Vascular plaque crushing device

Abstract

The invention discloses a vascular plaque crushing device which comprises a shock wave catheter and a host, the shock wave catheter comprises a catheter body, an optical fiber, a balloon and a transfusion channel, a laser can emit laser to the optical fiber, the optical fiber can conduct the laser into the balloon, and the transfusion channel can convey normal saline or therapeutic liquid into the balloon. The laser interacts with the liquid in the balloon to generate plasma shock waves, and the plasma shock waves can safely and efficiently crush atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels and improve the smoothness of the blood vessels. The blood vessel plaque crushing device does not need to be provided with a guide wire cavity, and the problem that the diameter of a catheter is large is effectively solved. The laser is wrapped in the balloon and does not irradiate the blood vessel wall; the probability that the sacculus is broken due to shock waves is small, the sacculus can limit the microbubbles in the sacculus, the situation that the microbubbles damage the blood vessel wall can be avoided, and on the whole, the safety of the device is high, and complications can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of medical devices, and in particular relates to a device for crushing vascular plaques. Background Art

[0002] With changing lifestyles and the advent of an aging society, the incidence of cardiovascular disease is increasing year by year. Atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels are one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. Current traditional treatments, such as medication, balloon angioplasty, and stent implantation, have limitations. Medication is limited in effectiveness, while balloon angioplasty and stent implantation can cause complications such as restenosis.

[0003] In the existing technology, voltage shock waves are used to cause electrodes to form cavitation bubbles and thus generate shock waves. Although this shock wave method is widely used in clinical practice, it also has some defects. For example, the outer diameter of the shock wave catheter is relatively large (minimum 1.2mm), which cannot pass through severely narrowed calcified lesions. Therefore, a treatment method with a smaller diameter, higher efficiency and greater safety is needed to break up atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for breaking up vascular plaques with a small diameter, high efficiency and good safety.

[0005] The present invention is implemented as follows: a vascular plaque fragmentation device includes a shock wave catheter and a host, the shock wave catheter including a catheter body, an optical fiber, a balloon, and an infusion channel, the optical fiber and the infusion channel being located within the catheter body, the balloon being located at the tip of the catheter body, and the optical fiber's tip light outlet being located within the balloon, the infusion channel being in communication with the balloon to deliver external fluid into the balloon;

[0006] The host is connected to the shock wave guide tube, and the host includes a laser, which is used to emit laser light to the optical fiber.

[0007] Furthermore, the vascular plaque breaking device also includes a guide wire, which is located at the tip of the catheter body and is used to guide the shock wave catheter to reach the target position.

[0008] Furthermore, the infusion channel is provided with an opening at a position corresponding to the balloon, and the opening is a bidirectional output channel. The host can control the pressure of the liquid in the balloon, and can stop delivering liquid when the specified pressure is reached.

[0009] Furthermore, the infusion channel is provided with an inlet and an outlet at a position corresponding to the balloon, and both the inlet and the outlet are one-way openings, so that the liquid can flow back in the balloon and the infusion channel, ensuring a constant temperature in the balloon.

[0010] Furthermore, the shock wave catheter is provided with one or more balloons. When the number of balloons is equal to or greater than two, two adjacent balloons are connected by a spring.

[0011] Furthermore, the host also includes a driving mechanism, which is connected to the optical fiber transmission, and the driving mechanism can drive the optical fiber to move to positions corresponding to different balloons.

[0012] Furthermore, the driving mechanism can drive the optical fiber to rotate along the periphery of the infusion channel.

[0013] Furthermore, the optical fiber is provided with a plurality of light outlets, and a target body is provided at the light outlet, and the target body is used to combine with the liquid to generate shock waves.

[0014] Furthermore, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting port is a concave structure for collecting the emitted light.

[0015] Furthermore, the side surface of the target body facing the light emitting surface is an inclined plane.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] The vascular plaque fragmentation device provided by the present invention includes a shock wave catheter and a host. The shock wave catheter includes a catheter body, an optical fiber, a balloon, and an infusion channel. The laser can emit laser light to the optical fiber, and the optical fiber can transmit the laser light into the balloon. The infusion channel can deliver physiological saline or therapeutic liquid into the balloon. The laser interacts with the liquid in the balloon to generate plasma shock waves. The plasma shock waves can safely and efficiently fragment atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels and improve vascular patency.

[0018] The vascular plaque-disintegration device provided by this invention eliminates the need for a guidewire lumen, effectively addressing the issue of large catheter diameters. The laser is encapsulated within the balloon, preventing it from irradiating the vessel wall. The balloon is less likely to shatter due to shock waves, and the balloon traps microbubbles within, preventing them from damaging the vessel wall. Overall, the device offers high safety and effectively reduces the risk of complications.

[0019] The vascular plaque crushing device provided by the present invention has an inlet and an outlet provided at the position of the infusion channel corresponding to the balloon. Since the inlet and outlet are both one-way openings, the liquid can flow back in the balloon and the infusion channel, ensuring a constant temperature in the balloon. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic structural diagram of a vascular plaque crushing device provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 21 is a schematic structural diagram of a shock wave catheter provided with multiple balloons according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an infusion channel provided with an inlet and an outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4a This is a schematic structural diagram of a first optical fiber light outlet provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 4b 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a second optical fiber light outlet provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4c It is a structural schematic diagram of a third optical fiber light outlet provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0027] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center", "up", "down", "left", "right", "front", "back", "vertical", "horizontal", "inside", "outside" and the like indicating directions or positional relationships are based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the devices or components referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention; the terms "first", "second", and "third" are only used for descriptive purposes and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance; in addition, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a communication between the internal parts of the two components. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0028] See also Figure 1 , shows a vascular plaque fragmentation device provided by this embodiment, including a shock wave catheter and a host. The shock wave catheter includes a catheter body, an optical fiber 1, a balloon 2 and an infusion channel 3. The optical fiber 1 and the infusion channel 3 are located in the catheter body, the balloon 2 is located at the tip of the catheter body (i.e., the end away from the host), and the tip of the optical fiber 1 is located in the balloon 2. The infusion channel 3 is connected to the balloon 2, and external liquid (such as saline or therapeutic liquid) can be delivered to the balloon 2 through the infusion channel 3.

[0029] The host is connected to the shock wave catheter. The specific connection method can be plug-in, socket-connection, etc. This embodiment does not limit the specific connection method.

[0030] The main unit houses a laser 4, which emits laser light toward an optical fiber 1, which transmits the laser light to a balloon 2 at the distal end of the catheter. This embodiment utilizes a thin, flexible optical fiber 1 with excellent light transmission properties. The balloon 2 is made of a material with excellent elasticity and biocompatibility and is filled with liquid. The tip of the optical fiber 1 exits within the balloon 2, and an infusion channel 3 communicates with the balloon 2 to deliver external liquid into the balloon 2.

[0031] The laser interacts with the liquid in the balloon 2 to generate a plasma shock wave, which can safely and efficiently break up atherosclerotic plaques in the blood vessels, improve blood vessel patency, and achieve high treatment efficiency.

[0032] It can be seen that the vascular plaque shattering device of this embodiment can guide the shock wave catheter to the target position because the guide wire is set at the tip, thus solving the problem of catheter guidance. Therefore, there is no need to set a guide wire cavity, which effectively solves the problem of large catheter diameter. At the same time, the laser is wrapped in the balloon 2 and will not irradiate the blood vessel wall, which can generate a stronger shock wave; because the probability of shock wave fragmentation is lower, the balloon 2 can achieve a higher peak pressure (200atm) than that reported by E-IVL (50atm in coronary arteries and 100atm in peripheral blood vessels); it can also cause calcification to break and peel, thereby increasing vascular compliance. In addition, the balloon 2 can confine microbubbles inside it to prevent microbubbles from damaging the blood vessel wall. Overall, the device is safer and can effectively reduce the occurrence of complications.

[0033] In some embodiments, the host device further includes a drive mechanism that is connected to the optical fiber transmission. This drive mechanism can output linear and rotational motion, thereby driving the optical fiber to move and rotate. Specifically, the drive mechanism can be mechanical traction, electric drive, hydraulic or pneumatic system, electromagnetic drive, etc. In this embodiment, a motor is used as the power source of the drive mechanism.

[0034] Optical fiber 1 can be single or multiple. When multiple optical fibers 1 are provided, they can be evenly arranged around the outer periphery of infusion channel 3. In this embodiment, infusion channel 3 is located in the center of the catheter body. When there is only one optical fiber 1, the initial position of optical fiber 1 can be close to the outer periphery of infusion channel 3. Based on this, the driving mechanism can move optical fiber 1 to positions corresponding to each balloon 2 to achieve treatment of plaques in different locations. Simultaneously, the driving mechanism can drive optical fiber 1 to rotate along the periphery of infusion channel 3, achieving comprehensive 360-degree shock wave treatment of vascular lesions.

[0035] In some embodiments, the shock wave catheter further comprises a guide wire 5, which is located at the tip of the catheter body. The guide wire 5 may be a spring tube, and the tip of the guide wire 5 is configured to be rounded and smooth and coated with a biocompatible material. By providing the guide wire 5, it is easy to guide the catheter to the lesion site, allowing the catheter to move smoothly within the blood vessel, reducing damage to the blood vessel wall due to friction. The catheter body comprises an outer sleeve 6, which is located at the outermost layer of the entire catheter and is made of a material with good biocompatibility, wear resistance, and a certain degree of flexibility. The outer sleeve 6 can protect the internal components of the catheter and reduce irritation and damage to the blood vessels.

[0036] When inflated, balloon 2 can fix the position of shock wave catheter and provide cushioning. Due to the limited length of a single balloon 2, a multi-balloon 2 design can be used to treat longer plaques. Figure 2 The balloons 2 are connected by springs 7, which increases the cushioning between the balloons 2 during shock wave therapy. The infusion channel 3 runs through all balloons 2 and has an opening for liquid discharge at a location corresponding to each balloon 2. The optical fiber 1 can be multiple or single. If there are multiple optical fibers, the number of optical fibers 1 can match the number of balloons 2. If there is a single optical fiber 1, a drive mechanism can be used to drive the optical fiber 1 to move within multiple balloons 2 so that the optical fiber 1 corresponds to a specific balloon 2.

[0037] In some embodiments, the opening of the infusion channel 3 is a bidirectional output channel, and the host can control the pressure of the liquid in the balloon 2, and when the specified pressure is reached, the liquid delivery can be stopped.

[0038] In some embodiments, see Figure 3 The infusion channel 3 is provided with an inlet 31 and an outlet 32 ​​at the position corresponding to the balloon 2. Both the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 ​​are one-way openings, so that the liquid can flow back in the balloon 2 and the infusion channel 3, cooling the liquid in the balloon 2, reducing the shock wave temperature, ensuring a constant temperature in the balloon 2, and reducing overheating damage to the balloon 2 and the blood vessels.

[0039] See also Figures 4a to 4c To ensure that the shock wave fills the balloon 2 and ensures efficient lithotripsy, multiple light outlets can be provided on the optical fiber 1. The optical fiber 1 is provided with multiple light outlets 11, and a target 8 is provided at the light outlet 11. The target 8 can be a metal block for receiving the laser. The metal block heats up the surrounding liquid to generate a high-energy breakdown shock wave or collapse shock wave.

[0040] Since the target 8 needs to be in front of the light outlet 11 of the optical fiber 1, and the optical fiber 1 needs to move and rotate, the optical fiber 1 and the target 8 can be designed as an integrated whole. An opening is made on the optical fiber 1, and the target 8 is placed at the light outlet 11. The design can be as follows:

[0041] 1. Such as Figure 4a As shown, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting port 11 is a planar structure, and the side surface of the target body 8 facing the light-emitting surface is also a planar structure.

[0042] 2. Such as Figure 4b As shown, the light-emitting surface of the light-emitting port 11 is a concave structure for collecting the emitted light; the side surface of the target body 8 facing the light-emitting surface is also a planar structure.

[0043] 3. Such as Figure 4c As shown, the light outlet surface of the light outlet 11 is a concave structure for focusing the emitted light; the side of the target body 8 facing the light outlet surface is an inclined plane. This design focuses the emitted light, improves the laser efficiency, and combines with the side target body to achieve higher treatment efficiency.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vascular plaque crushing device, characterized in that: The invention comprises a shock wave catheter and a host, wherein the shock wave catheter comprises a catheter body, an optical fiber, a balloon and an infusion channel, wherein the optical fiber and the infusion channel are located in the catheter body, the balloon is located at the tip of the catheter body, and the tip light outlet of the optical fiber is located in the balloon, and the infusion channel is connected with the balloon to transport external liquid into the balloon; The host is connected to the shock wave guide tube, and the host includes a laser, and the laser is used to emit laser to the optical fiber.

2. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The catheter also includes a guide wire, which is located at the tip of the catheter body and is used to guide the shock wave catheter to a target position.

3. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infusion channel is provided with an opening at a position corresponding to the balloon, and the opening is a bidirectional output channel. The host can control the pressure of the liquid in the balloon, and when the specified pressure is reached, the liquid delivery can be stopped.

4. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The infusion channel is provided with an inlet and an outlet at a position corresponding to the balloon, and both the inlet and the outlet are one-way openings, so that the liquid can flow back in the balloon and the infusion channel, ensuring a constant temperature in the balloon.

5. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The shock wave catheter is provided with one or more than two balloons. When the number of the balloons is equal to or greater than two, two adjacent balloons are connected by a spring.

6. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The host also includes a driving mechanism, which is transmission-connected to the optical fiber, and can drive the optical fiber to move to positions corresponding to different balloons.

7. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The driving mechanism can drive the optical fiber to rotate along the periphery of the infusion channel.

8. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The optical fiber is provided with a plurality of light outlets, and a target body is provided at the light outlet, and the target body is used to combine with the liquid to generate shock waves.

9. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The light-emitting surface of the light-emitting port is a concave structure for collecting the emitted light.

10. The vascular plaque breaking device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The side surface of the target body facing the light emitting surface is an inclined plane.

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