Acoustic Shock Wave Reflection for Appendage Material Formation Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for conditions like erectile dysfunction and Peyronie's disease using acoustic shock waves face inefficiencies due to rapid wave transmission through thin appendages, leading to energy loss and discomfort for the technician, and existing formation-mitigating treatments have limited efficacy and cause pain.
Innovation Solution
The use of a gaseous filled membrane on the opposite side of the acoustic shock wave applicator reflects exiting waves back into the appendage, combined with low-energy acoustic shock waves and a formation-mitigating treatment composition, to enhance wave absorption and reduce pain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If acoustic shock waves are applied to thin appendages (hands, feet, penis), then the treatment can address conditions like poor circulation and erectile dysfunction, but most of the transmitted energy exits the appendage quickly without being absorbed, reducing treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
A gaseous-filled membrane is introduced as an intermediary between the acoustic shock wave source and the appendage. The membrane reflects exiting shock waves back into the appendage, increasing energy absorption. The gas-filled structure acts as a mediator that redirects energy without direct contact with the tissue, solving the problem of energy loss through rapid transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The gaseous-filled membrane is positioned in advance on the opposite side of the appendage before shock wave treatment begins. This preliminary placement ensures that when shock waves exit the appendage, they are immediately reflected back, maximizing energy absorption from the outset of the treatment process.
2Ease of operation
If acoustic shock waves are transmitted through thin appendages, then treatment can be applied, but the technician experiences discomfort from the transmitted waves
Solution Approach 1:
The gaseous-filled membrane serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs and reflects shock waves away from the technician. By positioning the membrane between the appendage and the technician's hand, it mediates the transmission of harmful waves, protecting the technician while maintaining treatment effectiveness.
3Reliability
If formation-mitigating treatment composition is injected to break down fibrous collagen-containing plaque, then Peyronie's disease can be treated, but the injections cause pain and have reduced efficacy in calcified plaque
Solution Approach 1:
Acoustic shock wave treatment is applied in advance of the injection procedure to pre-soften and prepare the plaque and surrounding tissue. This preliminary action reduces the hardness of calcified plaque and sensitizes the tissue, making the subsequent injection less painful and more effective by facilitating better penetration and distribution of the formation-mitigating composition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines acoustic shock wave therapy with injection therapy into a unified treatment protocol. By merging these two modalities, the acoustic pre-treatment enhances the effectiveness of the injection while reducing its adverse effects, creating a synergistic treatment approach that addresses both fibrous and calcified plaque components.
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
This method increases wave exposure to the appendage, reduces the number of required shock waves, minimizes technician discomfort, and enhances treatment efficacy by stimulating cellular response with reduced tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
The use of a gaseous filled membrane on the opposite side of the acoustic shock wave applicator reflects exiting waves back into the appendage
Implementation Method 2
treating a material formation in an appendage with acoustic shock waves
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating an appendage using acoustic shock waves includes: providing an appendage in need of an acoustic shock wave treatment; placing an acoustic shock wave applicator on a surface of the appendage; placing a gaseous filled membrane on an opposite surface of the appendage; activating an acoustic shock wave generator or source to emit acoustic shock waves from an acoustic shock wave applicator; and wherein the acoustic shock waves are transmitted from the acoustic shock wave applicator through the surface sending the emitted acoustic shock waves into the tissue of the appendage and exiting the opposite surface of the appendage to the gaseous filled membrane where a reflection of the acoustic shock waves occurs sending reflected acoustic shock waves back through the appendage. A dose of formation-mitigating treatment composition may be delivered into a region of the appendage at which a material formation (e.g., collagen-containing plague) is located.