Balloon Catheter Shock Wave Array for Non-Thermal Vessel Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical treatments for blood vessels and tissues face challenges such as inflammation, plaque formation, tissue necrosis, and thermal effects, which are not effectively addressed by low or high frequency ultrasound and radio frequency methods.
Innovation Solution
The application of pressure shock waves, categorized by energy levels (low, medium, high), is used to treat various medical conditions by promoting angiogenesis, reducing inflammation, dissolving plaques, and stimulating tissue growth, while avoiding thermal effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If low or high frequency ultrasound or radio frequency methods are used to treat blood vessels and tissues, then thermal effects are produced, but this increases the risk of blood coagulation and alters tissue structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal-based treatment methods (ultrasound and radio frequency) with a mechanical shock wave system. The shock wave generator produces pressure waves that mechanically interact with plaque and tissue through cavitation and mechanical stress, eliminating thermal effects that cause coagulation and tissue damage while achieving plaque removal and tissue remodeling through purely mechanical means
2Productivity
If shock wave treatment is applied to blood vessels, then plaque can be broken down and circulation enhanced, but multiple discharge points in a single catheter increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple independent shock wave discharge points along its length, allowing treatment of different vessel segments simultaneously. Each discharge point can be independently activated to target specific plaque locations, improving treatment efficiency without requiring multiple separate catheter insertions
Solution Approach 2:
The single catheter is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple shock wave discharge points that can treat various vessel diameters and plaque locations. The catheter serves multiple treatment purposes through its array of discharge points, eliminating the need for different catheters for different treatment scenarios
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
Pressure shock waves provide non-thermal treatment options for blood vessels and tissues, enhancing circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair, with applications ranging from plaque removal to cosmetic treatments.
Implementation Method 1
cavitation during tensile phase which can break tissue bonds, blood vessels plaque, and other target area
Implementation Method 2
pressure shock waves can be easily transmitted in saline solutions, blood, contrast media, liquid drugs
Data Source
AI summary
A target location of a blood vessel is treated by a catheter including multiple shock wave discharge points spaced apart within a balloon between proximal and distal ends of the catheter, wherein the distal end extends distally beyond the balloon and the proximal end extends proximally beyond the balloon. Shock waves are created by activating an electronic controller connected to an electrode at each shock wave discharge point. The shock waves are applied through the balloon to treat the target location with the shock waves.