Multi-Point Shock Wave Catheter Balloon Treatment for Vascular Occlusions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for blood vessel occlusions, such as angioplasty and stenting, are invasive and can lead to post-procedural inflammation and restenosis, while other methods like ultrasound and radio frequency therapies risk thermal effects and blood coagulation.
Innovation Solution
The use of pressure shock waves, generated by electrohydraulic, piezoelectric, electromagnetic, or explosive means, to treat blood vessel occlusions and other vascular issues through a catheter with multiple shock wave discharge points, utilizing cavitation to break occlusions and promote angiogenesis without thermal effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If angioplasty and stenting are used to treat blood vessel occlusions, then the occlusions are effectively removed and blood flow is restored, but post-procedural inflammation and restenosis occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical intervention (angioplasty balloons and stents) with acoustic energy (ultrasound waves) to treat occlusions. The ultrasound energy mechanically disrupts plaque and thrombus through cavitation and mechanical stress without requiring physical contact or insertion of devices into the vessel, thereby avoiding the inflammatory response and restenosis associated with mechanical procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary medium (acoustic energy/ultrasound waves) to transfer energy from the external source to the occlusion. This intermediary allows non-contact disruption of plaque and thrombus, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact that causes tissue damage and inflammation
2Reliability
If ultrasound and radio frequency therapies are used to treat blood vessel occlusions, then occlusions can be broken down, but thermal effects and blood coagulation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies localized acoustic energy specifically to the occlusion site using focused ultrasound beams. The energy is concentrated precisely where needed to disrupt plaque and thrombus, while surrounding tissues and blood remain unaffected by thermal heating, thus avoiding coagulation risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pulsed ultrasound delivery rather than continuous wave exposure. The periodic on-off cycling allows tissue cooling between pulses and prevents cumulative thermal buildup, achieving occlusion breakdown through mechanical cavitation effects without raising tissue temperature to coagulative levels
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
This method effectively treats blood vessel occlusions and vascular issues like plaque, inflammation, and restenosis non-invasively, enhancing blood circulation and tissue repair while avoiding thermal damage and coagulation risks.
Implementation Method 1
cavitation during tensile phase which can break tissue bonds, blood vessels plaque, and other target area
Implementation Method 2
pressure shock waves can be easily transmitted in saline solutions, blood, contrast media, liquid drugs
Data Source
AI summary
A target location of a blood vessel is treated by providing an apparatus that includes a catheter and multiple shock wave discharge points positioned within a balloon along the catheter between proximal and distal ends of the catheter, wherein the distal end extends distally beyond the balloon and the proximal end extends proximally beyond the balloon. Shock waves are created by activating an electronic controller connected to an electrode at each shock wave discharge point. The shock waves are applied through the balloon to treat the target location with the shock waves.