Liquid corona discharge-based balloon catheter and control method

Abstract

A liquid corona discharge-based balloon catheter and a control method. The balloon catheter comprises: an inner tube (1); a balloon (22) arranged around the inner tube (1) in a sealed manner; a corona generator located in an accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22), wherein an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22); and a power supply pulse generator (4) electrically connected to the corona generator. 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 a pulse electrical signal sent by the power supply pulse generator (4). Under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction and produces molecular ionization, and vapor bubbles produced by the molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid to increase the pressure in the balloon (22), thereby driving the balloon (22) to expand in a radial direction of the inner tube (1).

Description

A balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge and its control method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of balloon catheter technology, and in particular to a balloon catheter and control method based on liquid corona discharge. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of medical devices, balloon catheters are mainly used to dilate narrowed blood vessels, and this treatment method has been proven to be sufficiently safe and effective. Currently, balloon catheters are mainly based on the principle of arc discharge to inflate the balloon. Arc discharge is a discharge phenomenon in which a high-density plasma channel is formed through a medium under high voltage. Under high voltage conditions, the medium between the electrodes is completely broken down, 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 a global effect; the arc penetrates the medium between the electrodes, forming a continuous high-temperature, high-current channel. Under a sufficiently high electric field, the liquid medium is completely broken down, forming a high-density plasma channel. This process is accompanied by violent energy release and high temperature generation. The shockwave energy of electric arc discharge is enormous and difficult to control precisely, potentially causing unpredictable damage to surrounding tissues. Although the shockwave of electric arc discharge is strong and can rapidly shatter calcified plaques, it has a significant impact on surrounding blood vessels, which may lead to vascular injury or other complications. The high-energy shockwave of electric arc discharge may cause high-risk complications such as vascular rupture and thrombosis. During electric arc discharge, the high temperature in the arc area may spread to surrounding tissues, causing unnecessary thermal damage. The shockwave effect of electric arc discharge is strong in a single instance, making it difficult to achieve multiple precise controls and cumulative therapeutic effects.

[0003] Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to provide a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge and a control method thereof. This can improve the safety, ease of operation, reusability, and precise control of the balloon catheter.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0006] A balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising:

[0007] Inner tube;

[0008] A balloon that is enclosed around the inner tube;

[0009] A corona generator is located in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon; the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon stores electrolyte liquid;

[0010] A power pulse generator electrically connected to the corona generator;

[0011] The corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon and the inner tube; the corona generator receives the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator, and under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization, and the vapor bubbles generated by molecular ionization compress the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon, and causing the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube.

[0012] Optionally, the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge further includes: an outer tube that is closed around the inner tube and sealed to the balloon, wherein 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.

[0013] Optionally, the corona generator is electrically connected to the power pulse generator via a wire. The wire is co-extruded integrally with the inner tube, or is coaxially fixed in the accommodating space between the inner tube and the balloon. The outer side of the wire is wrapped with insulating material.

[0014] Optionally, the corona generator includes at least two electrodes, which are spaced apart at a preset distance and are fixedly connected to the inner tube. The at least two electrodes receive pulse electrical signals sent by a power pulse generator, and under the action of the pulse electrical signals, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction.

[0015] Optionally, the corona generator includes: a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode and the second electrode being spaced apart by a first preset distance; wherein, the first electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator, and the second electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator; the first electrode and the second electrode receive pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

[0016] Optionally, the corona generator includes a third electrode, a fourth electrode, and a fifth electrode, which are arranged sequentially along the inner tube, with a second preset distance between adjacent electrodes; wherein the third electrode and the fifth electrode are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator, and the fourth electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator; the third electrode, the fourth electrode, and the fifth electrode receive pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

[0017] Optionally, the corona generator includes a sixth electrode, a seventh electrode, an eighth electrode, a ninth electrode, and a tenth electrode, which are arranged sequentially with a third preset distance between adjacent electrodes; wherein the sixth electrode, the eighth electrode, and the tenth electrode are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator, and the seventh electrode and the ninth electrode are connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator; the sixth electrode, the seventh electrode, the eighth electrode, the ninth electrode, and the tenth electrode receive pulsed electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulsed electrical signals.

[0018] Optionally, the power pulse generator includes:

[0019] diode;

[0020] The capacitor electrically connected to the diode;

[0021] An insulated-gate bipolar transistor electrically connected to the diode and capacitor;

[0022] A first resistor electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor;

[0023] A second resistor is electrically connected to the first resistor;

[0024] A relay group electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor and the first resistor.

[0025] Optionally, the balloon is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliant balloon.

[0026] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a control method for a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising: applying a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge as described above, wherein a corona generator is located in a receiving space between the inner tube and the balloon; an electrolyte liquid is stored in the receiving space between the inner tube and the balloon; the corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the receiving space between the balloon and the inner tube; the method includes:

[0027] Receive control commands;

[0028] According to the control command, the power pulse generator outputs a pulse signal with a preset pulse width. Under the action of the pulse signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, and the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization. The vapor bubbles generated by the molecular ionization compress the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon. This causes the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube, transmitting the pressure to the target area. The expansion size of the vapor bubble is proportional to the pressure value inside the balloon; the impulse generated by the balloon's expansion is proportional to the duration of the vapor bubble; and the stress caused by the balloon's expansion on the target area is proportional to the impulse.

[0029] The above-described solution of the present invention has the following technical effects:

[0030] The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the above embodiments of the present invention includes: an inner tube; a balloon enclosed 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; and 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 pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator, and under the action of the pulse electrical signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, resulting in molecular ionization of the electrolyte liquid. The vapor bubbles generated by the molecular ionization compress the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon and causing the balloon to expand radially along the inner tube. This improves the safety, ease of operation, reusability, and precise control of the balloon catheter. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the unfilled liquid state of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the balloon catheter filled with liquid based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the balloon catheter corona vapor bubble based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the enlargement of the corona vapor bubble in the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge completing the treatment according to the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the three electrodes of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the three-electrode vapor bubble of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 9 is an enlarged schematic diagram of the three-electrode vapor bubble of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the five electrodes of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 11 is a schematic diagram of the five-electrode vapor bubble of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 13 is a circuit diagram of the power pulse generator for the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 14 is a coordinate graph showing the relationship between the vapor bubble and the current time in the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 15 is a coordinate graph showing the current-voltage-time relationship of the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to the present invention.

[0046] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0047] 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 Implementation

[0048] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present disclosure may be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, an embodiment of the present invention proposes a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, comprising:

[0050] Inner tube 1;

[0051] A balloon 22 is enclosed and disposed around the inner tube 1;

[0052] A corona generator is located in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22; the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22 stores electrolyte liquid;

[0053] Power pulse generator 4 is electrically connected to the corona generator;

[0054] 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, the vapor bubbles generated by molecular ionization compress the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon 22, and causing the balloon 22 to expand radially along the inner tube 1.

[0055] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the corona generator is placed in the electrolyte liquid. The corona generator receives a pulse signal from the power pulse generator 4, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction, resulting in molecular ionization. The plasma generated by molecular ionization vaporizes the surrounding liquid at high temperature, producing vapor bubbles. As the ionization reaction continues, the vapor bubbles expand and compress the surrounding liquid environment. Due to the incompressible nature of the liquid, the internal pressure of the balloon 22 increases instantaneously, causing the balloon 22 to expand radially until the ionization reaction ends and the balloon recovers. The duration of the ionization reaction is determined by the pulse width parameter of the set pulse signal duration.

[0056] Balloon catheters based on liquid corona discharge can be used to treat vascular stenosis and calcification. In use, under image guidance, the balloon catheter is first introduced through a guidewire to the target site, i.e., the target vascular segment. As shown in Figure 2, with the balloon 22 not filled with electrolyte solution, the balloon catheter can smoothly pass through the stenosis and calcification area. Once the balloon catheter reaches the target position, the balloon 22 is inflated with electrolyte solution to a preset pressure of 2 standard atmospheres through the catheter system, as shown in Figure 3, so that it adheres to the vessel wall, ensuring full contact between the balloon 22 and the lesion area. A pulsed high voltage is then applied, as shown in Figure 4, causing the corona generator to produce corona discharge, but not reaching the intensity of a breakdown discharge. The corona discharge phenomenon causes the electrolyte solution to generate vapor bubbles, compressing the electrolyte solution and causing the contents of the balloon 22 to... As the pressure increases, as shown in Figure 5, the balloon 22 expands radially along the inner tube 1, thereby transmitting pressure to the target site, breaking up calcified material and expanding the vascular lumen, as shown in Figure 6. Depending on the severity of the lesion and treatment needs, multiple corona discharges can be performed to ensure complete removal of the lesion. After each discharge, the balloon 22 can be slightly deflated to adjust the catheter position and cover the entire lesion area. After treatment, the balloon 22 is deflated and retracted, and the catheter is withdrawn from the body. Post-operative imaging confirms vascular patency, demonstrating effective treatment. This approach effectively breaks up calcium in calcified lesions within the blood vessel through controllable, instantaneous radial expansion of the balloon, preparing the vessel for subsequent treatment. It significantly improves the effectiveness, safety, ease of operation, reusability, and precise control during interventional treatment of calcified blood vessels.

[0057] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge further includes:

[0058] An outer tube 21 is enclosed around the inner tube 1 and sealed to the balloon 22. The cross-sectional diameter of the balloon 22 is larger than that of the outer tube 21. The accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the outer tube 21 is connected and stores electrolyte liquid.

[0059] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge further includes:

[0060] Connector 5 connects the corona generator and the power pulse generator 4 electrically, and the corona generator receives pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator 4 through the connector 5.

[0061] In this embodiment, 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.

[0062] 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 integrally with the inner tube 1, or is coaxially fixed in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22. The outer side of the wire 6 is wrapped with insulating material.

[0063] In this embodiment, the corona generator is electrically connected to the power pulse generator 4 via a wire 6, or via a connector 5. During processing, the wire 6 and the inner tube 1 are co-extruded integrally to improve the integrity of the inner tube and increase the service life and stability of the balloon catheter. Alternatively, the wire 6 is fixed axially on the inner tube 1 and located in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22. The outer side of the wire 6 is wrapped with insulating material to prevent voltage leakage.

[0064] In this embodiment, the corona generator and the power pulse generator 4 are directly electrically connected to the power pulse generator 4 using wires 6, and receive the pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator 4.

[0065] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the wire 6 is fixedly connected to at least two electrodes by means of laser welding, resistance welding, ultrasonic welding, argon arc welding, plasma welding or physical pressing.

[0066] In this embodiment, the fixed connection 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 pressing, etc.

[0067] As shown in Figure 1, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the corona generator includes at least two electrodes, which are arranged at a preset distance and are fixedly connected to the inner tube 1. The at least two electrodes receive pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator 4, and the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

[0068] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, the corona generator includes at least two electrodes. The two electrodes are fixed on the inner tube 1 and are spaced apart by a certain preset distance, i.e., a distance that prevents breakdown discharge between the electrodes. The electrodes are set on the inner tube 1 and at least two electrodes are required to trigger the pulse corona phenomenon.

[0069] The electrode pair is made of high-temperature resistant materials such as 304 stainless steel, 316 stainless steel, or tungsten alloys. While ensuring excellent conductivity, the material must withstand the high-temperature plasma thermal erosion generated during corona discharge. A preset spacing is required between the electrode pairs to prevent arcing and breakdown discharge. This spacing needs to be filled with electrolyte liquid to form a conductive path. Under certain parameters, the longer the spacing between the electrode pairs, the greater the resistance of the conductive path and the smaller the current flowing through it.

[0070] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the corona generator includes: a first electrode 31 and a second electrode 32, the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 being spaced apart by a first preset distance; wherein, the first electrode 31 is connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator 4, and the second electrode 32 is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator 4; the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 receive pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator 4 and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

[0071] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, when the corona generator includes two electrodes, one electrode is connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator 4, and the other electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator 4, so that the vapor bubbles generated by the corona are evenly distributed; the first electrode 31 and the second electrode 32 are spaced apart by a first preset distance, which is the distance between the electrodes so that no breakdown discharge occurs between them but only molecular ionization occurs; as shown in Figure 4, vapor bubbles are generated around the ends of the opposite sides of the electrodes 31 and 32. As the electrode energization process continues, the vapor bubbles will continuously increase in size, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, until the balloon 22 is pushed to expand, thereby completing the treatment.

[0072] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, as shown in FIG7, the corona generator includes a third electrode 33, a fourth electrode 34, and a fifth electrode 35, which are arranged sequentially along the inner tube 1, with a second preset spacing between adjacent electrodes; wherein, the third electrode 33 and the fifth electrode 35 are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator 4, and the fourth electrode 34 is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator 4; the third electrode 33, the fourth electrode 34, and the fifth electrode 35 receive pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator 4 and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

[0073] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, when the corona generator includes three electrodes, the middle electrode is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator 4, and the electrodes on both sides are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator 4, so that the vapor bubbles generated by the corona are evenly distributed. The three electrodes are arranged evenly along the inner tube 1 in sequence, and the two adjacent electrodes are spaced apart by a third preset distance and a second preset distance. The second preset distance is a preferred specific distance so that no breakdown discharge occurs between the electrodes, but only molecular ionization occurs. As shown in Figure 8, vapor bubbles are generated around the ends of the opposite sides of electrodes 33 and 34. Similarly, vapor bubbles are also generated around the ends of the opposite sides of electrodes 35 and 34. As the electrode energizing process continues, the vapor bubbles will continuously increase in size, as shown in Figure 9, until the balloon 22 is inflated, thereby completing the treatment.

[0074] As shown in Figure 10, 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. The sixth electrode 36, the seventh electrode 37, the eighth electrode 38, the ninth electrode 39, and the tenth electrode 310 are arranged sequentially, and adjacent electrodes are spaced apart by a third preset distance. The sixth electrode 36, the eighth electrode 38, and the tenth electrode 310 are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator 4, and the seventh electrode 37 and the ninth electrode 39 are connected to the negative terminal 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 pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator 4 and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

[0075] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, when the corona generator includes five electrodes, the electrodes at both ends and the middle electrode are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator 4, and the other two electrodes are connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator 4. The positive and negative electrodes are arranged alternately to ensure that the vapor bubbles generated by the corona are evenly distributed. The five electrodes are arranged evenly along the inner tube 1 and are spaced apart by a third preset distance. The third preset distance is a preferred specific distance so that no breakdown discharge occurs between the electrodes and only molecular ionization occurs.

[0076] As shown in Figure 11, vapor bubbles are generated at the opposite ends of two adjacent electrodes. As the electrode is energized, the vapor bubbles will continue to grow, as shown in Figure 12, until the balloon 22 is inflated, thus completing the treatment.

[0077] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the electrolyte solution is 0.9% sodium chloride physiological saline.

[0078] In this embodiment, the electrolyte solution is 0.9% sodium chloride physiological saline, which ensures that the corona discharge phenomenon can proceed normally.

[0079] As shown in Figure 13, in an optional embodiment of the present invention, the power pulse generator 4 includes:

[0080] Diode D;

[0081] The capacitor C is electrically connected to the diode D;

[0082] The insulated gate bipolar transistor G is electrically connected to the diode D and the capacitor C;

[0083] The first resistor R1 is electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor G;

[0084] The second resistor R2 is electrically connected to the first resistor R1;

[0085] The relay group K is electrically connected to the insulated gate bipolar transistor G and the first resistor R1.

[0086] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG13, the power pulse generator 4 can set the voltage value (1000-8000V) and the pulse width value (1-200us) of the charge release time 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 charge in a capacitor via a high-voltage module. Diode D rectifies the current, filtering out negative voltage and forming a unidirectional pulse current. This unidirectional pulse current flows through capacitor C, charging it and storing the high-voltage charge. The first resistor R1 and the second resistor R2 are the working loads across relay group K, protecting the circuit. When high-voltage charge needs to be released to the electrodes, the circuit is switched on and off using an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) in conjunction with relay group K. When one switch in relay group K is closed, the IGBT conducts, releasing the high-voltage charge stored in capacitor C through the connecting circuit, forming a high-voltage pulse. When multiple pairs of electrodes need to generate arcs simultaneously or sequentially, multiple energy storage capacitors and multiple relays are used to manage the circuit switching. The current threshold feedback in the circuit can be set, and the pulse width for high-voltage charge release can be adjusted in conjunction with the power supply's delay function.

[0087] In an optional embodiment of the present invention, the balloon 22 is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliant balloon.

[0088] In this embodiment, the balloon 22 is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliant balloon. A non-compliant balloon means that after the balloon diameter reaches a certain value, it will maintain that value regardless of changes in external pressure. A low-compliant balloon means that after the balloon diameter reaches a certain value, the increase in diameter is relatively small. Therefore, the balloon 22 is made of a high-strength and highly flexible polymer.

[0089] The present invention involves placing two widely spaced electrodes within a balloon, releasing a pulsed high voltage between the electrodes. The expansion of vapor bubbles generated by corona discharge compresses the fluid within the balloon. Due to the incompressibility of the fluid, the compression of liquid molecules within the balloon creates internal high pressure. This phenomenon occurs within 0.1-0.2 ms, resulting in limited impact on the vascular endothelium. The momentarily inflated balloon instantaneously expands and compresses the calcified stenosis within the blood vessel, causing it to fragment. Continuous stimulation of vapor bubbles progressively dilates the calcified stenosis within the blood vessel, preparing the vessel for subsequent vascular treatment.

[0090] When corona discharge occurs in a liquid, at least two electrodes are required, with a high voltage applied between them. The high voltage ionizes the liquid medium near the electrode surfaces, forming plasma. Corona discharge is characterized by an electric field strength around the electrodes sufficient to ionize molecules in the liquid, but a sufficiently large electrode spacing to trigger a breakdown discharge.

[0091] Under high voltage, the electric field strength near the electrode surface is greatly enhanced. Needle-shaped or filamentous electrode designs can concentrate the electric field, maximizing its strength at the electrode tip. Under this strong electric field, liquid molecules are ionized, producing high-energy electrons and ions. These high-energy electrons collide with liquid molecules, further ionizing more molecules and forming a plasma region. The temperature of this plasma region rises rapidly, typically 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 liquid's boiling point, the liquid begins to vaporize, forming vapor bubbles. This process is extremely rapid, typically completed within milliseconds or less. The initial vapor bubbles expand and grow rapidly due to the high temperature and pressure. The volume of the vapor bubbles 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 final size of the vapor bubbles.

[0092] An embodiment of the present invention also provides a control method for a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, applied to a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge as described in the above embodiment, wherein a corona generator is located in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22; an electrolyte liquid is stored in the accommodating space between the inner tube 1 and the balloon 22; the corona generator is located in the electrolyte liquid in the accommodating space between the balloon 22 and the inner tube 1; the method includes:

[0093] Receive control commands;

[0094] According to the control command, the power pulse generator 4 receives a pulse signal with a preset pulse width. Under the action of the pulse signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, and the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization. The vapor bubbles generated by the molecular ionization compress the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon 22. This causes the balloon 22 to expand radially along the inner tube 1, transmitting the pressure to the target area. The expansion size of the vapor bubble is proportional to the pressure value inside the balloon; the impulse generated by the balloon expansion is proportional to the duration of the vapor bubble; and the stress caused by the balloon expansion on the target area is proportional to the impulse.

[0095] 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, and the expansion stops when the pressure inside the vapor bubble reaches equilibrium with the pressure of the surrounding liquid. The behavior and characteristics of vapor bubbles formed by corona discharge are influenced by various factors, including voltage, pulse width, electrode shape, and liquid properties. The applied voltage and pulse width directly affect the intensity and duration of the corona discharge. Higher voltage and longer pulse widths typically produce larger vapor bubbles. The shape and spacing of the electrodes affect the distribution and intensity of the local electric field. Needle-shaped or filamentous 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 may differ significantly in different liquid media.

[0096] Due to the corona discharge phenomenon, high-temperature charges ionize the electrolyte through the electrodes, forming high-temperature plasma. This vaporizes the electrolyte, forming vapor bubbles that continuously expand and compress the surrounding solution, causing a sudden increase in pressure within the balloon. The size of the vapor bubble expansion is directly proportional to the balloon pressure; the larger the vapor bubble volume relative to the balloon's fixed volume, the greater the pressure. The impulse generated by the balloon's expansion is directly proportional to the duration of the vapor bubble; the stress exerted by the balloon expansion on the vascular intima is also directly proportional to the impulse. As shown in Figure 14, the size of the vapor bubble expansion is directly proportional to the corona discharge path current; the duration of the vapor bubble is directly proportional to the corona discharge path pulse width. As shown in Figure 15, the corona discharge path current is directly proportional to the voltage.

[0097] The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge described in the embodiments of the present invention has the following advantages compared with the prior art:

[0098] 1. In terms of precise control, the expansion process of corona discharge bubbles can be precisely controlled. By adjusting the voltage and discharge time, the size, expansion speed, and expansion duration of the vapor bubbles can be precisely adjusted.

[0099] 2. In terms of progressive treatment, the expansion of corona discharge bubbles 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.

[0100] 3. In terms of risk control, the expansion force of the vapor bubbles generated by corona discharge is relatively mild, resulting in less mechanical impact on surrounding tissues and reducing the risk of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

[0101] 4. Regarding thermal damage, the local heating and vaporization effects of corona discharge are concentrated between the electrodes and will not produce a large-scale thermal effect, resulting in less thermal damage to surrounding tissues.

[0102] 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 contribute to safer and more effective treatment.

[0103] For high-risk patients and cases requiring multiple treatments, the corona discharge bubble expansion method may be a more ideal choice.

[0104] The above description represents the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered 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 enclosed around the inner tube (1); A corona generator is located in the accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22); the accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22) stores electrolyte liquid; A power pulse generator (4) electrically connected to the corona generator; 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 vapor bubbles generated by molecular ionization squeeze the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon (22), and driving the balloon (22) to expand radially along the inner tube (1).

2. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: An outer tube (21) is enclosed around the inner tube (1) and sealed to the balloon (22). The cross-sectional diameter of the balloon (22) is larger than that of the outer tube (21). The accommodating 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 integrally with the inner tube (1) or coaxially fixed in the accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22). 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 corona generator includes at least two electrodes, which are arranged at a preset distance and are fixedly connected to the inner tube (1). The at least two electrodes receive pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator (4) and cause the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

5. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The corona generator includes: A first electrode (31) and a second electrode (32) are separated by a first preset distance; wherein, the first electrode (31) is connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator (4), and the second electrode (32) is connected to the negative terminal 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, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal.

6. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The corona generator includes: The third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34), and the fifth electrode (35) are arranged sequentially along the inner tube (1), with a second preset distance between adjacent electrodes. The third electrode (33) and the fifth electrode (35) are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator (4), and the fourth electrode (34) is connected to the negative terminal of the power pulse generator (4). The third electrode (33), the fourth electrode (34), and the fifth electrode (35) receive the pulse electrical signal sent by the power pulse generator (4) and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signal.

7. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to claim 4, characterized in that, 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). The sixth electrode (36), the seventh electrode (37), the eighth electrode (38), the ninth electrode (39), and the tenth electrode (310) are arranged sequentially, and adjacent electrodes are spaced apart by a third preset distance. The sixth electrode (36), the eighth electrode (38), and the tenth electrode (310) are connected to the positive terminal of the power pulse generator (4), and the seventh electrode (37) and the ninth electrode (39) are connected to the negative terminal 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 pulse electrical signals sent by the power pulse generator (4) and form an electric field between the electrodes, causing the electrolyte liquid to undergo a corona reaction under the action of the pulse electrical signals.

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

9. The balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The balloon (22) is a non-compliant balloon or a low-compliant balloon.

10. A control method for a balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge, characterized in that, The method is applied to the balloon catheter based on liquid corona discharge as described in claim 1, wherein the corona generator is located in the accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22); the accommodating space between the inner tube (1) and the balloon (22) stores electrolyte fluid; the corona generator is located in the electrolyte fluid in the accommodating space between the balloon (22) and the inner tube (1); the method includes: Receive control commands; According to the control command, the pulse signal output by the power pulse generator (4) is received according to the preset pulse width. Under the action of the pulse signal, the electrolyte liquid undergoes a corona reaction, and the electrolyte liquid produces molecular ionization. The vapor bubbles generated by molecular ionization compress the electrolyte liquid, increasing the pressure inside the balloon (22). This causes the balloon (22) to expand radially along the inner tube (1), transmitting the pressure to the target area. The expansion size of the vapor bubble is proportional to the pressure value inside the balloon; the impulse generated by the balloon expansion is proportional to the duration of the vapor bubble; and the stress caused by the balloon expansion to the target area is proportional to the impulse.

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