Rail Wire Actuated Laser Catheter for Expanded Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laser catheters are limited in their ability to ablate areas larger than the distal end of the optical fibers, restricting the debulked tissue area to the size of the optical fiber exposure, which hinders effective removal of blockages in arterial disease treatment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a movable laser delivery member and actuation mechanism, including a ramp and rail wire system, allows the distal end of the laser delivery member to be positioned laterally away from the central axis, enabling broader ablation areas by advancing the laser delivery member along a rail wire and using a spring-loaded mechanism for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If the laser delivery member is fixed at the distal end of the catheter, then the structure is simple, but the ablation area is limited to the size of the optical fiber exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The laser delivery member is made movable relative to the catheter body through a rail wire system and actuation mechanism. The distal end of the laser delivery member can be advanced laterally away from the central axis along a rail wire when the actuation mechanism is actuated, transforming the fixed structure into a dynamic one that enables broader ablation areas while maintaining structural control
Solution Approach 2:
The laser delivery member is nested within the catheter housing and can be selectively deployed. The actuation mechanism including the plunger, spring, and rail wire system is integrated within the catheter structure, allowing the laser delivery member to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed when needed for ablation
2Area of moving object
If the laser delivery member is advanced along a rail wire system, then the ablation area is enlarged, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded actuation mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the plunger is released, the spring automatically propels the laser delivery member forward along the rail wire without requiring continuous external force or complex control systems, simplifying the overall control architecture while achieving the desired lateral advancement
Solution Approach 2:
The rail wire acts as an intermediary element that guides and constrains the movement of the laser delivery member. This simple mechanical guide structure enables precise lateral advancement along a controlled path without requiring complex positioning systems or multiple actuators
3Area of moving object
If the distal end of the laser delivery member is positioned laterally away from the central axis, then broader ablation areas are achieved, but the positioning precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex task of positioning the laser delivery member laterally is replaced by a simple mechanical constraint system. The rail wire provides a predetermined track that guides the distal end to the desired lateral position, eliminating the need for complex positioning controls or measurements while ensuring accurate placement for ablation
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
This configuration enables the catheter to ablate larger areas than the distal end of the optical fibers, improving the effectiveness of laser ablation therapy by allowing for more extensive blockage removal in arterial disease treatment.
Implementation Method 1
using a spring-loaded mechanism for precise control
Implementation Method 2
The laser catheter contains one or more optical fibers, which transmit laser energy... sending bursts of ultraviolet light through the catheter and against the blockage, a process called 'ablation'
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a catheter system comprising an elongated housing having a housing channel disposed between a first proximal end and a first distal end. The first distal end includes a ramp, having an inclining proximal section and an apex section, and a nose section. The catheter system further includes a rail wire channel in communication with the ramp but not the nose section and a laser delivery member being at least partially disposed within the housing channel and movable therein. In some embodiments, the catheter system includes a rail wire fixedly attached to and terminating at the first distal end of the elongated housing, wherein the rail wire extends through the rail wire channel, and wherein the laser delivery member is slidably coupled to the rail wire.