Forward-Directed Shock Wave Catheter for Dense Calcification Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock wave devices are limited in their ability to generate powerful shock waves in a forward direction due to their configuration and inability to withstand high voltages, and they lack sufficient constructive interference of shock waves to effectively treat dense calcifications such as Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC) and Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs).
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a plurality of shock wave emitters at its distal end, each with electrodes separated by a spark gap, generates shock waves that propagate forward and constructively interfere to produce a powerful peak compressive force, capable of treating dense calcifications by positioning the target area distally of the catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing shock wave devices are configured to generate shock waves, then shock wave generation capability is achieved, but the ability to generate powerful forward-directed shock waves is limited due to configuration constraints and inability to withstand high voltages
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the shock wave generation function into multiple electrode pairs (first plurality and second plurality) positioned at different locations along the catheter. Each electrode pair can be independently controlled to generate shock waves at specific segments of the treatment area, allowing complex shock wave patterns to be built from simpler individual units. This segmentation enables the device to achieve powerful forward-directed shock waves while managing configuration complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional radial shock wave emission to forward-directed shock wave propagation by positioning electrode pairs along the longitudinal axis of the catheter. The first plurality of electrode pairs generates shock waves that propagate in a forward direction (distally), while the second plurality generates shock waves that propagate in an opposite direction (proximally). This dimensional reorientation allows the device to overcome configuration limitations and generate powerful shock waves in the needed direction.
2Reliability
If multiple shock wave emitters are used to achieve constructive interference, then treatment efficacy for dense calcifications is improved, but device complexity and voltage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges two distinct pluralities of electrode pairs (first plurality and second plurality) that operate in opposite directions to create a unified shock wave treatment system. By combining these two sets of emitters, the device achieves constructive interference of shock waves at the treatment site, significantly improving treatment efficacy for dense calcifications like MAC and CTOs. The merging of opposing shock wave streams creates enhanced compressive forces while the shared power source and control system manage the complexity of coordinating multiple emitters.
3Power
If high voltage is applied to generate powerful shock waves, then shock wave intensity is improved, but the device's ability to withstand high voltages becomes a limiting factor
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery system is segmented into multiple independent electrode pairs that can be activated sequentially or in combinations. Rather than requiring one extremely high-voltage channel, the system distributes the power requirement across multiple lower-voltage channels, each driving a pair of electrodes. This segmentation allows the device to accumulate the necessary total power for intense shock wave generation while using components with more manageable voltage ratings, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs periodic pulsing of electrode pairs to generate shock waves in sequences rather than continuous operation. By activating electrode pairs in alternating patterns (first plurality then second plurality, or in interleaved sequences), the system can deliver high peak power for brief intervals while allowing components to reset and dissipate heat between pulses. This periodic action enables high shock wave intensity while managing the thermal and electrical stress on device components.
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 described catheter effectively breaks up dense calcifications by generating forward-directed shock waves with enhanced compressive force, improving treatment efficacy for conditions like MAC and CTOs.
Implementation Method 1
each shock wave emitter includes an electrode pair separated by a spark gap for generating shock waves
Implementation Method 2
The forward directed shock waves generated by the shock wave emitters can constructively interfere with one another distally of the distal end of the catheter to produce a powerful peak compressive force
Implementation Method 3
the acoustic pressure from the shock waves can crack and disrupt lesions near the angioplasty balloon without harming the surrounding tissue
Implementation Method 4
generating forward-directed shock waves with enhanced compressive force, capable of treating dense calcifications
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary catheter for use in a body lumen comprises: a catheter body; and a plurality of shock wave emitters disposed at a distal end of the catheter body, each shock wave emitter configured to generate a shock wave that propagates distally of the catheter body, wherein the plurality of shock wave emitters are arrayed about a longitudinal axis of the catheter body such that shock waves emitted from the plurality of shock wave emitters can constructively interfere distally of the catheter body, and wherein each shock wave emitter comprises electrodes separated by a spark gap and at least one electrical connector that connects at least one of the electrodes to an electrode of another shock wave emitter of the plurality of shock wave emitters.