Containment Catheter Sensor Interlock for Safe LIPW Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular therapy devices using laser-induced pressure waves (LIPW) for calcified plaque removal risk damaging blood vessels when the light output aperture is extended outside the containment catheter, as they generate LIPW outside the catheter, which can harm the vessel wall.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a safety sensor to detect the position of the light output aperture within the containment sheath and implement a safety interlock that automatically turns off the laser when the aperture is outside the safe zone, ensuring operation only within the containment sheath during LIPW generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser energy is delivered to generate pressure waves in contrast media, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but risk of uncontrolled pressure wave propagation and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor provides real-time feedback on pressure wave generation by detecting acoustic signals from the contrast media. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor and control the laser-induced pressure wave therapy, ensuring safety while achieving therapeutic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor acts as an intermediary between the laser energy source and the contrast media, providing monitoring capability that enables controlled interaction between these elements while preventing harmful uncontrolled pressure wave propagation.
2Measurement precision
If sensor is integrated within the containment catheter, then real-time monitoring of pressure waves is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is merged with the containment catheter structure, integrating the monitoring function directly into the existing delivery system. This combination enables real-time pressure wave detection while utilizing the catheter's existing framework rather than adding separate external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The containment catheter serves multiple functions: it contains the contrast media, delivers laser energy, and houses the sensor for pressure wave monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components while achieving comprehensive monitoring capability.
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
Prevents blood vessel damage by ensuring the laser-induced pressure waves are generated safely within the containment sheath, enhancing the safety of vascular therapy procedures.
Implementation Method 1
laser induced pressure wave in contrast media
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric material to generate an electrical signal in response to applied stress
Data Source
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AI summary
A vascular therapy device (10) includes a catheter (12) including at least one optical fiber(18) with a light output aperture (20). A containment sheath (14) has a sheath opening (18) disposed at an end thereof. The catheter is disposed inside the containment sheath and movable relative to the containment sheath to extend the light output aperture beyond the sheath opening such that the light output aperture is outside of the containment sheath. A safety sensor (22) is configured to detect whether the light output aperture is in a safe zone inside the containment sheath.