Axially Oscillating Atherectomy Cutter for Plaque Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atherectomy devices face limitations in effectively treating total occlusions due to inadequate cutting elements, which can cause tissue damage and lead to restenosis.
Innovation Solution
The atherectomy device features a cutter assembly with a housing and cutting element that includes at least one cutting blade, allowing for rotational and translational movement to cut occlusive material, with a drive shaft that elongates and shortens to facilitate the cutting and conveying of plaque, reducing the risk of tissue damage and restenosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional atherectomy devices are used to remove plaque, then occlusive material can be removed, but tissue damage occurs leading to restenosis
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting element is designed to oscillate axially in addition to rotating, creating a dynamic cutting action that reduces tissue damage. The oscillation is achieved through an eccentric cam mechanism that converts rotational motion into axial oscillation, allowing the cutting element to move back and forth along its axis while rotating, thereby improving plaque removal effectiveness while minimizing harm to surrounding tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting element utilizes mechanical oscillation (vibration) to enhance cutting efficiency and reduce tissue damage. The eccentric cam mechanism generates controlled axial oscillation of the cutting element during rotation, creating a vibrating cutting action that facilitates plaque removal while minimizing thermal and mechanical damage to the arterial wall, thus reducing restenosis risk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cutting elements are designed to treat total occlusions, then occlusive material removal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic oscillating cutting mechanism enables the device to handle total occlusions effectively. The axial oscillation combined with rotation allows the cutting element to penetrate and remove heavily calcified or complete occlusive material that static cutting elements cannot adequately treat, while the oscillation prevents the cutting element from becoming stuck in dense plaque.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutting element performs periodic axial oscillation during rotation, creating a reciprocating cutting motion. This periodic action allows the cutting element to efficiently engage and remove total occlusions by repeatedly advancing and retracting through the plaque material, enhancing the device's capability to treat complete blockages without requiring overly complex multi-component systems.
3Productivity
If the cutting element rotates continuously, then plaque cutting is efficient, but tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cutting element combines continuous rotation with superimposed axial oscillation, creating a dynamic cutting pattern that maintains high productivity while reducing tissue damage. The oscillation component allows the cutting edges to intermittently engage and disengage from the tissue, reducing continuous friction and heat generation while maintaining effective plaque removal through the combined rotational and oscillating motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical oscillation of the cutting element during rotation reduces tissue damage by creating a vibrating cutting action that minimizes continuous contact and heat buildup. The oscillation frequency and amplitude are controlled to optimize plaque cutting efficiency while reducing thermal and mechanical trauma to surrounding healthy tissue, thereby maintaining productivity while reducing harmful effects.
Data Source
AI summary
An atherectomy device includes a cutter assembly. The cutter assembly includes a housing, and the housing includes a housing bearing surface. The cutter assembly also includes a cutting element rotatably and translatably carried by the housing. The cutting element includes at least one cutting blade configured to cut occlusive material upon rotation of the cutting element relative to the housing. The cutting element also includes a cutter bearing surface configured to engage the housing bearing surface. Upon the cutting element rotating relative to the housing and the at least one cutting blade cutting occlusive material, the cutting element translates distally relative to the housing until the cutter bearing surface engages the housing bearing surface.