Lithotripsy Probe with Combined Longitudinal and Transverse Vibrations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lithotripsy devices using ultrasonic vibrations for stone fragmentation in the body often face inefficiencies, such as diminished ablation effect over time, stone displacement, and complexity in design, making them time-consuming and difficult to clean and sterilize.

Innovation Solution

A lithotripsy device with a probe that combines longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations and transverse deflections, utilizing a drive arrangement with an ultrasonic converter unit and a deflection device to exert time-variable forces, allowing for controlled lateral movements of the probe to enhance fragmentation and prevent stone displacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If only longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations are used for stone ablation, then the ablation action is simple to implement, but the ablation effect diminishes over time and becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation effectVSAvoidvibration mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is designed to perform both longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations and transverse deflections simultaneously. The longitudinal vibrations are generated by the ultrasonic converter, while the transverse deflections are produced by the deflection device that applies time-variable forces to the probe. This dynamic combination allows the probe to maintain effective stone contact and prevent stone displacement, thereby sustaining reliable ablation effect throughout the procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The deflection device applies time-variable forces to the probe in periodic pulses, creating transverse deflections that occur at specific intervals during the ultrasonic vibration cycle. This periodic transverse action enhances the mechanical impact on the stone, prevents stone displacement from the operating field, and maintains consistent ablation effectiveness over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If complex devices with multiple drive mechanisms are used to prevent stone displacement, then stone stability improves, but device complexity and cleaning difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestone stabilityVSAvoiddrive arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic converter unit and deflection device are merged into a single integrated drive arrangement that acts on the probe in unison. The ultrasonic converter generates longitudinal vibrations while the deflection device simultaneously applies transverse forces, both acting on the same probe structure. This combined approach provides effective stone stabilization without requiring separate complex mechanisms, and the integrated design facilitates easier cleaning and sterilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If the probe is deflected transversely to enhance fragmentation, then stone ablation efficiency improves, but the operating time may increase due to additional control requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragmentation efficiencyVSAvoidoperating time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ultrasonic converter and deflection device operate simultaneously and continuously throughout the lithotripsy procedure. The longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations and transverse deflections occur concurrently, maintaining continuous and enhanced fragmentation action on the stone. This continuous dual-mode operation eliminates the need for alternating between different vibration modes, thereby improving fragmentation efficiency without significantly extending operating time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 device achieves improved stone fragmentation efficiency, reduces operating time, and simplifies construction for easier cleaning and sterilization by combining longitudinal and transverse vibrations, preventing stone displacement and maintaining effective ablation.

Implementation Method 1

the probe is excited, in a proximal portion of the probe, to perform longitudinal ultrasonic vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a deflection device for deflecting the probe by the action of a variable force in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240050112A1Lithotripsy device, lithotripsy system and method for operating a lithotripsy device

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 KARL STORZ SE & CO KG

AI summary

The disclosure relates to a lithotripsy device comprising an elongate probe, which can be inserted into a body interior of a human or animal body, and a drive arrangement for deflecting the probe, which is arranged at a proximal portion of the probe, the drive arrangement comprising an ultrasonic converter unit for exciting ultrasonic vibrations in the direction of a longitudinal extension of the probe, and the drive arrangement having a deflection device for exerting a time-varying force onto the probe in a direction transversely to the longitudinal extension of the probe. The disclosure also relates to a lithotripsy system and to a method for operating a lithotripsy device.