Tapered Lithotripsy Probe for Small Passage Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lithotripsy probes face challenges in small bodily passages due to large outer diameters, which lead to kinking and reduced power transmission, and lack fine motor control, increasing the risk of tissue damage and procedural complexity.
Innovation Solution
A probe design with a tapered outer diameter and a handle system providing fine motor control, allowing for precise navigation and energy transmission while minimizing the risk of kinking and tissue damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a probe with a large outer diameter is used to transmit sufficient power, then power transmission capability is improved, but the probe is more likely to kink and cannot be used in small bodily passages
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into multiple sections with different outer diameters along its length. The proximal portion has a larger outer diameter for effective power transmission, while the distal portion has a smaller outer diameter for navigation in small bodily passages. This segmentation allows the probe to simultaneously achieve both power transmission capability and ease of operation in constrained anatomical spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the probe are designed with different diameters to optimize local functions. The proximal portion is designed with a larger diameter to provide structural integrity and power transmission, while the distal portion is designed with a smaller diameter to facilitate navigation through small bodily passages. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between power transmission and ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a probe with a small outer diameter is used to navigate small bodily passages, then ease of operation is improved, but power transmission capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into proximal and distal portions with different diameters. The distal portion has a smaller outer diameter optimized for navigating small bodily passages, while the proximal portion maintains a larger outer diameter to ensure adequate power transmission capability. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe employs local quality differentiation where the distal portion is designed with smaller diameter for ease of operation in constrained spaces, while the proximal portion is designed with larger diameter for effective power transmission. This localized optimization resolves the contradiction between navigability and power transmission.
3Ease of operation
If the firing handle is manipulated to adjust probe length, then probe positioning is achieved, but fine motor control is lost increasing risk of tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
An elongate tubular member is introduced as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the probe. This tubular member provides a larger diameter interface that enables fine motor control while adjusting probe length and positioning. The intermediary structure allows precise manipulation without the risks associated with directly manipulating the small-diameter probe or the firing handle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the scope is manipulated to reach stones beyond curves, then stone accessibility is improved, but the optics become obstructed preventing visualization
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented with a tapered design where the distal portion has a smaller diameter that can navigate beyond anatomical curves and offsets. This segmentation allows the probe to reach stones in difficult-to-access locations while the scope remains in its normal position with unobstructed optics for visualization.
Data Source
AI summary
Various medical devices are described herein. More particularly, various probes used for performing lithotripsy and methods of performing lithotripsy are described. In an example, a probe comprises an elongate member comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. The proximal portion has an outer diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion.