Laser Catheter Coordination for Arterial Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser catheters for excimer laser angioplasty lack coordination between the transmission of laser energy and the actuation of components that augment the ablation process, leading to inefficiencies in treating arterial blockages.
Innovation Solution
A laser energy delivery device with a controller that energizes visual indicators based on the rotational position of a prime mover, a sensor to detect laser energy transmission, and an ancillary device that augments treatment, such as a drive wire for eccentric rotation of the catheter tip, allowing for coordinated laser energy delivery and enhanced treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser energy is transmitted through transport members to ablate tissue, then ablation effectiveness is improved, but coordination with ancillary devices (such as aspiration components) is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the laser energy transmission function with ancillary device actuation into a single integrated system. The transport members that carry laser energy also serve as pathways for actuating ancillary devices, merging two previously separate functions into one coordinated system that improves ablation effectiveness while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport members are designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting laser energy for ablation and simultaneously actuating ancillary devices such as aspiration components. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both effective tissue removal and coordinated auxiliary functions without requiring separate independent systems.
2Reliability
If multiple components are added to augment the ablation process, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ancillary functions are merged into the existing laser delivery structure. Rather than adding completely separate components, the patent integrates aspiration, irrigation, and other auxiliary functions into the transport member system, thereby improving treatment efficacy while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport members are designed as multi-functional elements that simultaneously handle laser energy transmission and ancillary device actuation. This approach allows the system to incorporate multiple treatment-augmenting components without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as the same physical structures serve multiple purposes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ancillary devices are actuated independently of laser energy transmission, then component versatility is improved, but coordination efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor laser energy transmission and automatically coordinate ancillary device actuation accordingly. When laser energy is transmitted through the transport members, the system detects this and triggers the appropriate ancillary functions, ensuring that versatility is maintained while coordination efficiency is preserved through automatic synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport members are pre-configured to enable coordinated actuation of ancillary devices in conjunction with laser energy transmission. The system is designed in advance with integrated pathways and control mechanisms that ensure ancillary functions are activated in proper coordination with the laser ablation process, maintaining both versatility and efficiency.
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 device enables precise and efficient delivery of laser energy, improving the removal of arterial blockages by coordinating laser energy transmission with ancillary device actuation, enhancing treatment outcomes in procedures like excimer laser angioplasty.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor adapted to send a signal in response to detecting transmission of laser energy through the at least one of the plurality of transport members
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of transport members carried by the sheath, the plurality of transport members adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject
Implementation Method 3
the laser is energized to 'remove' the obstruction. Using the excimer laser, the clinician performs a controlled blockage removal by sending bursts of ultraviolet light through the catheter and against the blockage, a process called 'ablation'
Data Source
AI summary
Laser energy delivery devices and methods are provided. A laser energy delivery device may include a housing, and a coupling is carried by the housing and adapted to couple to a laser energy generator. A sheath is carried by the housing, and the sheath includes a distal end adapted to be disposed in the subject. A plurality of transport members are carried by the sheath, and the plurality of transport members are adapted to receive laser energy at the coupling, transmit laser energy through the sheath, and deliver laser energy to the subject. A fluid-driven motor is carried by the housing and adapted to be driven upon receiving a fluid from a fluid source. A drive wire is carried by the sheath and eccentrically coupled to the distal end of the sheath, and the drive wire is adapted to be rotatably driven by the fluid-driven motor and rotates to eccentrically rotate the distal end of the sheath.