Feedback Lithotripter for Precise Stone Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithotripter tips with smooth, flat surfaces tend to slip off stones, prolonging the stone-breaking procedure and potentially reducing the effectiveness of the vibration due to excess pressure application.
Innovation Solution
A lithotripter equipped with a sensing device and processor that determines optimal energy application by detecting contact with tissue or stone, type of stone, and excessive force, allowing for precise delivery of stone-breaking energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a smooth, flat tip is used on the lithotripter shaft, then tissue safety is improved, but the tip easily slips off the stone and the procedure is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The tip is designed with a smooth, flat surface that contacts the stone at a localized area rather than the entire tip surface. This concentrated contact point provides sufficient friction to prevent slipping while maintaining tissue safety, resolving the contradiction between smooth surface safety and stone-gripping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces reliance on mechanical friction alone with a sensing system that detects stone contact and provides real-time feedback to the operator. This electronic feedback mechanism compensates for the reduced mechanical grip of smooth tips, preventing slips without requiring increased friction that would endanger tissue
2Reliability
If excess pressure is applied to the stone via the tip, then stone contact is maintained, but the vibration of the shaft is dampened and less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing device provides real-time feedback to the operator about stone contact status, allowing precise control of applied pressure. This feedback loop enables maintaining minimal sufficient pressure for stable contact while avoiding excessive pressure that would dampen vibration, thus resolving the contradiction between contact stability and vibration effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies only the partial pressure necessary to maintain stone contact rather than excessive pressure. The sensing feedback ensures that minimal sufficient force is applied, preventing vibration dampening while maintaining reliable stone contact throughout the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A lithotripter is provided that includes a lithotripsy apparatus for treatment of a urinary tract stone by fragmentation. The lithotripsy apparatus includes a lithotripsy wave guide shaft configured to transmit an energy form to at least one urinary tract stone. The lithotripter includes a sensing device configured to provide signal data for determining optimal application of energy during treatment with the lithotripsy apparatus. The lithotripter includes a processor configured to collect the signal data and provide feedback to a user. The processor has a control logic configured to determine at least one of: a) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a tissue; b) if the lithotripsy wave guide shaft is in contact with a stone; c) type of stone; d) if a user is applying force in excess of a predetermined threshold; and e) physical characteristics of a stone. A method is also provided.