Forward-Directed Shock Wave Catheter With Constructive Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shock wave devices are limited in their ability to generate powerful shock waves in a forward direction due to their configuration and inability to withstand high voltages, and they often have a limited number of emitters, reducing the effectiveness in treating dense calcifications such as Mitral Annular Calcification (MAC) and Chronic Total Occlusions (CTOs).
Innovation Solution
The development of a catheter with a plurality of shock wave emitters at its distal end, each with electrodes separated by a spark gap, configured to generate shock waves that propagate forward and constructively interfere, capable of withstanding high voltages up to 20 kV, and optionally enclosed in a conductive fluid to enhance treatment efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If existing shock wave devices use a limited number of emitters, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate powerful forward-directed shock waves is insufficient for treating dense calcifications
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the shock wave generation function into multiple independent emitters (at least three) arranged along the catheter body. Each emitter can be independently controlled to generate shock waves that propagate in the forward direction. This segmentation allows the device to achieve higher cumulative compressive force by combining the output of multiple emitters, directly resolving the contradiction between force magnitude and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the shock wave outputs from multiple emitters through constructive interference in the forward propagation direction. By synchronizing the emission timing and phase of multiple emitters, the shock waves combine to produce amplified compressive force. This merging principle enables the system to achieve powerful forward-directed shock waves without proportionally increasing device complexity, as the emitters work cooperatively rather than independently.
2Force
If existing shock wave devices cannot withstand high voltages, then device safety is improved, but the ability to generate powerful shock waves is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by providing individual voltage withstanding protection for each emitter rather than requiring the entire device to withstand maximum voltage simultaneously. Each emitter is designed with localized insulation and voltage protection mechanisms, allowing high voltage (up to 20 kV) to be applied safely to individual emitters. This localized approach enables high shock wave power generation while maintaining overall device reliability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic voltage control where voltage is applied selectively and temporarily to individual emitters only when needed for shock wave generation. The voltage application is pulsed and controlled, with each emitter being activated in sequence or in coordinated patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high shock wave power when required while maintaining safety through controlled, temporary voltage application rather than continuous high voltage exposure.
3Force
If existing shock wave devices emit shock waves radially, then treatment of circumferential plaque is effective, but forward-directed treatment of dense calcifications is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs asymmetric emitter configuration and shock wave propagation geometry. Instead of symmetric radial emission from a central point, the emitters are arranged linearly or in an asymmetric pattern along the catheter body, with each emitter generating shock waves that propagate preferentially in the forward direction. This asymmetric arrangement is optimized to concentrate compressive force forward, enabling effective treatment of dense calcifications while being manufacturable using standard catheter fabrication techniques.
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 catheter generates powerful, forward-directed shock waves that effectively break up dense calcifications and obstructions by amplifying compressive force through constructive interference, providing a safer and more efficient treatment for conditions like MAC and CTOs.
Implementation Method 1
The calcified plaque modification is achieved by creating acoustic shock waves within the catheter by an electrical discharge across the electrodes. The energy from this electrical discharge enters the surrounding fluid faster than the speed of sound, generating an acoustic shock wave.
Implementation Method 2
In addition, the energy creates one or more rapidly expanding and collapsing vapor bubbles that generate secondary shock waves.
Implementation Method 3
For laser generation of acoustic shock waves, a laser pulse is transmitted into and absorbed by a fluid within the catheter. This absorption process rapidly heats and vaporizes the fluid, thereby generating the rapidly expanding and collapsing vapor bubble, as well as the acoustic shock waves
Implementation Method 4
The shock waves propagate radially outward and modify calcified plaque within the blood vessels. The acoustic pressure from the shock waves can crack and disrupt lesions near the angioplasty balloon without harming the surrounding tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary catheter for use in a body lumen comprises: a catheter body; and a plurality of shock wave emitters disposed at a distal end of the catheter body, each shock wave emitter configured to generate a shock wave that propagates distally of the catheter body, wherein the plurality of shock wave emitters are arrayed about a longitudinal axis of the catheter body such that shock waves emitted from the plurality of shock wave emitters can constructively interfere distally of the catheter body, and wherein each shock wave emitter comprises electrodes separated by a spark gap and at least one electrical connector that connects at least one of the electrodes to an electrode of another shock wave emitter of the plurality of shock wave emitters.