Intravascular Catheter with Transducer Array for Tissue Dissection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intravascular modification of body lumens, such as creating dissection pockets within blood vessels, face challenges in controlling the shape and size of these pockets due to the thinness, fragility, and curvature of vessel walls, as well as the effects of dynamic blood flow, making precise visualization and dissection difficult.
Innovation Solution
The development of a delivery catheter system equipped with a transducer array and expandable elements, such as balloons, that allows for precise intravascular tissue dissection and visualization, enabling the creation of controlled dissection pockets through the use of imaging technologies like IVUS and OCT, and the generation of 2D and 3D images for real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional catheters are used for intravascular dissection, then the procedure can be performed, but precise control over dissection pocket shape and size cannot be achieved due to vessel wall thinness, fragility, and curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments including a visualization segment with imaging catheter, a dissection segment with dissection element, and an expandable support segment. Each segment performs a specific function independently, allowing precise control of dissection while maintaining ease of operation through modular functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
An imaging catheter acts as an intermediary between the operator and the vessel wall, providing real-time visualization of the dissection process. This intermediary enables precise control of dissection pocket formation by allowing the operator to see the effects of dissection before completing the procedure, thereby improving manufacturing precision without compromising ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If real-time visualization is implemented during dissection, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional imaging components
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging catheter is merged with the delivery catheter system, allowing both visualization and dissection functions to be performed through a single integrated device. This merging reduces the need for multiple separate devices and procedures, thereby improving measurement precision while limiting the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging catheter serves multiple functions including visualization of the vessel wall, measurement of dissection pocket dimensions, and guidance of the dissection element. This multi-functionality improves measurement precision while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for separate imaging and dissection devices.
3Stability of the object's composition
If expandable elements are used to support the vessel wall, then stability improves, but the device becomes more complex and harder to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable support element transitions from a compressed state during delivery to an expanded state during dissection, providing dynamic adaptability. This dynamic behavior allows the device to maintain stability during the procedure while remaining compact and easy to deliver, thereby improving vessel wall stability without permanently increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable support element uses a flexible shell structure that can conform to the curved geometry of the vessel wall. This flexible design provides stability and support while maintaining ease of operation through simple expansion and compression mechanisms, and reduces device complexity by avoiding rigid structural 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
This system enables precise control over the creation of dissection pockets, improving the accuracy and safety of procedures like autologous valve creation by providing real-time visualization and diagnostic monitoring, adaptable to various body lumens and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The imaging catheter can include any suitable imaging device, such as, but not limited to, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), or other imaging devices known in the art.
Implementation Method 2
The imaging catheter can include any suitable imaging device, such as, but not limited to, intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), optical coherence tomography (OCT), or other imaging devices known in the art.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for visualization of the intravascular creation of autologous valves, and particularly venous valve, is disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed toward a delivery catheter that can include a lumen configured to receive a dissection assembly and a trough having a plurality of transducers electrically coupled to a proximal portion of the delivery catheter. At least one of the transducers can be configured to emit a signal towards a portion of a blood vessel adjacent the trough, and at least one of the transducers can be configured to receive a reflection of the emitted signal.