Single-Layer Shock Wave Electrodes for Flexible Catheter Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lithotripsy electrodes face challenges in accessing and generating sufficient sonic output to treat various locations in the vasculature for angioplasty and valvuloplasty procedures, particularly due to the dependence on plasma arcs across insulating layers, which limits flexibility and steerability.
Innovation Solution
The development of single-layer shock wave electrodes with coplanar configurations and spark gaps between electrodes, reducing the need for additional insulating layers and minimizing the number of wires, allowing for more flexible and navigable catheters that can generate multiple shock waves along their length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional multi-layer electrode designs with insulating layers are used, then plasma arcs can be generated, but the catheter flexibility and steerability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the insulating layer from the electrode design, extracting the component that was causing the catheter to be less flexible. The electrodes are placed directly against the balloon surface without requiring an insulating barrier, thereby improving catheter steerability while maintaining shock wave generation capability through direct plasma arc formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a multi-layer three-dimensional electrode structure to a single-layer configuration where electrodes are positioned directly on the balloon surface. This dimensional simplification reduces the overall catheter profile and improves flexibility without compromising the plasma arc generation capability.
2Reliability
If multiple insulating layers are used in electrode design, then plasma arcs can form, but the number of wires and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the insulating layers from the electrode assembly, eliminating the need for additional wires that would be required to insulate and position electrodes. This reduction in components simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to generate plasma arcs for shock wave production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrode function with the balloon surface by placing electrodes directly against it, eliminating the need for separate insulating layers and associated wiring. This integration reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the device architecture.
3Reliability
If conventional electrode designs are used, then shock waves can be generated, but the ability to access various vascular locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic electrode configuration where the electrode position and spark gap dimensions can be adjusted during procedures. The electrodes are designed to be repositionable on the balloon surface, allowing adaptation to different vascular locations and lesion types, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining reliable shock wave generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different regions of the electrode assembly to have different properties - the electrodes themselves are conductive for plasma arc generation, while the balloon surface provides the necessary flexibility and positioning. This localized differentiation enables the system to adapt to various vascular locations without compromising shock wave generation capability.
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 single-layer design enhances the flexibility and steerability of the catheter, enabling it to navigate smaller vascular structures and generate multiple shock waves efficiently, improving treatment efficacy in angioplasty and valvuloplasty procedures.
Implementation Method 1
When a high voltage is applied across the electrode pair, a plasma arc forms between them, giving rise to a steam bubble in the fluid
Implementation Method 2
A first shock wave occurs when the steam bubble first forms and a second shock wave occurs as the steam bubble collapses
Implementation Method 3
a steam bubble in the fluid... the steam bubble first forms and a second shock wave occurs as the steam bubble collapses
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein shock wave catheters comprising one or more shock wave electrodes for cracking calcifications located within blood vessels. In some variations, a shock wave catheter has first and second shock wave electrodes each circumferentially disposed over the outer surface of the catheter. In certain variations, the first electrode has a recess and the second electrode has a protrusion that is received by the recess and a spark gap is located along the separation between the recess and the protrusion. The second electrode can also have a recess that receives a protrusion from a third shock wave electrode, where the separation between the second and third electrodes along the separation between the recess and the protrusion forms a second spark gap. A shock wave can be initiated across these spark gaps when a voltage is applied over the electrodes.