Multi-Metal Catheter Electrodes for Durable Shock Wave Emission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock wave emitters in catheters, particularly those using copper electrodes, degrade quickly due to repeated shock wave generation, leading to sonic output loss and potential device failure, and there is a need for materials that provide increased durability and flexibility for effective lesion treatment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design incorporating two conductive members with different materials, such as copper for flexibility and a higher-stress-resistant material like molybdenum for durability, connected by electrical joints, to enhance durability and flexibility, allowing for effective shock wave generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If copper electrodes are used for shock wave generation, then flexibility and ease of manipulation are improved, but durability and resistance to degradation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite electrode structure combining copper and molybdenum materials. The copper component provides flexibility and ease of manipulation within the catheter, while the molybdenum component provides durability and resistance to degradation from repeated shock wave generation. This composite approach allows each material to contribute its advantageous properties to the overall electrode performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the electrode assembly use different materials optimized for their specific functions. The copper material is positioned where flexibility is most needed for catheter manipulation, while the molybdenum material is positioned where durability is most critical for withstanding repeated shock wave generation. This local differentiation allows optimal performance for each functional requirement.
2Ease of manufacture
If single-material electrodes are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but performance consistency and durability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to achieve both manufacturing feasibility and superior performance consistency. The multi-material electrode construction allows for optimized acoustic output and durability while remaining manufacturable through established joining techniques such as welding or mechanical attachment of dissimilar metals.
3Reliability
If electrode material is optimized for durability, then resistance to degradation is improved, but flexibility and ease of manipulation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines durable molybdenum material with flexible copper material in a composite electrode structure. The molybdenum provides resistance to degradation from repeated shock wave generation, while the copper maintains flexibility and ease of manipulation during catheter navigation and positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly implements local quality differentiation where flexible copper is positioned in regions requiring manipulation and durable molybdenum is positioned in regions requiring resistance to shock wave degradation. This spatial differentiation allows each material property to be optimized for its most critical function.
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 dual-material catheter design maintains sonic output and reduces degradation, ensuring consistent performance during repeated shock wave generation, thereby improving the efficacy of lesion treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The calcified plaque modification is achieved by creating acoustic shock waves within the catheter by an electrical discharge across the electrodes. The energy from this electrical discharge enters the surrounding fluid faster than the speed of sound, generating an acoustic shock wave.
Implementation Method 2
In addition, the energy creates one or more rapidly expanding and collapsing vapor bubbles that generate secondary shock waves.
Implementation Method 3
For laser generation of acoustic shock waves, a laser pulse is transmitted into and absorbed by a fluid within the catheter. This absorption process rapidly heats and vaporizes the fluid, thereby generating the rapidly expanding and collapsing vapor bubble, as well as the acoustic shock waves
Implementation Method 4
The shock waves propagate radially outward and modify calcified plaque within the blood vessels.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary catheter includes a catheter body, a first conductive member comprising a first material positioned on the catheter body, a second conductive member comprising a second material different from the first material positioned on the catheter body, one or more electrical joints configured to electrically couple the first conductive member to the second conductive member, and one or more shock wave emitters. Each shock wave emitter is configured to generate a shock wave, and at least one shock wave emitter of the one or more shock wave emitters comprises electrodes separated by a spark gap, wherein at least one of the electrodes is formed from the second conductive member.