Tapered Liquid Light Guide Catheter Tip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical laser catheters face challenges in effectively ablating calcified endovascular lesions due to insufficient energy density, particularly when using pulsed or continuous-wave light across a wide wavelength range.
Innovation Solution
A tapered liquid light guide system is introduced, featuring a catheter tip or sheath with a tapered structure that narrows the laser beam cross-section, increasing energy density by using a biocompatible liquid medium with a higher refractive index than the material, facilitating internal reflection and concentration of light at the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a standard cylindrical catheter tip is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the energy density of laser light is insufficient for effective ablation of calcified lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip transitions from a cylindrical shape to a tapered shape, changing the geometric parameters along its length. This parameter change causes the laser beam cross-section to decrease from proximal to distal end, thereby increasing energy density at the target without requiring complex additional components
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a dimensional aspect to the catheter tip by creating a tapered geometry that varies the beam cross-section along the longitudinal axis. This dimensional change enables energy concentration at the distal end while maintaining a relatively simple single-piece structure
2Use of energy by moving object
If the catheter tip narrows the laser beam to increase energy density, then ablation effectiveness improves, but the risk of energy dispersion or loss of total internal reflection may increase
Solution Approach 1:
By carefully controlling the taper angle and maintaining specific refractive index relationships between the liquid medium and catheter wall materials, the design preserves total internal reflection conditions throughout the tapered section. This ensures energy concentration without significant loss
Solution Approach 2:
The use of biocompatible liquid media (such as saline or contrast agents) that can be easily replenished or replaced allows for optimized optical properties without concern for long-term material degradation. The liquid medium can be changed to maintain optimal refractive index matching
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 tapered design enhances the energy density of laser light, improving the ability to ablate stubborn lesions by maintaining total internal reflection and concentrating light, thereby increasing the effectiveness of laser treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular walls may comprise a material with an index of refractive approximately less than or equal to the index of refraction of the liquid medium
Implementation Method 2
The proximal inside diameter may be greater than the distal inside diameter. The tubular walls may include at least an inside taper from the proximal end to the distal end such that the inner tubular walls generally taper from the proximal inside diameter to the distal inside diameter
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter tip is provided according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The catheter tip may comprise a distal end, a proximal end, and tubular walls. The distal end includes a distal aperture with a distal inside diameter, and the proximal end includes a proximal aperture with a proximal inside diameter. The proximal inside diameter may be greater than the distal inside diameter. The proximal end comprises attachment means configured to couple the proximal end with a distal end of a laser catheter. The tubular walls may include at least an inside taper from the proximal end to the distal end such that the inner tubular walls generally taper from the proximal inside diameter to the distal inside diameter. Moreover, the tubular walls may be configured to direct at least a liquid medium, for example, a biocompatible solution, toward the distal aperture.