Lithotripsy Capture Portion With Dispersed Laser Nodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser lithotripsy techniques face challenges in efficiently capturing and fragmenting stones within the body, particularly due to the stones' mobility and varying hardness, which complicates their breakdown and removal during procedures like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Innovation Solution
A deployable, expandable capture portion with integrated laser nodes that can direct laser energy to multiple locations on a stone, allowing for selective and targeted ablation, while maintaining the stone in place and reducing retropulsion, is used in conjunction with endoscopes or other instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single laser source is used to fragment stones, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stone ablation speed decreases and procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser delivery system into multiple discrete laser nodes (first laser node, second laser node, etc.) distributed across the capture portion. Each node can independently deliver laser energy to different locations on the stone simultaneously, thereby increasing ablation speed without requiring a single complex high-power source
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point laser delivery approach to a distributed multi-point approach by placing laser nodes at different spatial locations on the capture portion. This dimensional distribution allows concurrent ablation at multiple stone locations, effectively increasing productivity
2Productivity
If laser energy is applied to the stone, then stone fragmentation is achieved, but retropulsion occurs making stone capture difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the capture portion (basket, bag, or scaffold structure) to physically counteract and hold the stone in place against the retropulsive forces generated by laser ablation. The capture structure provides mechanical opposition to the recoil effect, maintaining reliable stone capture during fragmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the stone capture function and laser delivery function into a single integrated system. The capture portion that secures the stone also carries the laser nodes, allowing simultaneous stone containment and fragmentation without compromising capture reliability
3Productivity
If multiple laser nodes are distributed across the capture portion, then stone ablation speed increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the capture portion to serve dual functions: mechanically capturing/holding the stone and delivering laser energy through integrated nodes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate capture and treatment devices, managing complexity while maintaining high productivity
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
This approach enhances stone ablation speed, reduces procedure time, minimizes tissue damage, and improves post-procedure stone-free rates by enabling controlled fragmentation and collection of stone fragments.
Implementation Method 1
The laser nodes can direct laser energy received from at least one laser source, such as via one or more laser fibers, to multiple locations on the exterior surface of a stone
Data Source
AI summary
A laser lithotripsy system to deliver laser energy from one or more laser sources to a stone (e.g., mobile calculus), the system including a capture portion, a first laser node and a second laser node. The capture portion configured to be movable from a stored state to a deployed state. In the deployed state, the capture portion is configured to at least partially surround the stone. The first laser node and the second laser node are coupled to the capture portion and are configured to deliver the laser energy to the stone, and the first laser node is spaced apart from the second laser node.