Locus Emitter Catheter Structure for Flexible Shock Wave Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock wave catheters for treating calcified lesions have issues with a large crossing profile, reduced flexibility, and decreased longevity due to erosion and degradation of electrodes under high voltage pulsing.
Innovation Solution
A shock wave catheter system with a catheter body featuring a conductive emitter wire and carrier wire, where the emitter wire is made of durable materials like molybdenum or tungsten, and the carrier wire is made of copper, connected by electrical joints, reducing the crossing profile and enhancing flexibility and longevity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrode designs are used in shock wave catheters, then shock wave generation is achieved, but the crossing profile is large and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into discrete emitter elements spaced along the catheter shaft rather than using continuous electrode bands. This segmentation reduces the crossing profile at each location while maintaining the overall shock wave generation capability along the catheter length.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode configuration transitions from a two-dimensional continuous surface to a one-dimensional distributed array of discrete emitters along the catheter shaft. This dimensional change allows the catheter to maintain a smaller crossing profile while preserving functional effectiveness.
2Reliability
If conventional electrode materials are used, then electrical conductivity is sufficient, but longevity is reduced due to erosion and degradation under high voltage pulsing
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure uses a composite design combining a durable emitter wire made of erosion-resistant material (such as tungsten or molybdenum) with a separate conductive carrier wire. This composite approach provides both longevity through the durable emitter material and sufficient electrical conductivity through the carrier wire.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter wire is designed as a consumable component that can be replaced, while the carrier wire and catheter body remain permanent. This allows the expensive, durable emitter material to be optimized for longevity without compromising the overall catheter structure.
3Reliability
If emitter wire material is changed to durable materials like molybdenum or tungsten, then longevity is increased, but electrical conductivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a composite wire structure where the durable emitter wire (molybdenum or tungsten) is combined with a highly conductive carrier wire (copper or aluminum). The durable material provides longevity and erosion resistance, while the conductive carrier wire ensures efficient electrical current delivery to the emitter elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier wire acts as an intermediary between the power source and the emitter wire, conducting electrical current efficiently to the durable emitter material. This intermediary component allows the emitter wire to be made of non-conductive but durable material while maintaining overall electrical efficiency.
4Ease of operation
If the catheter is designed with traditional electrode structures, then shock wave generation is effective, but the catheter becomes less flexible and harder to deliver
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous electrode structure is divided into discrete, spaced-apart emitter elements. This segmentation reduces the overall structural rigidity of the catheter by creating more flexible sections between the emitters, improving deliverability while maintaining shock wave generation capability at each emitter location.
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 achieves a smaller crossing profile, increased flexibility, and longer-lasting sonic output by using durable materials and efficient electrical connections, allowing for more effective treatment of calcified lesions.
Implementation Method 1
The calcified plaque modification is achieved by creating acoustic shock waves within the catheter by an electrical discharge across the electrodes. This discharge creates one or more rapidly expanding vapor bubbles that generate the acoustic shock waves.
Implementation Method 2
These shock waves propagate radially outward and modify calcified plaque within the blood vessels.
Implementation Method 3
a laser pulse is transmitted into and absorbed by a fluid within the catheter. This absorption process rapidly heats and vaporizes the fluid
Implementation Method 4
This absorption process rapidly heats and vaporizes the fluid, thereby generating the rapidly expanding vapor bubble, as well as the acoustic shock waves
Implementation Method 5
The acoustic shock wave intensity is higher if a fluid is chosen that exhibits strong absorption at the laser wavelength that is employed. These shock waves propagate radially outward and modify calcified plaque within the blood vessels.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary shock wave catheter system comprises: a catheter body comprising a lumen; an emitter wire configured to generate shock waves, wherein one or more gaps are formed between two or more portions of the emitter wire along a length of the catheter body, each of the one or more gaps forming a locus emitter; a carrier wire configured to conduct electricity to the emitter wire; and one or more electrical joints configured to electrically couple and join the emitter wire and the carrier wire.