Nanoparticle Lithotripsy Medium Enhances Stone Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser lithotripsy techniques for urinary stone removal face challenges in efficiently fragmenting large or hard stones, with existing methods exhibiting lower efficacy and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The use of a lithotripsy medium containing nanoparticles, such as PEDOT: PSS, which enhances the absorption efficiency of laser energy, thereby improving stone fragmentation and ablation efficiency during laser lithotripsy procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional laser lithotripsy using water or saline is used, then the procedure is simple and safe, but the stone ablation efficiency is insufficient for large or hard stones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces nanoparticles as an intermediary substance in the lithotripsy medium. These nanoparticles absorb laser energy and convert it to heat, which then transfers to the stone tissue, enhancing ablation efficiency without requiring direct laser-stone contact modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical parameters of the lithotripsy medium by adding nanoparticles with specific absorption characteristics. This changes the energy transfer mechanism from direct laser heating of water to nanoparticle-mediated heating, significantly improving stone ablation efficiency
2Productivity
If laser pulse energy is increased to improve stone fragmentation, then ablation efficiency improves, but thermal injury to surrounding tissue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nanoparticles provide localized heat generation at the stone surface where they accumulate, concentrating the thermal effect precisely where needed for ablation while minimizing heat diffusion to surrounding healthy tissue
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal system of direct laser heating with a photothermal system where nanoparticles convert light energy to heat locally, providing more controlled and efficient energy transfer to the stone
3Productivity
If extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is used, then the treatment is non-invasive and anesthesia-free, but the efficacy for large or hard stones is lower
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite nanofluids combining nanoparticles with conventional irrigation solutions, creating a medium that enhances laser-stone interaction while maintaining the benefits of standard lithotripsy procedures
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 incorporation of nanoparticles in the lithotripsy medium significantly increases stone ablation efficiency by 38-727%, while maintaining safety parameters, and can be integrated with existing laser lithotripsy equipment.
Implementation Method 1
nanoparticle fine-tuned NIR absorption
Implementation Method 2
applying laser energy through the lithotripsy medium to disrupt the one or more target obstructions
Implementation Method 3
vapor bubble collapse at the fiber tip plays a critical role in stone dusting during LL
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing laser lithotripsy include introducing a lithotripsy medium containing nanoparticles into a body cavity comprising target obstructions and applying laser energy through the lithotripsy medium to disrupt the target obstructions. The nanoparticles may have diameters configured to enhance absorption efficiency of the laser energy. The nanoparticles may include organic polymers such as PEDOT: PSS or inorganic compounds such as indium tin oxide. Systems may include a laser source, a fluid delivery component configured to deliver the nanoparticle-containing lithotripsy medium, and an optical fiber for delivering laser energy. Methods of manufacturing lithotripsy media include selecting target wavelengths, synthesizing nanoparticles with corresponding absorption characteristics, and dispersing the nanoparticles at selected concentrations.