Offset Acoustic Lens for Shockwave Lithotripsy Focal Width
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electromagnetic shock wave lithotripters are less effective in stone comminution compared to electrohydraulic systems due to differences in pressure waveform profiles and focal widths, and existing modifications often require additional components and complex setups.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic lens design with a first and second lens portion, where the second portion is offset to delay the transmission of the second shock wave pulse by a predetermined amount, allowing for superposition and modification of the pressure waveform to broaden the focal width and reduce tissue injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electromagnetic shock wave lithotripters are used, then electrode deterioration and replacement issues are eliminated, but stone comminution effectiveness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pressure waveform parameters by introducing a time delay between the first and second shock wave pulses. This parameter change transforms the single-pulse electromagnetic shock wave into a multi-pulse sequence with optimized timing, thereby improving stone comminution effectiveness while maintaining the durability advantage of electromagnetic systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs periodic action by delivering a sequence of shock wave pulses with a predetermined time delay between them. This periodic multi-pulse approach enhances the mechanical fragmentation effect on stones compared to single-pulse delivery, while still using the reliable electromagnetic generation mechanism
2Manufacturing precision
If additional components are added to modify pressure waveform, then waveform profile can be optimized, but device complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shock wave generation and waveform modification functions into a single integrated system. The electromagnetic shock wave source generates both the first and second pulses, and the time delay mechanism is incorporated into the same device, eliminating the need for separate external modification components and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic shock wave source is designed to perform multiple functions: generating the primary shock wave pulse and generating the delayed secondary pulse. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate component systems, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving waveform optimization
3Area of stationary object
If focal width is broadened, then stone comminution coverage is improved, but tissue injury may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of shock wave delivery by introducing a time delay between pulses. This parameter modification allows the focal width to be broadened through cumulative mechanical effects on stones while the pulsed nature maintains control over tissue exposure, balancing coverage improvement with injury minimization
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 modified acoustic lens design optimizes the pressure waveform profile and broadens the focal width, enhancing stone comminution efficiency while minimizing tissue injury, achieved through a single modification to the lens geometry without requiring additional components or complex setups.
Implementation Method 1
The second lens portion is offset relative to the first lens portion such that transmission of the second part of the acoustic shock wave pulse through the second lens portion is delayed by a predetermined amount relative to transmission of the first part of the acoustic shock wave pulse through the first lens portion, based on geometrical acoustics principle
Implementation Method 2
said second part of said shock wave pulse is superimposed with said first part of said shock wave to produce a modified waveform
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Systems and methods for providing therapeutic shock waves are provided. A modified acoustic lens can include a first lens portion for directing a first part of an acoustic shock wave pulse toward a target and a second lens portion for directing a second part of the acoustic shock wave pulse toward the target. The second lens portion can be offset relative to the first portion such that transmission of the second part of the acoustic shock wave pulse through the second lens portion is delayed by a predetermined amount relative to transmission of the first part through the first lens portion. In situ superposition of the first and second pulses near and at the target can lead to the formation of a pressure waveform with idealized pulse profile and broadened focal width, which can provide for improved comminution of a concretion located within a living body with reduced tissue injury.