Plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter

Abstract

The present invention discloses a plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter, which belongs to the field of plasma technology. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter comprises: a catheter body, which comprises an expansion balloon; a plasma generator, which is arranged outside the expansion balloon and has a plasma channel, wherein outlets of the plasma channel are all arranged toward the plaque; a material delivery channel, which is connected to the plasma generator and is used to deliver water or plasma-activated hydrogel to the plasma generator; and a microelectrode device, which is arranged in the plasma generator and is connected to a high-voltage power supply via a wire. The microelectrode device ionizes water or plasma-activated hydrogel to generate reactive oxygen species, which flow toward the plaque through the plasma channel. The reactive oxygen species excited by the plasma perform early plaque ablation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of plasma technology, and in particular to a plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter. Background Art

[0002] The development of atherosclerotic plaques, which cause coronary artery stenosis, is one of the primary drivers of coronary artery disease. Recanalization techniques to remove stenosis are currently the mainstay of treatment for coronary artery stenosis. Patients with moderate to severe stenosis (greater than 30%) are treated with balloon angioplasty and stent implantation. The primary purpose of these methods is, on the one hand, to disrupt heavily calcified lesions, making stent expansion easier, and, on the other hand, to squeeze plaque into the vessel wall through stent expansion, thereby preserving the vessel's lumen area. Following stent implantation, prolonged medication, anticoagulation, and lipid-lowering therapy are often necessary to reduce postoperative risks and the potential for plaque regeneration.

[0003] Currently, treatment for coronary artery stenosis often occurs after the onset of chest pain symptoms. On the one hand, stent implantation may cause related surgical risks, such as inappropriate stent size, stent edge dissection, in-stent restenosis, in-stent thrombosis, and a series of risk events. Especially for lesions of the left main trunk and the anterior trifurcated bifurcation of the main trunk, improper stent placement can easily lead to serious dissection tears and death. On the other hand, after stent surgery, anticoagulants and lipid-lowering drugs need to be taken for a long time, which is not suitable for some patients, so stent treatment is not possible. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, the present invention proposes a plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter that can ablate early-stage plaques based on plasma-stimulated reactive oxygen species, preventing further plaque progression and requiring stent implantation.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter includes: a catheter body, which includes an expansion balloon; a plasma generator, which is arranged on the outside of the expansion balloon and has a plasma channel, wherein the outlets of the plasma channel are all arranged toward the plaque; a material delivery channel, which is connected to the plasma generator and is used to deliver water or plasma-active hydrogel to the plasma generator; and a microelectrode device, which is arranged in the plasma generator and is connected to a high-voltage power supply via a wire. The microelectrode device ionizes water or plasma-active hydrogel to generate reactive oxygen species, which flow toward the plaque through the plasma channel.

[0006] The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: the plasma generating device is delivered to the target area through the catheter pump body and the expansion balloon, and the plasma generating device is adhered to the atherosclerotic plaque, and then the plasma generating device releases reactive oxygen species to the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby causing the atherosclerotic plaque to decompose on its own, achieving early intervention and inhibition of the atherosclerotic plaque, and avoiding further progression of the plaque and causing serious subsequent adverse events. It avoids the commonly used method of relieving vascular stenosis by implanting stents in coronary intervention surgery, which is beneficial to reducing stent-related adverse events; secondly, the plasma adheres to the surface of the stenotic blood vessel, releases reactive oxygen species, and decomposes the plaque through physical and chemical reactions, rather than through the mechanical process of balloon expansion or stent expansion. This greatly reduces the plaque displacement and vascular endothelial damage caused by the mechanical expansion process, and helps to reduce the risks of dissection tears and side branch occlusions; thirdly, because no foreign objects are implanted in the body, there is no need to take anticoagulants for a long time after surgery, which effectively reduces the patient's physical, mental and financial burden, and also makes the operation more applicable, so that patients who are not suitable for stent implantation surgery can also receive relevant treatment.

[0007] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plasma generating device includes an insulating portion, a plasma channel is opened on the insulating portion, and the microelectrode device is arranged in the plasma channel.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of plasma channels are provided, and the plurality of plasma channels are arranged axially along the guide tube.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microelectrode device includes two groups of needle-shaped electrode assemblies, and the two groups of needle-shaped electrode assemblies are arranged perpendicular to each other in a cross shape.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the needle-shaped electrode assembly includes: a first electrode, the first electrode includes a first discharge tip, and the first discharge tip is needle-shaped; a second electrode, the second electrode includes a second discharge tip, and the second discharge tip is needle-shaped, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged along the same straight line, the first discharge tip and the second discharge tip are arranged facing each other, and the polarity of the first electrode and the second electrode are opposite.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microelectrode device includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, both of which are buried in the insulating part. The third electrode and the fourth electrode are respectively located on the left and right sides of the plasma channel, and the polarities of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are opposite.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plasma channel is cylindrical, and arc walls are provided on the sides of the third electrode and the fourth electrode facing the plasma channel.

[0013] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the plasma channel is cylindrical, and the microelectrode device includes a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode. The fifth electrode is a needle-shaped electrode, and the fifth electrode is arranged along the axial direction of the plasma channel. The sixth electrode is an annular electrode, and the annular electrode is arranged along the inner wall of the plasma channel. The polarities of the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode are opposite.

[0014] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the fifth electrode is an anode and the sixth electrode is a cathode.

[0015] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a plasma generation chamber is further provided in the insulating portion, one end of the plasma generation chamber is connected to the material transport channel, and the other end of the plasma generation chamber is connected to the plasma channel, and the microelectrode device is arranged in the plasma generation chamber.

[0016] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the microelectrode device includes a seventh electrode and an eighth electrode, the seventh electrode and the eighth electrode are arranged parallel to each other, the seventh electrode is a flat electrode, the eighth electrode includes a plurality of eighth discharge tips, the plurality of eighth discharge tips are all arranged toward the seventh electrode, and the polarity of the seventh electrode and the eighth electrode are opposite.

[0017] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the eighth electrode is in a sawtooth shape.

[0018] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the seventh electrode is a cathode and the eighth electrode is an anode.

[0019] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the catheter body is an integral exchange balloon catheter.

[0020] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the catheter body is a rapid exchange balloon catheter.

[0021] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the dilation balloon is a compliant balloon.

[0022] According to some embodiments of the present invention, a developing structure is provided on the plasma generating device, and the developing structure is used to display the position of the plasma generating device under X-rays.

[0023] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the developing structure includes tungsten powder particles.

[0024] Additional aspects and advantages of the present invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description which follows, or may be learned by practice of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, in which:

[0026] Figure 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a plasma generating device based on double-needle electrode discharge;

[0028] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A top view of

[0029] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of point A in the middle;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a plasma generating device based on dielectric barrier discharge;

[0031] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top view of

[0032] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a plasma generation device based on needle-ring electrode discharge;

[0033] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a plasma generation device based on plate-sawtooth electrode discharge.

[0034] Reference numerals:

[0035] Catheter body 100; dilation balloon 110;

[0036] Plasma generating device 200; plasma channel 210; insulating portion 220; developing structure 230; plasma generating chamber 240;

[0037] Material delivery channel 300;

[0038] Microelectrode device 400 ; first electrode 410 ; first discharge tip 411 ; second electrode 420 ; second discharge tip 421 ; third electrode 430 ; fourth electrode 440 ; arc wall 431 ; fifth electrode 450 ; sixth electrode 460 ; seventh electrode 470 ; and eighth electrode 480 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following describes embodiments of the present invention in detail. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals throughout represent the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are intended only to explain the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0040] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that descriptions involving orientations, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they cannot be understood as limitations on the present invention.

[0041] In the description of the present invention, "several" means more than one, "plurality" means more than two, "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is solely for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, implicitly specifying the number of the indicated technical features, or implicitly specifying the order of the indicated technical features.

[0042] In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise clearly defined, terms such as setting, installing, and connecting should be understood in a broad sense, and technicians in the relevant technical field can reasonably determine the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on the specific content of the technical solution.

[0043] refer to Figures 1 to 6 A plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention is described.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a catheter body 100 , a plasma generating device 200 , a substance delivery channel 300 and a microelectrode device 400 .

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the catheter body 100 is provided with an expansion balloon 110 , which is arranged along the axial direction of the catheter body 100 . The expansion balloon 110 is made of elastic material and can expand and contract along the radial direction of the catheter body 100 .

[0046] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the plasma generator 200 is disposed outside the dilation balloon 110. Thus, the expansion and contraction of the dilation balloon 110 can drive the plasma generator 200 to move radially along the catheter body 100. The plasma generator 200 is provided with a plasma channel 210, the outlet of which is disposed away from the dilation balloon 110. When the dilation balloon 110 enters the stenotic region of the target blood vessel, the outlet of the plasma channel 210 is directed toward the atherosclerotic plaque.

[0047] like Figure 1As shown, the material delivery channel 300 is connected to the plasma generating device 200 and is used to deliver water or plasma-activated hydrogel to the plasma generating device 200. The material delivery channel 300 is arranged along the catheter body 100, with one end of the material delivery channel 300 connected to the plasma generating device 200 and the other end of the material delivery channel 300 away from the plasma generating device 200 connected to a water supply mechanism. A section of the material delivery channel 300 near the plasma generating device 200 is embedded in the surface of the expansion balloon 110. The water supply mechanism delivers water or plasma-activated hydrogel into the plasma generating device 200 through the material delivery channel 300. The water supply mechanism uses a medical automatic or manual pump. It is conceivable that in addition to embedding the material delivery channel 300 on the surface of the expansion balloon 110, the material delivery channel 300 can also be connected to the bottom of the plasma generating device 200 by having the material delivery channel 300 penetrate into the expansion balloon 110.

[0048] like Figures 2 to 6 As shown, the microelectrode device 400 is disposed within the plasma generator 200. The microelectrode device 400 is connected to a high-voltage power supply via a wire. Water or plasma-activated hydrogel enters the plasma generator 200 through the substance delivery channel 300, where it is ionized by the microelectrode device 400 to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The ROS then flows through the plasma channel 210 toward the atherosclerotic plaque. Atherosclerotic plaques are composed of extracellular lipid particles, foam cells, and debris. Reducing the lipid content in foam cells and promoting apoptosis of macrophage-derived foam cells by generating ROS is an effective means of early plaque reduction. Generating ROS through plasma, when they penetrate the vascular endothelium and enter the plaque and foam cells, can also induce apoptosis of the foam cells, thereby achieving early plaque ablation. It is contemplated that the microelectrode device 400 can be disposed within the cavity of the plasma generator 200 or within the plasma channel 210 of the plasma generator 200.

[0049] When using the present plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter to ablate early-stage atherosclerotic plaques, the expansion balloon 110 on the catheter body 100 is first introduced into the narrowed area of ​​the target blood vessel through the guidewire inside the catheter, and physiological saline is pumped into the expansion balloon 110 to expand the expansion balloon 110. The expansion balloon 110 increases in radial size along the catheter body 100, and the plasma generator 200 outside the expansion balloon 110 approaches the atherosclerotic plaque until the outlet of the plasma channel 210 is attached to the atherosclerotic plaque. At this time, water or plasma-activated hydrogel is pumped into the plasma generator 200 through the material delivery channel 300. The microelectrode device 400 in the plasma generator 200 ionizes the water to generate reactive oxygen species. The reactive oxygen species flow through the plasma channel 210 to the atherosclerotic plaque, and the reactive oxygen species are generated in the liquid environment by high-voltage discharge between the electrode anode and cathode to achieve plaque ablation.

[0050] Thus, the plasma generating device 200 is delivered to the target area through the catheter pump body and the expansion balloon 110, and the plasma generating device 200 is made to adhere to the atherosclerotic plaque. Then, the plasma generating device 200 releases reactive oxygen species to the atherosclerotic plaque, thereby causing the atherosclerotic plaque to decompose on its own, thereby achieving early intervention and inhibition of the atherosclerotic plaque, and avoiding further progression of the plaque and causing serious subsequent adverse events. It avoids the commonly used method of relieving vascular stenosis by implanting stents in coronary intervention surgery, which is beneficial to reducing stent-related adverse events; secondly, the plasma adheres to the surface of the stenotic part of the blood vessel and releases reactive oxygen species through physical and chemical reactions to decompose the plaque by itself, rather than through the mechanical process of balloon expansion or stent expansion. This greatly reduces the plaque displacement and vascular endothelial damage caused by the mechanical expansion process, and helps to reduce the risks of dissection tears and side branch occlusions; thirdly, because no foreign objects are implanted in the body, there is no need to take anticoagulants for a long time after surgery, which effectively reduces the physical, mental and financial burden on patients, and also makes the operation more applicable, so that patients who are not suitable for stent implantation surgery can also receive relevant treatment.

[0051] like Figures 2 to 6As shown, the plasma generating device 200 includes an insulating portion 220, a plasma channel 210 disposed on the insulating portion 220, and a microelectrode assembly 400 disposed within the plasma channel 210. The insulating portion 220 is perforated to form the plasma channel 210. Water or plasma-activated hydrogel enters the plasma channel 210 through the substance delivery channel 300 and is ionized by the microelectrode assembly 400 disposed within the plasma channel 210 to generate plasma. Multiple plasma channels 210 are provided, and the multiple plasma channels 210 are arranged axially along the catheter body 100. Because the expansion balloon 110 is ellipsoidal in shape, the outlet of the plasma channel 210 near the center is closer to the plaque, while the outlets of the plasma channels 210 on the left and right sides are farther away from the plaque. Therefore, during the expansion of the expansion balloon 110, the outlet of the plasma channel 210 near the center will first adhere to the atherosclerotic plaque, while the outlets of the plasma channels 210 on the left and right sides will not adhere to the plaque. Only by further increasing the pressure in the expansion balloon 110 can the outlets of the left and right plasma channels 210 also fit onto the plaque.

[0052] By adjusting the pressure within the expansion balloon 110, the number of plasma channels 210 adhered to the atherosclerotic plaque can be adjusted. When the target plaque is short, the pressure within the expansion balloon 110 is controlled to be low, so that the outlets of one or two plasma channels 210 near the center adhere to the plaque. When the target plaque is long, the pressure within the expansion balloon 110 is controlled to be high, so that as many plasma channel outlets as possible adhere to the plaque. Thus, different pressures are applied to the expansion balloon 110 according to the length of the target plaque, resulting in more targeted plaque ablation, ensuring effective plaque ablation while avoiding damage to the vascular endothelium.

[0053] The microelectrode device 400 generates plasma through high-voltage discharge between the anode and cathode electrodes. The high-voltage electric field partially ionizes the liquid between the electrodes, forming free charged particles. These charged particles are accelerated by the electric field and collide with molecules in the liquid, further exciting or ionizing the molecules in the liquid, thereby generating plasma. Upon contact with water, the plasma can efficiently produce reactive oxygen species. The microelectrode devices 400 described in the present invention are of four types: the first type is to set two sets of needle-shaped electrode assemblies in the plasma channel 210; the second type is to use dielectric barrier discharge (DBD); the third type is a needle-ring electrode discharge; and the fourth type is a plate-sawtooth electrode discharge.

[0054] like Figures 2 to 4As shown, in the plasma generating device 200 based on dual-needle electrode discharge, the microelectrode device 400 includes two sets of needle-shaped electrode assemblies, which are arranged perpendicular to each other in a cross shape and are disposed within the plasma channel 210. The needle-shaped electrode assemblies include a first electrode 410 and a second electrode 420. The first electrode 410 includes a first discharge tip 411, which is needle-shaped. The second electrode 420 includes a second discharge tip 421, which is needle-shaped. The first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 are arranged along the same straight line, with the first discharge tip 411 and the second discharge tip 421 facing each other. The polarity of the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 are opposite.

[0055] The insulating portion 220 of the plasma generator 200 is provided with a plurality of plasma channels 210. The plasma channels 210 are cylindrical, so the inner circumference of the plasma channels 210 is an insulating dielectric layer. Two first electrodes 410 and two second electrodes 420 are evenly distributed along the circumference of the plasma channels 210. The first discharge tip 411 and the second discharge tip 421 are both arranged toward the axis of the plasma channels 210. The first electrodes 410 and the second electrodes 420 are respectively connected to a high-voltage AC power supply. When the high-voltage AC power is applied, the polarity of the first electrode 410 and the second electrode 420 in the opposite position are opposite. Figure 4 As shown, when the first electrode 410 at the rear serves as the anode, the second electrode 420 directly opposite the first electrode 410 (i.e., the second electrode 420 at the front) serves as the cathode. The liquid between the two first electrodes 410 and the two second electrodes 420 is partially ionized, forming free charged particles. These charged particles are accelerated by the electric field and collide with molecules in the liquid, further exciting or ionizing the molecules. Due to the constant change in the direction of the alternating current, this process continues between the two sets of needle-shaped electrode assemblies, generating plasma.

[0056] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, in a plasma generating device 200 based on dielectric barrier discharge, the microelectrode device 400 includes a third electrode 430 and a fourth electrode 440. The third electrode 430 and the fourth electrode 440 are both embedded in the insulating portion 220. The third electrode 430 and the fourth electrode 440 are located on the left and right sides of the plasma channel 210, respectively, and have opposite polarities. The plasma channel 210 is cylindrical, and arc walls 431 are provided on the sides of the third and fourth electrodes 430 and 440 facing the plasma channel 210.

[0057] Because the plasma channel 210 is formed on the insulating portion 220, the inner circumference of the plasma channel 210 is an insulating dielectric layer. The third electrode 430 and the fourth electrode 440 are embedded within the insulating portion 220 on the plasma sidewall. Therefore, the portion of the insulating portion 220 sandwiched between the third and fourth electrodes 430 and 440 forms a dielectric barrier discharge structure. When the third and fourth electrodes 430 and 440 are connected to a high-voltage power supply, the insulation portion 220 blocks the accumulation of positive and negative charges. When the electric field strength is high enough to cause electrical breakdown of the liquid in the channel, plasma is generated within the plasma channel 210.

[0058] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, when multiple plasma channels 210 are provided and arranged axially along the catheter body 100, insulating dielectric layers formed by the insulating portions 220 are formed between adjacent plasma channels 210, and the third electrodes 430 and the fourth electrodes 440 are alternately disposed within these insulating dielectric layers. For example, the leftmost plasma channel 210 has the third electrode 430 embedded within the insulating portion 220 on the left side, and the fourth electrode 440 embedded within the insulating portion 220 on the right side. The fourth electrode 440 also serves as the electrode embedded within the insulating portion 220 on the left side of the second plasma channel 210 from the left, and together with the third electrode 430 embedded within the insulating portion 220 on the right side of the second plasma channel 210 from the left, forms a dielectric barrier discharge structure.

[0059] like Figure 7 As shown, in the plasma generating device 200 based on needle-ring electrode discharge, the plasma channel 210 is cylindrical, and the microelectrode device 400 includes a fifth electrode 450 and a sixth electrode 460. The fifth electrode 450 is a needle-shaped electrode, and the fifth electrode 450 is arranged along the axial direction of the plasma channel 210. The sixth electrode 460 is a ring electrode, and the ring electrode is arranged along the inner wall of the plasma channel 210. The fifth electrode 450 is an anode, and the sixth electrode 460 is a cathode.

[0060] The insulating portion 220 of the plasma generator 200 defines multiple plasma channels 210. The plasma channels 210 are cylindrical in shape. A ring-shaped sixth electrode 460 is embedded within the inner wall of the plasma channels 210. A needle-shaped fifth electrode 450 is positioned along the axis of the plasma channels 210. Because the inner circumference of the plasma channels 210 is formed by an insulating dielectric layer, both the fifth and sixth electrodes 450, 460, are positioned on the insulating dielectric layer. The fifth and sixth electrodes 450, 460 are each connected to a high-voltage power supply. When high voltage is applied, discharge occurs at the tip of the needle-shaped fifth electrode 450, with the fifth electrode 450 acting as the anode and the sixth electrode 460 as the cathode. The liquid between the fifth and sixth electrodes 450, 460, is partially ionized, forming free charged particles. These charged particles are accelerated by the electric field and collide with molecules in the liquid, further exciting or ionizing the molecules, thereby generating plasma.

[0061] In the plate-sawtooth electrode discharge-based plasma generating device 200, a plasma generation chamber 240 is further defined within the insulating portion 220. One end of the plasma generation chamber 240 communicates with the material delivery channel 300, and the other end of the plasma generation chamber 240 communicates with the plasma channel 210. A microelectrode assembly 400 is disposed within the plasma generation chamber 240. The microelectrode assembly 400 includes a seventh electrode 470 and an eighth electrode 480. The seventh electrode 470 and the eighth electrode 480 are disposed parallel to each other. The seventh electrode 470 is a flat plate electrode. The eighth electrode 480 includes a plurality of eighth discharge tips, all of which are disposed toward the seventh electrode 470. The seventh electrode 470 serves as a cathode, and the eighth electrode 480 serves as an anode.

[0062] like Figure 8 As shown, the eighth electrode 480 is serrated, with the upper tip of the serrations serving as the eighth discharge tip. The plate-shaped seventh electrode 470 and the serrated eighth electrode 480 are arranged parallel to each other in the plasma generation chamber 240. The large space of the plasma generation chamber 240 ensures a uniform and sufficiently wide gap between the seventh and eighth electrodes 470, 480. The seventh and eighth electrodes 470, 480 are each connected to a high-voltage power supply. When high voltage is applied, the serrated tip of the eighth electrode 480 discharges electricity, with the eighth electrode 480 serving as the anode and the seventh electrode 470 as the cathode. Water or plasma-active hydrogel enters the plasma generation chamber 240 through the material delivery channel 300, is ionized by the seventh and eighth electrodes 470, 480, and generates plasma, which then enters each plasma channel 210 and flows from the plasma channel 210 toward the atherosclerotic plaque.

[0063] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the expansion balloon 110 is a compliant balloon. The expansion balloon 110 is divided into compliant and non-compliant types. The material of the compliant balloon is relatively soft and has a large elastic modulus, while the material of the non-compliant balloon is relatively hard. Therefore, the compliant balloon will change its shape as the shape and pressure of the blood vessel change, enabling it to provide uniform expansion in different vascular environments, while the non-compliant balloon maintains a fixed shape and size. Due to the irregular shape of atherosclerotic plaques, the use of a compliant balloon can enable the plasma generator 200 on the outside of the balloon to better fit the plaque, thereby improving the intervention and inhibitory effect of the reactive oxygen species generated by the plasma on atherosclerotic plaques.

[0064] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the catheter body 100 is a fully interchangeable balloon catheter. This type of catheter, also known as an OTW (Over-the-wire) balloon dilation catheter, means that the balloon dilation catheter is guided and positioned via a central guidewire, allowing for more precise control of the catheter's position during vascular dilation. Using a fully interchangeable balloon catheter, medical personnel can precisely position the dilation balloon 110, ensuring that the plasma generator 200 is accurately positioned against the atherosclerotic plaque. The guidewire provides greater stability, preventing catheter misalignment during operation, allowing medical personnel to better control the balloon's position and inflation pressure, thereby improving treatment effectiveness.

[0065] In other specific embodiments of the present invention, the catheter body 100 is a rapid exchange balloon catheter, which is an improved vasodilator catheter. There is a shorter channel inside the catheter for the rapid insertion and removal of the guide wire, instead of passing through the entire catheter, allowing the guide wire to be quickly exchanged through a small hole in the catheter without passing through the entire length of the catheter. The guide wire is inserted into the catheter through the rapid exchange interface, and the catheter is inserted into the target blood vessel under the guidance of the guide wire. The guide wire can be quickly replaced without completely removing the catheter, saving time and operating steps. Due to the rapid exchange interface design, medical staff can replace balloons or other interventional devices without removing the guide wire, simplifying the operation process. Therefore, the use of a rapid exchange balloon catheter can improve operational efficiency and make the interventional treatment process smoother and safer.

[0066] like Figures 1 to 6As shown, the plasma generator 200 is provided with a display structure 230, which is used to display the position of the plasma generator 200 under X-rays. The display structure 230 can clearly display the plasma generator 200 under X-ray imaging. The display structure 230 makes the position of the plasma generator 200 visible in the X-ray image, facilitating accurate positioning and navigation by medical personnel during interventional procedures. This ensures that medical personnel can precisely position and operate the plasma generator 200 within the blood vessel, accurately aligning the outlet of the plasma channel 210 with the atherosclerotic plaque. The display structure 230 contains tungsten powder particles, which effectively absorb X-rays, making the display structure 230 more visible in X-ray images. It is conceivable that the display structure 230 is typically made of a high-density material. In addition to tungsten powder particles, lead alloys or other heavy metals can also be used as materials. These materials effectively absorb X-rays, making these parts more visible in X-ray images.

[0067] In the description of the present invention, reference to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiments," "examples," "specific examples," or "some examples" means that the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment or example are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the exemplary expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples.

Claims

1. A plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter, characterized in that: include: A catheter body, the catheter body including an expansion balloon; A plasma generating device, the plasma generating device is arranged outside the dilation balloon, a plasma channel is opened on the plasma generating device, and the outlet of the plasma channel is arranged toward the plaque; a material delivery channel, the material delivery channel being in communication with the plasma generating device and being used to deliver water or plasma-active hydrogel to the plasma generating device; A microelectrode device is disposed within the plasma generating device and is connected to a high-voltage power supply via a wire. The microelectrode device ionizes water or plasma-active hydrogel to generate reactive oxygen species, which flow toward the plaque through the plasma channel.

2. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plasma generating device includes an insulating portion, the plasma channel is opened on the insulating portion, and the microelectrode device is arranged in the plasma channel.

3. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 2, characterized in that: A plurality of plasma channels are provided, and the plurality of plasma channels are arranged axially along the catheter body.

4. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The microelectrode device comprises two groups of needle-shaped electrode assemblies, and the two groups of needle-shaped electrode assemblies are arranged perpendicular to each other in a cross shape.

5. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 4, characterized in that: The needle electrode assembly comprises: a first electrode, the first electrode comprising a first discharge tip, the first discharge tip being needle-shaped; The second electrode includes a second discharge tip, the second discharge tip is needle-shaped, the first electrode and the second electrode are arranged along the same straight line, the first discharge tip and the second discharge tip are arranged facing each other, and the polarities of the first electrode and the second electrode are opposite.

6. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The microelectrode device includes a third electrode and a fourth electrode, both of which are buried in the insulating portion. The third electrode and the fourth electrode are respectively located on the left and right sides of the plasma channel, and the polarities of the third electrode and the fourth electrode are opposite.

7. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 6, characterized in that: The plasma channel is cylindrical, and arc walls are provided on the sides of the third electrode and the fourth electrode facing the plasma channel.

8. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: The plasma channel is cylindrical, and the microelectrode device includes a fifth electrode and a sixth electrode. The fifth electrode is a needle-shaped electrode and is arranged along the axial direction of the plasma channel. The sixth electrode is an annular electrode and is arranged along the inner wall of the plasma channel. The polarities of the fifth electrode and the sixth electrode are opposite.

9. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 8, characterized in that: The fifth electrode is an anode, and the sixth electrode is a cathode.

10. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that: A plasma generation chamber is further provided in the insulating portion. One end of the plasma generation chamber is communicated with the material transport channel, and the other end of the plasma generation chamber is communicated with the plasma channel. The microelectrode device is arranged in the plasma generation chamber.

11. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 10, characterized in that: The microelectrode device includes a seventh electrode and an eighth electrode, the seventh electrode and the eighth electrode are arranged parallel to each other, the seventh electrode is a flat electrode, the eighth electrode includes a plurality of eighth discharge tips, the plurality of eighth discharge tips are all arranged toward the seventh electrode, and the polarity of the seventh electrode and the eighth electrode are opposite.

12. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 11, characterized in that: The eighth electrode is in a sawtooth shape.

13. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 12, characterized in that: The seventh electrode is a cathode, and the eighth electrode is an anode.

14. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catheter body is an integral exchange balloon catheter.

15. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catheter body is a rapid exchange balloon catheter.

16. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion balloon is a compliant balloon.

17. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plasma generating device is provided with a developing structure, and the developing structure is used to display the position of the plasma generating device under X-rays.

18. The plasma atherosclerotic plaque ablation catheter according to claim 17, characterized in that: The developing structure includes tungsten powder particles.

Images