Laser Catheter Distal Tip Orientation Indicators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Previous 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 distal end of the sheath, allowing for coordinated actuation of ancillary devices based on laser energy detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser energy is transmitted through transport members to ablate tissue, then the ablation process is enabled, but coordination with ancillary devices (such as aspiration components) is lacking, reducing treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is pre-programmed with coordination logic that automatically activates ancillary devices (such as aspiration pumps) at predetermined moments during laser energy transmission. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex real-time manual coordination, ensuring reliable treatment effectiveness while maintaining manageable device complexity through automated sequencing of operations.
2Loss of information
If visual indicators are added to show rotational position of the prime mover, then operator awareness of catheter orientation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing includes visual indicators that change color or illuminate to indicate the rotational position of the prime mover and catheter orientation. This provides real-time feedback to the operator about catheter orientation without requiring complex mechanical displays or additional control systems, thus reducing information loss while minimizing the increase in device complexity through the use of simple optical indicators.
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 the precision and effectiveness of the ablation process by ensuring synchronized operation of laser energy delivery and ancillary devices, improving the clearance of arterial blockages.
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 drive wire carried by the sheath and eccentrically coupled to the distal end of the sheath, the drive wire adapted to be rotatably driven by the prime mover and rotating to eccentrically rotate the distal end of the sheath
Implementation Method 3
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 4
The laser catheter is then advanced inside the artery to the targeted obstruction at the desired treatment site. After the laser catheter has been positioned, the laser is energized to 'remove' the obstruction
Implementation Method 5
a process called 'ablation'
Data Source
AI summary
A laser ablation catheter includes a distal tip, and the distal tip includes a body that defines a longitudinal axis. A first orientation indicator is formed on the body, and a second orientation indicator is formed on the body. The second orientation indicator is disposed relative to the first orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a first side view, the second orientation indicator and the first orientation indicator overlap and visually contrast with the body. A third orientation indicator is formed on the body, and the third orientation indicator disposed relative to the second orientation indicator such that when the distal tip is viewed in a second side view, the third orientation indicator and the second orientation indicator overlap and visually contrast with the body. The second side view and the first side view are substantially 90 degrees apart about the longitudinal axis.