Angular Optical Fiber Catheter Packing Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser catheters with circular optical fibers have low packing density, leading to reduced coupling efficiency and durability, which limits their laser ablation capability and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of angular or planar optical fibers with non-circular cross-sections, allowing for higher packing densities and improved coupling efficiency, enabling a smaller laser beam focus and increased calcium ablation ability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If circular optical fibers are used in laser catheters, then the fiber structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the packing density is low which reduces coupling efficiency and durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from circular to non-circular (angular or planar) optical fiber cross-sections. This asymmetric shape enables higher packing density in the fiber bundle while maintaining ease of manufacture through standard fiber drawing processes, thereby improving coupling efficiency without significantly complicating manufacturing
2Ease of manufacture
If circular optical fibers are used in laser catheters, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the packing density is low which limits laser ablation capability
Solution Approach 1:
The asymmetric non-circular fiber cross-section increases packing density, allowing more fibers to be packed into the same catheter diameter. This directly increases the total laser energy delivery capacity and ablation capability while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameter of the fiber cross-section from circular to angular/planar shapes. This parameter change increases the packing density by approximately 30%, thereby enhancing the overall laser ablation capability of the catheter system without complicating the manufacturing process
3Reliability
If higher packing density is achieved with non-circular fibers, then coupling efficiency and ablation capability increase, but fiber flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes specific geometric parameters of the non-circular fibers, including aspect ratios between 1:1 and 2:1 and controlled corner radii, to balance packing density with flexibility. These parameter adjustments ensure that while packing density increases, the fibers retain sufficient flexibility for catheter navigation through vascular systems
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
The non-circular optical fibers achieve higher packing densities, enhancing coupling efficiency, durability, and flexibility, thereby increasing the catheter's laser ablation capability and calcium penetration ability.
Implementation Method 1
Laser energy can be transmitted through optical fibers housed in a relatively flexible tubular catheter inserted into a body lumen
Implementation Method 2
to remove obstructions in the lumen... for laser ablation of tissue... increasing substantially the catheter's laser ablation capability
Implementation Method 3
Laser energy can be transmitted through optical fibers housed in a relatively flexible tubular catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A laser catheter assembly is provided that includes a plurality of laser active fibers, each fiber having a substantially non-circular fiber cross-section.