Micro-emulsifier with Bulb Tip for Localized Thrombus Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thrombus removal technologies face inefficiencies and damage to blood vessel walls due to high energy loss and lack of localization, particularly in small blood vessels, with existing ultrasonic devices requiring high input power and suffering from poor precision.
Innovation Solution
A micro-emulsifier comprising a stack of piezoelectric materials with a horn and a flexible transmission wire, where the transmission wire has a bulb at the end to focus ultrasonic energy, allowing for localized ablation and emulsification of thrombi with reduced energy loss and improved precision by generating longitudinally-directed ultrasonic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high input power is used to generate sufficient ultrasonic energy for thrombolysis, then thrombus removal effectiveness is improved, but energy loss increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the ultrasonic transducer directly at the distal end of the catheter, nesting the energy generation source within the delivery system. This eliminates the need for long external catheters and reduces energy loss during transmission, while maintaining effective thrombus removal capability through localized high-power ultrasonic generation at the treatment site
2Adaptability or versatility
If a long catheter is used to deliver ultrasonic energy to the thrombus, then access to remote vessels is improved, but energy loss along the catheter increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical transmission of ultrasonic energy through a long catheter with direct local generation at the distal end. The transducer converts electrical energy to ultrasonic energy right at the treatment site, eliminating the mechanical energy transmission path and associated losses while maintaining access capability through the catheter delivery system
3Productivity
If ultrasonic energy is applied to ablate thrombus, then thrombus removal is improved, but damage to blood vessel wall may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a focused ultrasonic beam generated by the transducer that concentrates energy precisely on the thrombus. The localized application of ultrasonic energy creates cavitation effects specifically at the thrombus site while the surrounding blood vessel wall receives minimal energy exposure, thereby achieving effective thrombus removal with reduced risk of vascular damage
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 micro-emulsifier enables efficient and precise ablation of thrombi with minimal damage to blood vessel walls, using lower input power and reducing energy loss, allowing for effective thrombus removal in both larger and smaller blood vessels with enhanced precision.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator has an external power generator that supplies the actuator with the electrical energy required to produce ultrasonic energy. A transducer of lead zirconate titanate ('PZT') crystals converts the electrical energy to high-power ultrasonic waves.
Implementation Method 2
The ablation of the thrombus by ultrasound is by cavitation in the blood clot caused by the ultrasonic waves.
Implementation Method 3
An ultrasound catheter, connected at the proximal end of the transducer, transmits the ultrasonic waves to the target thrombus at its distal end.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a micro-emulsifier comprising a stack of piezoelectric materials, a horn at a proximal end of the stack of piezoelectric materials, and a transmission wire receivable in the horn for transmission of ultrasound waves able to be produced by the stack of piezoelectric materials. The ultrasound waves are able to be produced in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the stack of piezoelectric materials and the horn. The transmission wire comprises a first end receivable in the horn and a second end remote from the first end, the second end having a bulb thereon.