Laser Catheter Segmented Channel for Flap Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
In laser catheter-assisted bypass surgery, the existing technology faces challenges in achieving a high success rate for removing the flap from the target vessel during the ELANA procedure, with approximately 85% success rate, due to incomplete cutting and gripping issues, which can lead to complications if the flap is not fully separated.
Innovation Solution
The laser catheter incorporates a narrowing element inside the channel between the emitting surface and the grid element, with a smaller inner diameter than the grid, and a section with a larger diameter than the narrowing, along with a grid element and optional pointed pins, to enhance the gripping and cutting action, improving the flap removal rate to 90-98%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard channel configuration is used in the laser catheter, then the device structure is simple, but the flap removal rate is only about 85% due to insufficient gripping action
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into multiple sections with different diameters: a first section with a first diameter, a second section with a second diameter larger than the first, and a third section with a third diameter smaller than the second. This segmentation creates varying suction forces at different locations to improve flap gripping and removal reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the channel are given different local qualities through varying diameters. The first section has a smaller diameter for initial suction, the second section has a larger diameter to accommodate the flap, and the third section has a reduced diameter to maintain gripping force during withdrawal, optimizing the flap removal process at each location.
2Ease of operation
If the catheter is inserted through the graft vessel to perform the procedure, then the surgery can be performed according to ELANA technique, but the surgeon cannot see the cutting location and cannot confirm if the flap is completely separated
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a light source that illuminates the cutting location and flap separation status. The light travels through the catheter to the distal end, allowing the surgeon to visually confirm the cutting progress and whether the flap is completely separated, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability of flap separation confirmation.
3Reliability
If the grid element is placed close to the emitting surface, then the structure is compact, but the suction force is insufficient to maintain firm grip on the flap
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is divided into multiple sections with varying diameters to create different suction zones. The grid element is positioned within this segmented structure, allowing it to benefit from the enhanced suction force generated by the specific diameter configuration of adjacent sections, thereby maintaining firm grip on the flap without requiring the grid to be placed extremely close to the emitting surface.
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 described configuration significantly improves the flap removal rate by ensuring a firmer grip and maintaining suction force, reducing the risk of flap release during catheter withdrawal, thereby enhancing the reliability of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
a tubular arrangement comprising a tubular bundle of optical fibres having distal ends defining an emitting surface for emitting laser radiation in the distal direction of the catheter
Implementation Method 2
The tubular bundle of laser beams bums a ring shaped cut into the wall of the target vessel
Implementation Method 3
a channel extending in axial direction of the catheter and defined by the inside of the tubular arrangement, which channel is connectable to a suction source
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2D
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser catheter for bypass surgery. The laser catheter comprises: a tubular arrangement comprising a tubular bundle of optical fibres having distal ends defining an emitting surface for emitting laser radiation in the distal direction of the catheter; at the distal end of the catheter, a channel extending in axial direction of the catheter and defined by the inside of the tubular arrangement, which channel is connectable to a suction source; and a grid element arranged inside the channel at a distance proximally from the emitting surface, which grid extends in transverse direction of the catheter across the channel. The laser catheter further comprises a narrowing arranged inside the channel and, viewed in axial direction of the catheter, between the emitting surface and the grid.