Shock Wave Catheter Shock Absorber for High-Output IVL Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) devices face challenges in effectively treating larger body lumens like the aortic valve and eccentric lesions due to the degradation of shock wave emitters under high sonic output, leading to faster device failure and reduced longevity.
Innovation Solution
The IVL catheter incorporates a shock wave generating region with a conductive wire, inner tube, outer band, and a shock absorber made of a polymer material with a Shore A hardness value no greater than 100, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, to withstand high voltage and pressure, and an enclosure that transmits shock waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high sonic output is used to treat larger body lumens and eccentric lesions, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but shock wave emitter degradation accelerates and device longevity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a shock absorber made of low durometer material (e.g., silicone rubber, polyurethane foam) that pre-absorbs shock waves before they reach the emitter assembly. This protective cushioning layer is positioned between the treatment site and the shock wave generator, allowing high sonic output for effective treatment while preventing damage to the emitter, thereby resolving the contradiction between treatment effectiveness and device longevity
2Power
If high voltage is applied to generate shock waves, then plaque modification capability is improved, but structural degradation of the catheter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies intermediary by introducing a shock-absorbing material as a mediator between the high voltage shock wave generator and the catheter structure. This intermediary layer absorbs and dissipates the mechanical stress and heat generated by high voltage discharge, allowing intense shock waves for effective plaque modification while protecting the catheter structure from degradation
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 shock absorber enhances the durability and longevity of the catheter by distributing pressure and heat, preventing structural degradation, thus maintaining effective treatment of calcified lesions in larger vessels and eccentric lesions.
Implementation Method 1
The shock absorber may have an aperture aligned with the inner electrode and may include a polymer material having a Shore A hardness value no greater than 100
Implementation Method 2
For electrohydraulic generation of acoustic shock waves, a conductive solution (e.g., saline) may be contained within an enclosure that surrounds electrodes or can be flushed through a tube that surrounds the electrodes. The calcified plaque modification is achieved by creating acoustic shock waves within the catheter by an electrical discharge across the electrodes.
Data Source
AI summary
A shock wave catheter includes an elongate member and a shock wave emitter assembly located at a distal region of the elongate member. The shock wave emitter assembly includes a shock absorber made of a low durometer material. A shock wave catheter system includes a shock wave catheter with a shock absorber and a high voltage power supply configured to generate high voltage pulses. A method for treating a lesion in a body lumen includes generating shock waves with a shock wave catheter system that includes a shock wave catheter with a shock absorber.