Intravascular Lesion Characterization Using Acoustic-Guided Laser Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser ablation procedures lack real-time monitoring to differentiate between target and non-target tissues, risking damage to vessel walls or other critical structures.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid catheter system combining laser radiation, mechanical cutting, and acoustic signal processing to monitor tissue type and treatment efficiency, using acoustic devices to detect and classify tissues in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser ablation is performed without real-time monitoring, then treatment efficiency is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of damage to vessel walls and non-target structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time acoustic monitoring during laser ablation by detecting acoustic signals generated when laser energy interacts with different tissues. The system provides immediate feedback to distinguish target tissue (lesion) from non-target tissue (vessel wall) based on acoustic signal characteristics, allowing the operator to adjust treatment parameters or stop ablation before damaging critical structures. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient treatment while maintaining safety through continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signal detection as an intermediary mechanism between the laser ablation process and the operator. Acoustic sensors detect subtle acoustic emissions during laser-tissue interaction, serving as a mediator that translates invisible thermal and mechanical effects into detectable signals. This intermediary enables real-time differentiation between target and non-target tissues without interfering with the primary laser ablation process, thus maintaining treatment efficiency while enhancing safety.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic monitoring is added to laser ablation system, then safety and precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates acoustic monitoring functionality into the existing laser ablation catheter system, making the system multi-functional. The same catheter that delivers laser energy also incorporates acoustic sensors for real-time tissue characterization. This universal design allows a single device to perform both therapeutic (laser ablation) and diagnostic (acoustic monitoring) functions, reducing the need for separate monitoring equipment and thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving precise tissue differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds acoustic sensors within the laser catheter structure, nesting the monitoring function inside the treatment delivery system. The acoustic sensors are positioned concentrically around the laser fiber or integrated into the catheter wall, allowing them to be housed within the existing catheter diameter. This nested arrangement minimizes the increase in device complexity by utilizing the existing catheter structure rather than requiring separate external monitoring apparatus.
3Manufacturing precision
If real-time acoustic signal processing is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes acoustic signal signatures for different tissue types (lesion vs. vessel wall) before the actual ablation procedure. During treatment, the system compares real-time acoustic signals against these pre-characterized patterns using pattern recognition algorithms. This preliminary characterization approach allows for rapid real-time classification without requiring complex computational analysis during the procedure, thereby maintaining high ablation precision while minimizing signal processing time and computational burden.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise and safe ablation by identifying target tissues, avoiding damage to vessel walls and other non-target structures, and allowing for real-time adjustments to improve treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
at least one acoustic device to detect at least one acoustic signal generated by impingement of the laser radiation onto the target tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a system and method for identification and/or characterization of lesions and/or the various type of tissues inside blood vessels, including utilizing a laser system configured to transmit laser radiation towards and/or onto a lesion within a blood vessel, monitoring ablation of the lesion utilizing at least one acoustic sensor; and, using a processor, comparing the signals obtained from the acoustic signal to previously obtained acoustic signals associated with specific lesion types and determine a type of the lesion and/or an efficiency of the ablation process based on the comparison.