Laser Ablation Catheter with Sensor Feedback for Occlusion Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing occlusions from blood vessels are inefficient, requiring multiple catheters and tools, leading to increased treatment time, cost, and risk, with existing systems struggling to manage debris particles and prevent vessel wall perforation.
Innovation Solution
A laser ablation system with a hollow guide wire for debris aspiration and a light delivery catheter equipped with sensors to monitor physical characteristics, adjusting laser energy parameters for safe and effective occlusion removal, combined with a sterile packaging system for convenient catheter deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters and tools are used to remove different types of occlusion, then the ability to handle various occlusion materials is improved, but the treatment time and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes a single catheter system that can remove multiple types of occlusion materials (soft plaque, hard calcium deposits, blood clots) using different energy modes (mechanical atherectomy, laser ablation, radiofrequency) without requiring catheter exchange, thereby reducing treatment time while maintaining versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple occlusion removal mechanisms (mechanical cutting, laser energy, RF energy) and debris management systems (aspiration, irrigation) into a single integrated catheter platform, allowing all functions to be performed through one device rather than multiple separate tools
2Productivity
If higher laser energy is used to remove occlusions efficiently, then the productivity is improved, but the risk of vessel wall damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates sensors that provide real-time feedback on tissue characteristics, allowing the system to automatically adjust laser energy parameters to maximize occlusion removal while preventing excessive energy delivery that could damage the vessel wall
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts laser energy delivery based on real-time conditions, varying power levels and pulse durations according to the specific occlusion material being treated and the immediate tissue response, optimizing both efficiency and safety
3Strength
If rotational atherectomy is used to break hard calcified occlusions, then the ability to remove hard tissue is improved, but debris particles may block blood capillaries causing harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an active aspiration system that continuously removes debris particles generated during mechanical atherectomy and laser ablation, extracting them from the bloodstream before they can travel to and block distant capillaries, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the ability to remove hard calcified occlusions
Solution Approach 2:
The aspiration catheter acts as an intermediary between the occlusion removal site and the bloodstream, intercepting and removing debris particles before they can cause embolism, serving as a protective mediator that allows aggressive occlusion removal without the harmful side effects
4Adaptability or versatility
If guidewire placement is performed in tortuous regions with total or near total occlusion, then the ability to access the lesion is improved, but the difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes methods where the catheter system is pre-positioned and prepared before attempting to cross the occlusion, with guidewires and catheters ready for rapid deployment, reducing the operational difficulty by having all components prepared in advance
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 efficiently removes occlusions by optimizing laser energy delivery and debris management, reducing treatment time and risk, while minimizing vessel wall damage and improving catheter handling and sterility.
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
a hollow guide wire for debris aspiration... designed to be used as a conduit for aspiration of occlusion debris produced by the laser energy
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.