Single Probe With Disturber for Thrombus Disintegration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ultrasonic probe devices for disintegrating thrombi and clogs in cardiac and blood vessel surgeries are limited in efficacy, particularly in smaller work channels and require multiple devices for effective treatment.
Innovation Solution
A percutaneous surgical instrument featuring a single fixed probe with piezoelectric ceramic rings, a horn, and vibrational disturbers, controlled by a microprocessor-driven generator, which introduces additional low-frequency mechanical disturbances to enhance thrombus disintegration and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single fixed ultrasonic probe is used for disintegrating thrombus, then the device complexity is reduced, but the treatment efficacy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vibrational disturbers that generate mechanical vibrations at frequencies different from the ultrasonic frequency. These vibrations are transmitted to the probe tip to enhance the disintegration of thrombus by creating additional mechanical stress and cavitation effects, thereby improving treatment efficacy without adding more probes
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly combines multiple functional components including piezoelectric ceramic rings for ultrasonic generation, vibrational disturbers for mechanical vibration, and a horn structure for amplification. This composite structure integrates different vibration mechanisms into a single probe system, achieving enhanced efficacy while maintaining device simplicity
2Reliability
If additional vibrational disturbers are added to the probe, then the treatment efficacy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrational disturbers are integrated into the existing probe structure rather than being separate components. The disturbers are positioned within or attached to the horn assembly, merging the vibration generation function with the existing ultrasonic probe structure, thereby improving efficacy while minimizing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The single probe assembly performs multiple functions: ultrasonic wave generation via piezoelectric rings, mechanical vibration via disturbers, and vibration amplification via the horn. This multi-functional design allows one probe to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, improving efficacy without proportionally increasing complexity
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 instrument significantly improves the disintegration and removal of thrombi and clogs by increasing the efficacy of the ultrasonic treatment, allowing for effective use in small work channels and various endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator 4 comprises at least 2 piezoelectric crystals 18, that can be ceramic rings
Implementation Method 2
Fixed ultrasonic probe devices that operate in the frequencies 20-30 kHz range are best in disintegrating thrombus and clog using cavitations
Implementation Method 3
Fixed ultrasonic probe devices that operate in the frequencies 20-30 kHz range
Implementation Method 4
sweeping around resonant frequency introduces a disturbance which gives even better performance for disintegration
Implementation Method 5
sweeping around resonant frequency introduces a disturbance
Data Source
AI summary
A single probe percutaneous surgical instrument for de-bulking/removing thrombus/clog/calculi has an actuator assembly (4), a probe set (13), an operating switch (10), and a generator (12). The actuator assembly (4) has a proximal end (4a) and a distal end (4b), a cable connector (1), a suction connector (2), and actuator switch (3) mounted with the proximal end (4a) and a horn (5) mounted at the distal end (4b). The probe set (13) is mounted to the horn (5) and includes at least one disturber (6), a spring (7), a 10 spring adjusting nut (8) and a fixed probe (9), the cable connector (1) connecting to the generator (12) through a cable, and the suction connector (2) connecting to a suction system. The actuator switch (3) controls a probe vibration mode through the generator (12), the actuator assembly (4) comprising at least two piezoelectric ceramic rings (18) assembled with a bolt (15), the horn (5) and a back plated (16). The horn (5) is mounted on the distal end (4b) of the actuator assembly (4), the horn (5) being coupled with the bolt (15) and the piezoelectric rings (18), the at least one disturber (6) and the spring (7) being mounted on the fixed probe (9) using the spring adjusting nut (8). The generator (12) includes a microprocessor and the microprocessor is programmed to control the actuator vibration mode, the fixed probe optimal vibration frequency and the disturbing strength of the disturbers.