Laser-Acoustic Guide Wire for Total Artery Occlusion Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods struggle to safely detect and treat vulnerable plaques in arteries, which are prone to rupture and cause heart attacks or strokes, and lack effective means to prevent embolic material release.
Innovation Solution
A vascular guide wire device equipped with a laser-acoustic head sensor, optic fiber, and computerized system for navigation, imaging, and mechanical tools to safely navigate and remove total occlusions in arteries, using laser-acoustic energy to melt occlusion caps and differentiate between material types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional angiography or fluoroscopy techniques are used, then the procedure is simple and widely available, but vulnerable plaques cannot be detected due to their small size and location under the arterial wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds multiple detection capabilities within the catheter structure. Temperature sensors are integrated into the catheter tip, and the system nests imaging, temperature measurement, and pressure sensing functions within a single deliverable device that can access distal vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature as an intermediary parameter to detect vulnerable plaques. Since vulnerable plaques have different thermal properties than healthy tissue, temperature measurement serves as a mediator to indirectly detect plaque vulnerability without requiring direct visual imaging of the plaque itself.
2Reliability
If drug therapies are used to reduce vulnerable plaque risk, then treatment can be provided over a long time frame, but they are not effective for plaques on the immediate verge of rupture and may not be desirable for all patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and assessment of vulnerable plaques before rupture occurs. By identifying plaques at risk in advance through temperature measurement and imaging, the system enables preventive intervention before the critical moment of rupture, allowing for timely mechanical or therapeutic treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces pharmacological treatment with mechanical and thermal intervention capabilities. The system can mechanically remove or stabilize plaques and use controlled thermal energy to modify plaque properties, providing immediate physical treatment alternatives to drug therapies.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical stress is applied to vulnerable plaques, then the fibrous cap may rupture releasing embolic material, but without mechanical intervention the plaque remains a threat
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides beforehand protection by detecting vulnerable plaques and preparing for intervention before rupture occurs. The imaging and temperature measurement capabilities identify at-risk plaques in advance, allowing the operator to prepare appropriate protective measures and treatment strategies before attempting any mechanical intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback through imaging and temperature measurement during the procedure. This feedback allows the operator to monitor plaque response to interventions, adjust techniques to minimize damage, and confirm successful treatment, reducing the risk of unintended vessel injury.
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
Enables safe and efficient removal of vulnerable plaques and embolic material, providing continuous imaging and navigation to prevent vessel damage and reduce the risk of rupture.
Implementation Method 1
a laser-acoustic head sensor connected via an optic fiber threaded through the guide wire device with a laser-acoustic diode
Implementation Method 2
using laser-acoustic energy to melt occlusion caps
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular guide wire device comprising: a guide wire comprising a guide wire head and a laser-acoustic head sensor configured to navigate in a patient's blood vessel, said laser-acoustic head sensor connected via an optic fiber threaded through said guide wire device with a laser-acoustic diode controlled by a laser-acoustic diode controller; a computerized system electronically communicating with said laser-acoustic head sensor, said computerized system comprising a computer, image processing means and display means and configured to provide images and measurements 2-centimeters ahead inside a patient's arteries occlusions therein purposing to move and navigate safely into the right artery lumen; first steering means connected with said guide wire head and configured to navigate said laser-acoustic head sensor according to said image processing results; and opening means connected with said guide wire head for opening total occlusion of said artery.