Liquid Light Guide Catheter for Vascular Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating vascular occlusions, such as balloon angioplasty and light-based ablation, are inadequate for calcified or fibrotic occlusions due to temporary results, damage to thin optical fibers, and limited light energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system utilizing a liquid light guide medium, such as magnesium chloride or lactated Ringer's solution, to create a fluid optical channel for transmitting light energy from an optical fiber to the occlusion site, facilitating total internal reflection and efficient delivery of high-energy laser light for ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If thin optical fibers are used to deliver light energy, then flexibility and ease of positioning are improved, but light energy delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid light guide medium (optical fluid) delivered through the catheter to transmit light energy. This hydraulic/optical approach replaces the mechanical solid fiber with a fluid medium that can be pumped through the catheter lumen, enabling high energy delivery while maintaining catheter flexibility and ease of positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the light guide from solid (fiber) to liquid (optical fluid). This parameter change allows the light guide to be delivered through a flexible catheter while maintaining the ability to transmit high energy light, as the liquid can be pressurized and pumped to deliver energy effectively.
2Ease of operation
If thin optical fibers are used, then flexibility is improved, but durability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using a liquid light guide medium delivered through the catheter lumen, the system avoids the fragility of thin solid fibers. The liquid medium is contained within the robust catheter structure, protecting it from damage while maintaining flexibility for navigation through vessels.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter lumen acts as an intermediary conduit, protecting the light guide medium from external damage. This intermediary structure allows the light guide function to be separated from the fragile fiber, enabling durability while maintaining the light transmission capability.
3Ease of operation
If conventional guide wires are used for recanalization, then ease of penetration is improved, but effectiveness against calcified occlusions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cutting/pulverizing approach with light-based ablation. The optical fluid delivers high energy light that can ablate calcified and fibrotic occlusions without requiring mechanical force, overcoming the limitations of conventional guide wires against hard, calcified deposits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the treatment modality from mechanical (guide wire cutting) to optical (light ablation). This parameter change enables effective treatment of calcified occlusions that are resistant to mechanical penetration, as light energy can be absorbed and converted to thermal energy for ablation.
4Ease of operation
If light energy is delivered through a small optical fiber, then ease of delivery is improved, but penetration depth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid light guide medium can be pumped under pressure through the catheter, allowing the optical fluid to reach deeper into the occlusion site. The fluid dynamics enable controlled delivery and positioning of the light guide medium, achieving deeper penetration while maintaining ease of delivery through the catheter system.
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 effectively ablates calcified and fibrotic occlusions by ensuring biocompatibility and efficient light energy transmission, minimizing damage and achieving deeper penetration into vascular occlusions.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the liquid light guide medium exiting the catheter tip creates a fluid optical channel to transmit the light energy from the catheter tip to the target matter
Data Source
AI summary
A method of delivering light energy to target matter in a mammalian body is described. The method may include inserting at least a portion of a catheter into a patient's vasculature, wherein the catheter comprises an open distal tip, a lumen extending proximally from the open distal tip, and at least one optical fiber within the lumen, wherein the at least one optical fiber has a distal end. The method may include flowing a liquid light guide medium through the open-ended catheter tip, wherein the liquid light guide medium flows beyond the distal end of the at least one optical fiber, wherein the liquid light guide medium comprises a magnesium chloride solution having an ion concentration that is isotonic with blood and tissue. The method may include forming a fluid optical channel with the liquid light guide medium between the catheter and the target matter. Other methods are described.