Laser Catheter Bubble-Cloud Feedback for Precise Atherectomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser atherectomy procedures face challenges in controlling laser catheter movement and treatment efficacy due to limited visualization under X-ray guidance, leading to potential over-treatment or under-treatment of vessel blockages, especially in tortuous vessels and without contrast media.
Innovation Solution
A control system integrating ultrasound imaging with laser atherectomy systems to detect and measure bubble clouds generated by laser interaction with tissue, providing real-time feedback for optimal laser catheter movement and parameter adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser catheter is moved slowly to ensure adequate treatment, then treatment completeness improves, but risk of over-treatment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs real-time feedback through bubble cloud detection to monitor laser catheter operation. The bubble cloud, generated by laser-tissue interaction, is detected by an imaging system to provide continuous feedback on treatment progress, enabling dynamic adjustment of catheter speed and laser parameters to prevent both under-treatment and over-treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the bubble cloud naturally generated by the laser-tissue interaction as a self-indicating marker of treatment progress. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate measurement tools, as the treatment process itself generates the feedback signal through cavitation bubble formation
2Productivity
If laser catheter is moved quickly to improve efficiency, then productivity increases, but treatment completeness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts catheter movement speed based on real-time bubble cloud analysis. The catheter speed is not fixed but varies continuously according to detected treatment progress, allowing faster movement in well-treated areas and slower movement where additional treatment is needed, thereby maintaining both efficiency and completeness
3Loss of information
If X-ray guidance is used for laser catheter treatment, then visualization is available, but information about vessel anatomy and treatment efficacy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces bubble clouds as an intermediary medium that enhances X-ray visualization. The bubbles, generated during laser treatment, serve as contrast agents that significantly improve X-ray image quality and provide detailed information about vessel anatomy and treatment progress without requiring additional complex imaging equipment
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
Enhances treatment precision by dynamically adjusting laser catheter parameters based on ultrasound imaging, ensuring consistent dwell times and effective vessel clearance.
Implementation Method 1
detecting, in real-time, a bubble cloud extending from the distal tip that is a function of the laser catheter operation in the treatment area
Implementation Method 2
detecting sonic reflections in tissue media that are generated by an interaction of the laser light and anatomy of the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for laser catheter treatment in a vessel lumen. The method includes inserting the laser catheter within the vessel lumen to a location of a treatment area; presenting an image of the treatment area within the vessel lumen based on using an ultrasound (US) imaging system; and, detecting, in real-time, a bubble cloud that is a function of the laser catheter operation (at a prescribed speed and controlling a fluence and a pulse rate) in the treatment area. The method determines a vessel diameter, a real-time location and measurements of the bubble cloud, and estimates a dwell position and dwell time. A dynamic displayed image that is indicative of a progression of the laser catheter treatment is presented, and commands may be generated to modify the laser catheter parameters responsive to the estimated dwell position, the estimated dwell time, and a recommended treatment protocol.