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, argon arc welding, plasma welding or physical crimping.

[0065] In this embodiment, the fixed connection method between the wire 6 and at least two electrodes can be selected from the following methods: laser welding under preferred laser power conditions, resistance welding under preferred welding current conditions, ultrasonic welding under preferred welding frequency conditions, argon arc welding under preferred welding current conditions, plasma welding under preferred current value conditions, physical crimping, etc.

[0066] like Figure 1 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the corona generator includes at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes are arranged at a preset interval and are fixedly connected to the inner tube 1, and the at least two electrodes receive a pulse electric signal sent by a power pulse generator 4, and under the action of the pulse electric signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction.

[0067] In this embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the corona generator includes at least two electrodes, which are fixed on the inner tube 1 and spaced apart by a predetermined distance, that is, a distance at which no breakdown discharge occurs between the electrodes; the electrodes are arranged on the inner tube 1 and at least two electrodes are required to trigger the pulse corona phenomenon;

[0068] The electrode pairs are made of high-temperature resistant materials such as 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, or tungsten alloys. While maintaining excellent electrical conductivity, the materials must be able to withstand the thermal erosion of the high-temperature plasma generated during corona discharge. The electrodes are spaced apart to prevent arcing and breakdown discharges between the electrodes. This spacing is filled with electrolyte liquid to create a conductive path. Under certain parameters, a longer spacing between the electrodes increases the resistance of the conductive path and reduces the resulting current.

[0069] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the corona generator includes: a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32, and the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are separated by a first preset distance; wherein, the first electrode 31 is connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator 4, and the second electrode 32 is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator 4; the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 receive the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator 4, and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal.

[0070] In this embodiment, Figure 1As shown, when the corona generator includes two electrodes, one electrode is connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator 4, and the other electrode is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator 4, so that the steam bubbles generated by the corona are evenly distributed; the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are separated by a first preset distance, and the first preset distance is a distance that does not cause breakdown discharge between the electrodes but only causes molecular ionization; as shown Figure 4 As shown, steam bubbles will be generated around the ends of the opposite sides of the electrodes 31 and 32. As the electrode power-on process continues, the steam bubbles will continue to grow, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, until the balloon 22 is pushed to expand, thereby completing the treatment.

[0071] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 As shown, the corona generator includes: a third electrode 33, a fourth electrode 34 and a fifth electrode 35, and the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 are arranged in sequence along the inner tube 1, and a second preset distance is spaced between two adjacent electrodes; wherein, the third electrode 33 and the fifth electrode 35 are connected to the positive pole of the power pulse generator 4, and the fourth electrode 34 is connected to the negative pole of the power pulse generator 4; the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34 and the fifth electrode 35 receive the pulse electric signal sent by the power pulse generator 4, and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electric signal.

[0072] In this embodiment, Figure 7 As shown, when the corona generator includes three electrodes, the electrode in the middle is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator 4, and the electrodes on both sides are connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator 4, so that the steam bubbles generated by the corona are evenly distributed; the three electrodes are evenly arranged in sequence along the inner tube 1, and the two adjacent electrodes are spaced apart by a third preset spacing and a second preset spacing, and the second preset spacing is a preferred specific spacing, so that no breakdown discharge occurs between the electrodes and only molecular ionization occurs; as shown Figure 8 As shown, steam bubbles will be generated around the ends of the opposite sides of electrodes 33 and 34. Similarly, steam bubbles will be generated around the ends of the opposite sides of electrodes 35 and 34. As the electrode power-on process continues, the steam bubbles will continue to grow, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, until the balloon 22 is pushed to expand, thereby completing the treatment.

[0073] like Figure 10As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the corona generator includes: a sixth electrode 36, a seventh electrode 37, an eighth electrode 38, a ninth electrode 39 and a tenth electrode 310, and the sixth electrode 36, the seventh electrode 37, the eighth electrode 38, the ninth electrode 39 and the tenth electrode 310 are arranged in sequence, and two adjacent electrodes are separated by a third preset distance; wherein, the sixth electrode 36, the eighth electrode 38, and the tenth electrode 310 are connected to the positive pole of the power pulse generator 4, and the seventh electrode 37 and the ninth electrode 39 are connected to the negative pole of the power pulse generator 4; the sixth electrode 36, the seventh electrode 37, the eighth electrode 38, the ninth electrode 39 and the tenth electrode 310 receive the pulse electric signal sent by the power pulse generator 4, and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electric signal.

[0074] In this embodiment, Figure 10 As shown, when the corona generator includes five electrodes, the electrodes at both ends and the middle electrode are connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator 4, and the remaining two electrodes are connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator 4. The positive electrodes and the negative electrodes are staggered so that the steam bubbles generated by the corona are evenly distributed; the five electrodes are evenly arranged in sequence along the inner tube 1 and are spaced apart by a third preset spacing, which is a preferred specific spacing so that no breakdown discharge occurs between the electrodes and only molecular ionization occurs;

[0075] like Figure 11 As shown in the figure, steam bubbles are generated at the opposite ends of two adjacent electrodes. As the electrode power-on process continues, the steam bubbles will continue to grow, as shown in the figure. Figure 12 As shown, until the balloon 22 is pushed to expand, thereby completing the treatment.

[0076] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte liquid is 0.9% sodium chloride saline.

[0077] In this embodiment, the electrolyte liquid is 0.9% sodium chloride saline, which ensures that the corona discharge phenomenon can proceed normally.

[0078] like Figure 13 As shown, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the power pulse generator 4 includes:

[0079] Diode D;

[0080] a capacitor C electrically connected to the diode D;

[0081] an insulated gate bipolar transistor G electrically connected to the diode D and the capacitor C;

[0082] a first resistor R1 electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor G;

[0083] a second resistor R2 electrically connected to the first resistor R1;

[0084] A relay group K is electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor G and the first resistor R1.

[0085] In this embodiment, Figure 13 As shown, the power pulse generator 4 can set the voltage value (1000-8000V) and the time pulse width value (1-200us) of the charge release in the circuit and can be connected to at least one pair of electrodes. The power pulse generator 4 uses a built-in battery to store high-voltage charges in a capacitor through the boost of the high-voltage module; the diode D has a rectifying effect. After the current flows through the diode D, the negative pressure is filtered, forming a unidirectional pulse current. The unidirectional pulse current flows through the capacitor C to charge the capacitor C, which stores the high-voltage charge. The first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are the working loads at both ends of the relay group K, respectively, to protect the circuit safety; when the high-voltage charge is to be released to the electrode, the circuit is disconnected through the cooperation of the IGBT (insulated gate bipolar transistor) and the relay group K. When one of the switches of the relay group K is closed, the IGBT is turned on, and the high-voltage charge stored in the capacitor C is released through the connected circuit, forming a high-voltage pulse; when arcs need to be generated between multiple pairs of electrodes simultaneously or sequentially, multiple energy storage capacitors and multiple relays are coordinated to manage the circuit disconnection; the current threshold feedback in the circuit can be set and the pulse width of the high-voltage charge release can be achieved in conjunction with the delay function of the power supply.

[0086] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the balloon 22 is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliance balloon.

[0087] In this embodiment, the balloon 22 is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliant balloon. A non-compliant balloon means that once the balloon diameter reaches a certain value, it will maintain this value regardless of how the external pressure changes; a low-compliant balloon means that after the balloon diameter reaches a certain value, the amplitude of further increase is small; therefore, the material of the balloon 22 is a high-strength, high-flexibility polymer.

[0088] The present invention incorporates two electrodes spaced widely apart within the balloon, releasing pulsed high voltage between the electrodes. This corona discharge generates steam bubbles that expand and squeeze the liquid within the balloon. Due to the incompressibility of liquids, the compression of liquid molecules within the balloon creates an internal high-pressure phenomenon. Because this phenomenon occurs within 0.1-0.2 milliseconds, the impact of the balloon on the vascular endothelium is limited. The briefly pressurized balloon instantly expands and squeezes calcified stenosis within the vessel, causing it to fragment. Continuously stimulating steam bubbles progressively dilates the calcified stenosis, preparing the vessel for the next step of vascular treatment.

[0089] Corona discharge occurs in a liquid using at least two electrodes with a high voltage applied between them. This high voltage ionizes the liquid medium near the electrode surfaces, forming a plasma. Corona discharge is characterized by an electric field around the electrodes strong enough to ionize molecules in the liquid, but with a spacing between the electrodes large enough to prevent a breakdown discharge.

[0090] Under the action of high voltage, the electric field strength near the electrode surface is greatly enhanced. The needle-shaped or wire-shaped electrode design concentrates the electric field, reaching its maximum strength at the electrode tip. Under the action of the strong electric field, the liquid molecules are ionized, generating high-energy electrons and ions. These high-energy electrons collide with the liquid molecules, further ionizing more molecules and forming a plasma region. The temperature in this plasma region rises rapidly, often reaching thousands of degrees Celsius. Due to the high temperature of the plasma region, the liquid near the electrode is rapidly heated. When the local temperature exceeds the boiling point of the liquid, the liquid begins to vaporize, forming a vapor bubble. This process is extremely rapid, typically completing in milliseconds or less. Due to the high temperature and high pressure, the initial vapor bubble rapidly expands and grows. The volume of the vapor bubble increases continuously with changes in temperature and pressure. During this process, the temperature and pressure of the surrounding liquid also affect the growth rate and ultimate size of the vapor bubble.

[0091] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method for a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, which is applied to a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge as in the above embodiment, wherein a corona generator is located in the accommodation space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22; an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodation space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22; the corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodation space between the balloon 22 and the inner tube 1; the method comprises:

[0092] Receive control instructions;

[0093] According to the control instruction, the pulse electrical signal output by the power pulse generator 4 is received according to the preset pulse width. Under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization, and the steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid to increase the pressure in the balloon 22, driving the balloon 22 to expand radially along the inner tube 1, and transmitting the pressure to the target part; wherein, the expansion size of the steam bubble is proportional to the pressure value in the balloon; the impulse generated by the balloon expansion is proportional to the duration of the steam bubble; and the stress caused by the balloon expansion on the target part is proportional to the impulse.

[0094] In this embodiment, the expansion of the vapor bubble is affected by the resistance and surface tension of the liquid medium. During the expansion process, the pressure inside the vapor bubble gradually decreases. When the pressure inside the vapor bubble reaches equilibrium with the pressure of the surrounding liquid, the expansion of the vapor bubble stops. The behavior and characteristics of the vapor bubble formed by corona discharge are affected by many factors, including voltage, pulse width, electrode shape, liquid properties, etc. The applied voltage and pulse width directly affect the intensity and duration of the corona discharge. High voltage and long pulse width usually produce larger vapor bubbles. The shape and spacing of the electrodes affect the distribution and intensity of the local electric field. Needle-shaped or wire-shaped electrodes can concentrate the electric field, forming a stronger local electric field, thereby promoting the formation and expansion of vapor bubbles. The thermophysical properties of the liquid, such as boiling point, thermal conductivity and viscosity, all affect the formation and growth process of vapor bubbles. The behavior of vapor bubbles in different liquid media may vary significantly.

[0095] Due to the corona discharge phenomenon, high-temperature charges pass through the electrodes to ionize the electrolyte, forming a high-temperature plasma. The vaporized electrolyte forms steam bubbles that continuously expand and squeeze the surrounding solution, causing the pressure inside the balloon to instantly rise and expand outward. The size of the steam bubble expansion is proportional to the pressure value inside the balloon. The larger the balloon fixed volume is than the maximum steam bubble volume, the greater the pressure. The impulse generated by the balloon expansion is proportional to the duration of the steam bubble; the stress caused by the balloon expansion on the vascular intima layer is proportional to the impulse; such as Figure 14 As shown in , the expansion size of the steam bubble is proportional to the current value of the corona discharge path; the duration of the steam bubble is proportional to the pulse width of the corona discharge path; as shown in Figure 15 As shown, the corona discharge path current is proportional to the voltage.

[0096] The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge described in the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages over the prior art:

[0097] 1. In terms of precise control, the corona discharge bubble expansion process can be precisely controlled. By adjusting the voltage and discharge time, the size, expansion speed and expansion duration of the steam bubble can be precisely adjusted.

[0098] 2. In terms of progressive treatment, the corona discharge bubble expansion method can be a gradual process, which can gradually expand the calcified area, reduce the sudden impact on the blood vessel wall, and reduce the risk of tissue damage.

[0099] 3. In terms of risk control, the steam bubble expansion force generated by corona discharge is relatively mild, and the mechanical impact on surrounding tissues is small, reducing the risk of complications during and after surgery.

[0100] 4. In terms of thermal damage, the local heating and vaporization effects of corona discharge are concentrated between the electrodes, which will not produce a large-scale thermal effect and will cause less thermal damage to surrounding tissues.

[0101] 5. In terms of repeatability and controllability, the corona discharge bubble expansion process can be repeated multiple times, achieving the desired expansion effect through gradual accumulation. This repeatability and controllability contributes to safer and more effective treatment.

[0102] For high-risk patients and cases requiring multiple treatments, corona discharge bubble expansion may be a more ideal option.

[0103] The above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the present invention. These improvements and modifications should also be regarded as within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, characterized in that: include: inner tube (1); A balloon (22) is sealed and arranged around the inner tube (1); a corona generator located in the accommodation space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22); an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodation space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22); A power pulse generator (4) electrically connected to the corona generator; The corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodation space between the balloon (22) and the inner tube (1); the corona generator receives the pulse electric signal sent by the power pulse generator (4), and under the action of the pulse electric signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, and the intensity of the breakdown discharge is not reached, the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization, and the steam bubbles generated by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid to increase the pressure in the balloon (22), driving the balloon (22) to expand radially along the inner tube (1), and transmitting the pressure to the target site; The corona generator comprises at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being arranged at a preset spacing and fixedly connected to the inner tube (1), the preset spacing being a spacing at which no breakdown discharge occurs between the electrodes, the at least two electrodes receiving a pulse electrical signal sent by a power pulse generator (4), and causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal; The corona generator comprises: A first electrode (31) and a second electrode (32), wherein the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32) are spaced apart by a first preset distance; wherein the first electrode (31) is connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator (4), and the second electrode (32) is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator (4); the first electrode (31) and the second electrode (32) receive a pulse electric signal sent by the power pulse generator (4), and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electric signal; Or the corona generator comprises: a third electrode (33), a fourth electrode (34) and a fifth electrode (35), wherein the third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34) and the fifth electrode (35) are arranged in sequence along the inner tube (1), and a second preset spacing is spaced between two adjacent electrodes; wherein the third electrode (33) and the fifth electrode (35) are connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator (4), and the fourth electrode (34) is connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator (4); the third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34) and the fifth electrode (35) receive the pulse electric signal sent by the power pulse generator (4), and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electric signal; Or the corona generator includes: a sixth electrode (36), a seventh electrode (37), an eighth electrode (38), a ninth electrode (39) and a tenth electrode (310), wherein the sixth electrode (36), the seventh electrode (37), the eighth electrode (38), the ninth electrode (39) and the tenth electrode (310) are arranged in sequence, and two adjacent electrodes are spaced apart by a third preset interval; wherein the sixth electrode (36), the eighth electrode (38) and the tenth electrode (310) are connected to the positive electrode of the power pulse generator (4), and the seventh electrode (37) and the ninth electrode (39) are connected to the negative electrode of the power pulse generator (4); the sixth electrode (36), the seventh electrode (37), the eighth electrode (38), the ninth electrode (39) and the tenth electrode (310) receive the pulse electric signal sent by the power pulse generator (4), and form an electric field between the electrodes, so that the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electric signal.

2. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: An outer tube (21) is sealed around the inner tube (1) and is sealedly connected to the balloon (22). The cross-sectional diameter of the balloon (22) is larger than the cross-sectional diameter of the outer tube (21). The accommodation space between the inner tube (1) and the outer tube (21) is connected and stores electrolyte liquid.

3. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that The corona generator is electrically connected to the power pulse generator (4) via a wire (6); the wire (6) is co-extruded with the inner tube (1) or coaxially fixed in the accommodation space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22); and the outer side of the wire (6) is wrapped with insulating material.

4. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that The power pulse generator (4) comprises: Diode (D); a capacitor (C) electrically connected to the diode (D); an insulated gate bipolar transistor (G) electrically connected to the diode (D) and the capacitor (C); a first resistor (R1) electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor (G); a second resistor (R2) electrically connected to the first resistor (R1); A relay group (K) is electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor (G) and the first resistor (R1).

5. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The balloon (22) is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliance balloon.

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