Multi-Metal Shock Wave Catheter Electrodes for Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shock wave emitters, 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 improved durability and flexibility in catheters for treating calcified lesions.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design utilizing two conductive members with different materials, such as copper and a higher-stress-resistant material like molybdenum, connected by electrical joints, to enhance durability and flexibility, with electrodes formed from the higher-stress-resistant material to withstand repeated shock wave generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If copper electrodes are used in shock wave emitters, then electrical conductivity is improved, but durability deteriorates due to quick degradation from repeated shock wave generation
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments with different materials: a proximal copper conductive member for electrical conductivity and a distal molybdenum conductive member for durability. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, with the copper portion handling electrical conduction and the molybdenum portion withstanding mechanical stress from shock wave generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining copper and molybdenum conductive members connected by electrical joints. This composite approach allows the catheter to simultaneously achieve high electrical conductivity (from copper) and high durability/stress resistance (from molybdenum), resolving the contradiction between these two properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single material is used for all conductive members, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but performance optimization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the catheter are assigned different materials based on local requirements: the proximal end uses copper for optimal electrical conductivity, while the distal end uses molybdenum for optimal stress resistance. This localized material selection optimizes overall performance while maintaining a relatively simple two-material construction.
3Ease of operation
If electrodes are made from ductile materials like copper, then flexibility is improved, but sonic output is lost due to degradation from repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive system is segmented into a flexible copper portion for ease of manipulation and a durable molybdenum portion for maintaining sonic output over time. The copper segment provides the necessary flexibility for catheter manipulation while the molybdenum segment ensures long-term durability and consistent shock wave generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure of copper and molybdenum allows the catheter to combine the flexibility needed for clinical manipulation (from copper) with the durability required for sustained sonic output (from molybdenum), resolving the contradiction between these opposing requirements.
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 design provides increased durability and flexibility, allowing the catheter to maintain sonic output and reduce the risk of degradation, ensuring effective treatment of calcified lesions without harming surrounding tissue.
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
This absorption process rapidly heats and vaporizes the fluid
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.