Laser Ablation Catheter with Integrated Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing occlusions from blood vessels are inefficient, as they often require multiple tools and can lead to debris accumulation, vessel perforation, and increased risk due to inadequate debris management and variable occlusion types.
Innovation Solution
A laser ablation system with a hollow guide wire for debris aspiration and a light delivery catheter equipped with sensors for real-time energy adjustment, combined with a control unit for optimal laser energy application, to effectively remove occlusions while minimizing tissue damage and debris dispersal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tools are used to remove different types of occlusions, then the ability to handle various occlusion types is improved, but the treatment time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single catheter system that can handle multiple occlusion types (soft, fibrous, calcified) through a unified platform. The catheter integrates laser delivery, mechanical atherectomy, and aspiration capabilities into one device, eliminating the need to exchange between multiple specialized tools and thereby reducing treatment time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs nesting by placing the laser fiber, atherectomy cutting element, and aspiration catheter components within a single outer catheter structure. This nested configuration allows multiple functional elements to coexist in one deliverable system, enabling sequential or simultaneous operation of different occlusion removal mechanisms without requiring separate catheter insertions.
2Productivity
If conventional atherectomy is used to remove occlusions, then occlusion removal is achieved, but debris accumulation and vessel perforation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary aspiration system that acts as a mediator between the atherectomy cutting action and the vascular environment. The aspiration catheter creates a controlled flow field that captures debris at the source, preventing its accumulation and reducing embolic risk, while the intermediary position of the aspiration opening allows selective removal of debris without direct contact with the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical atherectomy with a hybrid approach combining laser energy delivery and controlled aspiration. The laser component provides precise tissue ablation with less mechanical force requirement, reducing the risk of vessel perforation, while the aspiration system substitutes for aggressive mechanical removal by using fluid dynamics to extract debris.
3Productivity
If laser energy is applied to remove occlusions, then occlusion removal efficiency is improved, but tissue damage and debris dispersal increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies extraction by positioning the aspiration opening to selectively remove debris immediately after laser ablation. This extraction action captures the harmful debris before it can disperse into the vascular system, while the localized aspiration field spares surrounding healthy tissue from thermal damage by creating a protective flow barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of laser-generated debris into a benefit by using the debris itself as a tracer for optimized aspiration. The aspirated debris provides real-time feedback on laser effectiveness and occlusion composition, allowing dynamic adjustment of laser parameters to minimize tissue damage while maximizing occlusion removal.
4Measurement precision
If real-time sensor monitoring is implemented, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sensor monitoring system with the existing catheter structure by integrating temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and laser power detectors into the catheter body and control unit. This consolidation allows real-time measurement of multiple parameters without adding separate external monitoring devices, thereby improving treatment precision while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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 provides a comprehensive solution for removing occlusions by efficiently managing debris and adapting to different occlusion types, reducing procedural risks and improving treatment efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Laser system, devices and methods of the invention are applicable for various types of intrabody surgery including, but not limited to cutting, breaking, coagulation, vaporization of any body tissue
Implementation Method 2
vaporization of any body tissue
Implementation Method 3
coagulation, vaporization of any body tissue
Implementation Method 4
hollow guide wire having one or more openings along the distal end to facilitate aspiration designed to be used to suck and remove debris of occlusion or embolus in the blood vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A laser atherectomy device includes a light delivery catheter equipped with sensors for monitoring physical characteristics at a laser application site. An integrated control unit utilizing data from said sensors is provided to optimally adjust laser energy parameters and to provide for safe and efficacious ablation of the blood vessel occlusion.