Modular Intravascular Lithotripsy Catheter with Segmented Adapter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices, such as catheters, lack modular systems that can easily integrate lithotripsy functionality and provide secure, flexible configurations for various medical procedures, limiting their adaptability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A modular medical device catheter system featuring a cavitation bubble chamber with electrodes that generate shockwaves and cavitation bubbles, combined with a modular adapter that securely attaches to existing catheters, allowing for the integration of lithotripsy functionality and flexible configuration options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular adapter system is integrated into the catheter, then adaptability and versatility for different procedures are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into modular components: a base catheter and separate adapter assemblies that can be attached as needed. Each adapter is a self-contained unit with coupling mechanisms, allowing independent selection and attachment based on procedural requirements. This segmentation enables adaptability without requiring the entire catheter system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The base catheter is designed with universal coupling interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of adapters for different procedures (lithotripsy, balloon, etc.). The standardized coupling mechanism allows a single catheter base to serve multiple functions by simply changing the adapter, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If secure attachment mechanisms are used for adapters, then reliability of connection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanisms are pre-configured with alignment features and engagement indicators that guide the attachment process. The adapters are designed to self-align with the catheter base, and coupling elements are pre-positioned to engage automatically when the adapter is inserted, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation while ensuring reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling interface includes intermediary elements such as spring-loaded latches, cam mechanisms, or magnetic alignment features that mediate between the adapter and catheter base. These intermediary components automatically engage when the adapter is inserted, providing secure attachment without requiring complex manual operations, thus maintaining ease of use while ensuring reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If lithotripsy functionality is integrated, then therapeutic capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lithotripsy functionality is encapsulated in a separate adapter assembly that can be attached to the catheter base. This adapter contains the lithotripsy electrode, cavitation bubble chamber, and associated components as a self-contained unit. By segmenting the lithotripsy function from the base catheter, the therapeutic capability is enhanced without requiring the entire catheter system to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The lithotripsy components (electrode, cavitation chamber) are nested within the adapter assembly, which itself attaches to the catheter base. This nested configuration allows the lithotripsy functionality to be integrated only when needed, keeping the base catheter simple while providing advanced therapeutic capability when the lithotripsy adapter is attached.
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
Enables efficient delivery of shockwave therapy and enhances the adaptability of medical devices for different procedural needs, providing a secure and efficient means to attach and detach modules, thus improving the versatility and effectiveness of medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
at least two electrodes positioned within the cavitation bubble chamber to be in contact with the cavitation solution and to form an electrode gap. The at least two electrodes are configured to generate sparking or arcs across the electrodes which creates a shockwave and cavitation bubbles
Implementation Method 2
The at least two electrodes are configured to generate sparking or arcs across the electrodes which creates a shockwave and cavitation bubbles
Implementation Method 3
The at least two electrodes are configured to generate sparking or arcs across the electrodes which creates a shockwave and cavitation bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device catheter comprises a first tube comprising a first cavitation solution lumen having a distal opening; and a second tube housing the first tube and comprising a cavitation bubble chamber, a second cavitation solution lumen in fluid communication with the first cavitation solution lumen through the distal opening, and a distal plug at a distal end of the cavitation bubble chamber to create a distal boundary of the cavitation bubble chamber. A proximal rapid exchange guidewire exit is positioned distal to the distal boundary of the cavitation bubble chamber and in communication with a guidewire lumen; and a first powered electrode extends through the first tube and the first cavitation solution lumen and cavitation bubble chamber and into the distal plug beyond the distal boundary of the cavitation bubble chamber.