Inductive Catheter for Thrombus Dissolution via Electromagnetic Energy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating thrombi in blood vessels face challenges in delivering effective energy and medications to distal locations due to device size limitations and trauma-induced device failure during shaping.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with an inductive element on a guide wire and catheter delivers electromagnetic energy directly to thrombi, combined with mechanical energy from an actuator wire, and uses an external shaping device to prevent trauma, allowing for precise localization of medications and thrombus dissolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If endovascular devices are used to treat distal thrombi, then treatment can be applied directly to the thrombus, but device size is limited by small distal vessel diameters and maintaining proximal support is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the treatment function into separate components: a flexible guide wire for navigation and positioning, and a separate inductive element for energy delivery. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the guide wire can be made flexible for navigation through small vessels while the inductive element provides the necessary treatment capability without requiring the entire device to be large and rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide wire acts as an intermediary carrier, transmitting electromagnetic energy from the proximal inductive element to the distal thrombus location. This intermediary approach allows energy delivery to distal locations without requiring the treatment device itself to be positioned directly at the thrombus, thereby avoiding the size and support issues associated with direct distal access devices.
2Shape
If conventional rigid shaping mandrels are used to shape guide wires, then shaping can be achieved, but trauma is imparted to elements coupled to the guide wire causing device failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical shaping mandrels with an electromagnetic induction-based shaping system. The inductive element generates electromagnetic fields that can shape the guide wire without direct mechanical contact, thereby avoiding trauma to the guide wire and its coupled elements while still achieving the desired shape for navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic field acts as an intermediary between the shaping device and the guide wire. Instead of direct mechanical contact that causes trauma, the electromagnetic field transfers shaping energy through the guide wire material, enabling shape modification without physical contact that would damage the guide wire or its coupled elements.
3Productivity
If electromagnetic energy is applied to dissolve thrombus, then thrombolysis can be accelerated, but energy delivery to distal locations is limited by device size
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the energy delivery function (inductive element) from the navigation function (guide wire). This allows the inductive element to be optimized for electromagnetic energy generation and delivery, while the guide wire maintains flexibility for navigation through small distal vessels. The segmentation enables effective thrombus treatment without requiring the entire device to be large.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from requiring physical presence at the distal location to using electromagnetic fields that can penetrate and act on the thrombus from a distance. This dimensional shift from mechanical contact to field-based interaction allows energy delivery without the need for large devices to be physically positioned at distal locations.
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 system effectively facilitates thrombolysis and fibrinolysis by delivering energy and medications directly to thrombi, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of device failure during shaping, enabling precise treatment of thrombi in small vessels.
Implementation Method 1
providing electromagnetic energy via the inductive element to the thrombus to cause thrombolysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a pathologic legion, such as an intravascular thrombus, is disclosed. The method comprises providing a guide wire and catheter with at least one inductive element within a blood vessel to a distal location associated with the pathologic lesion; and providing electromagnetic energy via at least one inductive element to the pathologic lesion to cause thrombolysis. Medicated magnetic particles can be endovascularly localized and concentrated to the vascular territory affected by the pathologic lesion.