PRP Activation Using Focused Shock Waves Without Clotting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for activating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in PRP therapy are time-consuming, require refrigeration equipment, and can lead to clotting issues or reduced effectiveness due to the use of calcium chloride and/or thrombin.
Innovation Solution
A PRP activation system using focused acoustical shock waves generated by a piezoelectric transducer array to activate PRP within a container, eliminating the need for refrigeration and avoiding clotting issues, with activation taking less than three minutes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If freeze-thaw cycle method is used to activate PRP, then growth factors are released to stimulate healing, but the process is time-consuming and requires refrigeration equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal mechanical process (freeze-thaw cycle requiring refrigeration) with an acoustic mechanical process (focused shock waves generated by piezoelectric transducers). The shock waves directly activate PRP by causing platelet degranulation and growth factor release without requiring temperature cycling equipment, thereby eliminating the time-consuming refrigeration step while maintaining healing stimulation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the activation parameter from thermal (temperature-based freeze-thaw) to acoustic (pressure-based shock waves). By using focused shock waves with specific pressure parameters generated through piezoelectric transducers, the system achieves rapid PRP activation in minutes rather than requiring extended refrigeration time, thus reducing activation time while preserving biological effectiveness
2Reliability
If calcium chloride and/or thrombin are used to activate PRP, then growth factors are released, but clotting occurs which increases administration difficulty and reduces effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical activation method (using calcium chloride and/or thrombin that causes clotting) with a physical acoustic method (focused shock waves). The shock waves directly stimulate platelet activation and growth factor release through mechanical energy transmission, eliminating the need for chemical agents that cause harmful clotting while maintaining effective growth factor release for healing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces focused shock waves as an intermediary physical agent to transfer energy to the PRP, causing platelet activation without requiring direct chemical interaction. The shock waves act as a mediator that triggers growth factor release through mechanical stress on platelets, avoiding the harmful clotting effect of chemical activators while achieving the desired biological response
3Productivity
If traditional PRP activation methods are used, then treatment can be provided, but the process is complex and requires multiple days or equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex thermal refrigeration equipment and chemical preparation systems with a compact piezoelectric shock wave generator. The device uses piezoelectric crystals to generate focused acoustic shock waves that directly activate PRP in minutes, eliminating the need for refrigeration equipment, chemical agents, and multi-day processing, thereby dramatically improving treatment efficiency while reducing equipment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the activation process into a single, integrated step using focused shock waves, rather than requiring multiple sequential steps (refrigeration, thawing, chemical addition, mixing). The piezoelectric transducer array delivers activated PRP preparation in one operation, reducing the overall process complexity and time while maintaining treatment effectiveness
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 system efficiently increases growth factors in PRP without clotting, providing a portable and convenient method for PRP activation, reducing treatment time and improving patient comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric transducer array is configured to generate a focused shock wave using power from the power supply
Implementation Method 2
The piezoelectric transducer array is configured to generate a focused shock wave using power from the power supply
Implementation Method 3
The coupling medium is configured to transmit the focused shock wave from the piezoelectric transducer array to the container
Data Source
AI summary
A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) activation system for activating PRP contained in a container includes a housing, a power supply, a piezoelectric transducer array, a support structure, and a coupling medium. The power supply is located in the housing. The piezoelectric transducer array is operably connected to the power supply and is located in the housing. The piezoelectric transducer array is configured to generate a focused shock wave using power from the power supply. The support structure is operably connected to the housing and is configured (i) to receive the container, and (ii) to position the container at least partially within the housing, such that at least a portion of the PRP is located at a focal volume formed by the focused shock wave. The coupling medium is located in the housing and is positioned between the piezoelectric transducer array and the container.