Mechanical Pulse Generation via Variable Impedance Waveguide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating chronic total occlusions in blood vessels, such as those using mechanical impactors, ultrasonic sources, and energy deposition techniques, face limitations including limited control over mechanical pulses, noise, device bulkiness, inefficiency, and safety concerns, particularly in small and tortuous anatomy.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for generating high-amplitude mechanical pulses by combining mechanical waves using broadband sources and a wave concentrator, which can focus waves on a focal zone, propagate through a temporal or spatial concentrator, or a dispersive medium, to achieve enhanced amplitude and control over the mechanical pulses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If mechanical impactors with projectiles are used to treat CTO, then high stresses can be produced at the impact surface, but control over mechanical pulse parameters is very limited and the devices are noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a transmission member with variable impedance along its length, allowing dynamic control of mechanical pulse characteristics. The impedance profile can be tailored to control pulse amplitude, duration, and shape, enabling precise control over mechanical pulse parameters while maintaining high impact forces for treating CTO
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the transmission member (impedance, density, cross-sectional area) along its length to control pulse propagation. By varying these parameters, the system can control mechanical pulse characteristics (amplitude, duration, frequency) independently of the impact force, resolving the contradiction between producing high stress and maintaining control
2Shape
If narrowband ultrasonic sources with transmission wires are used, then displacement amplification can be achieved, but the device becomes bulkier and is limited in reaching CTOs in small and tortuous anatomy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin-walled transmission member (waveguide) that can be bent and shaped to navigate tortuous anatomy. The transmission member has a flexible yet structurally sound design with thin walls that allow displacement amplification while maintaining a compact, flexible form factor suitable for small and tortuous vessels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical amplification mechanisms (horns, stacked transducers) with a wave-based approach using a transmission member. Mechanical displacement is amplified through wave propagation and impedance matching rather than mechanical leverage, eliminating bulky components while achieving the same effect
3Shape
If ultrasonic wire is excited at resonance with horn and stacked transducer, then displacement at distal end can be amplified, but considerable loss and mode conversion occur at bends and the ultrasonic wire weakens resulting in higher risk of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic wire-horn-transducer assembly with a transmission member that propagates mechanical waves directly. This eliminates the ultrasonic wire that is prone to weakening at bond joints and during bending, while maintaining displacement amplification through wave propagation and impedance control in the transmission member
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member acts as an intermediary that receives mechanical energy at its proximal end and delivers amplified displacement at its distal end without requiring fragile ultrasonic wires. The transmission member's continuous structure and optimized impedance profile provide reliable energy transfer while accommodating bends and tortuous anatomy
4Use of energy by moving object
If multiple resonant elements are distributed in phased array to generate ultrasonic energy, then ultrasonic energy can be transmitted along waveguide, but most energy is trapped inside proximal end member making the device inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a transmission member with varying impedance parameters along its length to control wave propagation. By gradually changing the impedance profile, the system enables efficient energy transmission from the proximal end to the distal end, preventing energy trapping and improving overall device efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member's impedance is dynamically optimized along its length to match the wave propagation requirements. This dynamic impedance control ensures that ultrasonic energy is transmitted efficiently along the entire length of the transmission member rather than being trapped at the proximal end
5Speed
If shear waves resonant elements are used to induce longitudinal waves, then axial waves can be generated, but bonding medium may fail rapidly and add significant attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for bonding materials by using a monolithic transmission member structure. Mechanical waves are induced directly in the transmission member without requiring bonded resonant elements, thereby eliminating attenuation from bonding materials while maintaining longitudinal wave propagation
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member is constructed as a single integrated component rather than assembled from bonded parts. This monolithic structure eliminates weak bonding interfaces that cause attenuation and failure, while the material composition is optimized for efficient longitudinal wave propagation
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 generates high-amplitude mechanical pulses with controlled parameters, improving the ability to treat vascular occlusions by increasing the amplitude of mechanical waves, enhancing treatment efficacy and safety, particularly in challenging anatomical conditions.
Implementation Method 1
combining mechanical waves using broadband sources and a wave concentrator, which can focus waves on a focal zone
Implementation Method 2
propagate through a temporal or spatial concentrator, or a dispersive medium, to achieve enhanced amplitude
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~6b
AI summary
There is described a method for generating a mechanical wave, comprising: generating a high amplitude mechanical pulse; coupling the mechanical pulse in a proximal end of a transmission member; propagating the mechanical pulse into the transmission member from the proximal end and a distal end thereof; and transmitting the mechanical pulse at the distal end.