Catheter Guide for Laser Fiber Stabilization in Lithotripsy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing kidney stone removal procedures using laser lithotripsy devices face challenges with the movement of laser fibers within the vacuum lumen, leading to precision issues and increased risk of tissue damage due to the significant difference in diameter between the laser fiber and the vacuum lumen, causing unwanted movement and difficulty in targeting stones accurately.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a guide mechanism that secures the laser fiber within the vacuum lumen, utilizing wings or elongated tubes with specific cross-sectional designs to prevent unintended movement, allowing for precise positioning and fluid flow, and an actuator for back-and-forth movement to clear debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the laser fiber is placed within the vacuum lumen for stone fragmentation, then the laser can be used to fragmentize kidney stones, but the significant difference in diameter between the laser fiber and vacuum lumen causes unwanted movement of the laser fiber, preventing precise targeting of stones
Solution Approach 1:
A guide mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the vacuum lumen and the laser fiber. The guide has a distal section that contacts the laser fiber and a proximal section that contacts the inner surface of the vacuum lumen, thereby mediating the connection and preventing direct movement of the laser fiber within the vacuum lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide mechanism is nested within the vacuum lumen, with the laser fiber nested within the guide. This nested arrangement allows the laser fiber to be positioned and stabilized within the larger vacuum lumen without direct contact, preventing unwanted movement while maintaining accessibility.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the guide mechanism is inserted into the vacuum lumen to stabilize the laser fiber, then laser fiber movement is prevented, but the guide occupies space within the vacuum lumen that could be used for debris removal
Solution Approach 1:
The guide mechanism is designed with different functional zones: the distal section provides stabilization contact with the laser fiber, while the proximal section provides contact with the vacuum lumen wall. This local differentiation of functions allows the guide to stabilize the laser fiber while minimizing obstruction to debris flow through the vacuum lumen.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide is segmented into a distal section and a proximal section, each performing specific functions. The distal section stabilizes the laser fiber, while the proximal section maintains structural support and allows fluid/debris passage. This segmentation enables the guide to fulfill multiple functions without compromising debris removal efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter assembly is provided having a working lumen and a guide. The guide is configured to position a fragmentizing device within the working lumen. The guide is configured to prevent or minimize any unintended movement of a distal section of the fragmentizing device within the working lumen when the distal section of the fragmentizing device is positioned at a distal end of the working lumen.