Laser Catheter Material Identification via Reflected Light and Force
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser catheter technologies for vascular systems face challenges in accurately determining the type of material within the vascular system and ensuring precise ablation, often resulting in errors due to insufficient imaging and radiation exposure from fluoroscopy, which can lead to overtreatment and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A laser catheter system equipped with optical fibers for light transmission and reflection analysis, coupled with a force sensor to determine the material type based on the analysis of reflected light and applied force, allowing for precise material identification and controlled ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fluoroscopy is used for visualization of vascular structure, then indirect visualization is provided, but radiation exposure and risks from contrast agents increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopy (radiation-based imaging) with optical imaging using light sources and optical fibers. The system uses visible light to illuminate and capture images of the vascular structure, eliminating ionizing radiation exposure while providing direct visualization through optical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical fibers as intermediaries to transmit light from the light source to the vascular region and to transmit reflected light back to the imaging system. This optical intermediary enables visualization without requiring contrast agents or radiation, providing a safe imaging modality.
2Illumination intensity
If fluoroscopy is used for visualization, then indirect imaging is obtained, but imaging precision and feedback clarity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect fluoroscopic imaging with direct optical imaging using light reflection from the vascular structure. This substitution provides higher resolution and clearer feedback by capturing reflected light directly from the tissue surface, enabling precise visualization of the catheter-tissue interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the reflection of light at different wavelengths to provide visual feedback about tissue characteristics. By analyzing the reflected light properties, the system can distinguish between different tissue types and provide color-coded or intensity-based feedback about the ablation process and tissue condition.
3Productivity
If laser ablation is performed without accurate material identification, then treatment is delivered, but errors in determining tissue type lead to overtreatment and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring reflected light from the vascular structure during the ablation process. The imaging system provides immediate visual feedback about tissue type, catheter position, and ablation progress, allowing the operator to adjust treatment parameters dynamically and avoid overtreatment of sensitive tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and characterization of the tissue material using optical imaging before initiating laser ablation. The system analyzes reflected light properties to determine tissue type and characteristics in advance, ensuring that ablation is only applied to appropriate targets and not to sensitive structures like the vessel wall or surrounding tissues.
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 enables accurate determination of material type and distance, reducing the risk of overtreatment and tissue damage by providing real-time feedback for precise ablation, thus improving the safety and effectiveness of vascular interventions.
Implementation Method 1
The laser catheter includes at least one optical fiber configured to supply light from the light source to a region within a vascular system of a patient and receive light reflected from the region within the vascular system of the patient
Implementation Method 2
The laser catheter also includes at least one force sensor coupled to the at least one optical fiber, the at least one force sensor configured to provide at least one indication of a force applied by one or more of the at least one optical fiber to a material in the region within the vascular system of the patient
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for determining a type of a material in a region within a vascular system of a patient are provided. The determination is made after light has been reflected from the region after being supplied to the region from a light source by at least one optical fiber. The determination is made based on an analysis of the light reflected from the region and of a received at least one indication of a force applied to the material in the region by one or more of the at least one optical fiber. The indication of the force applied by the one or more of the at least one optical fiber is provided by at least one force sensor coupled to the at least one optical fiber.