Ultrasonic Probe with Angled Blunt Tip for Kidney Stone Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic energy transmission systems for tissue ablation face challenges such as lumen clogging during aspiration, inefficient fragmentation of calculi, and the risk of calculus migration due to sharp tips, which complicate procedures and reduce the effectiveness of ultrasonic energy delivery in medical applications like kidney stone removal.
Innovation Solution
A transmission member with a concave engagement surface and a distal end surface angled between 75 degrees and 105 degrees is used to engage and stabilize target tissue within a bodily lumen, preventing movement and facilitating efficient ultrasonic energy delivery while maintaining an open lumen for aspiration, and optionally, a sheath is employed to further control tissue position and reduce the risk of lumen obstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a sharp distal end is used to break up occlusions, then the ability to break up or pass through occlusion is improved, but the risk of puncturing the ureter increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a sharp tip to break up the calculus, the patent uses a blunt distal end surface that engages the calculus and uses ultrasonic vibration to fragment it. The blunt end prevents puncturing while the ultrasonic energy delivers the mechanical force needed for fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical sharp-tip fragmentation mechanism with ultrasonic vibration. The transmission member delivers ultrasonic energy that causes the calculus to vibrate and fragment, eliminating the need for a sharp mechanical tip.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the ultrasonic probe is placed into contact with the calculus for fragmentation, then ultrasonic energy delivery is improved, but the lumen opening becomes clogged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the calculus into smaller fragments through ultrasonic vibration, and the transmission member geometry allows these fragments to be aspirated through the lumen. The lumen is designed with sufficient diameter to accommodate fragment passage while maintaining engagement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member acts as an intermediary that delivers ultrasonic energy to the calculus while allowing aspiration flow through its lumen. The engagement surface contacts the calculus for energy transfer, while the lumen remains open for fragment removal.
3Productivity
If contact between the distal end of the probe and the calculus is maintained for efficient energy delivery, then ultrasonic energy delivery efficiency is improved, but the calculus may migrate proximally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a concave engagement surface on the distal end of the transmission member that conforms to the curvature of the calculus. This curved surface maintains stable contact for ultrasonic energy delivery while distributing force to prevent calculus migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the distal end, specifically using a concave surface with specific radius of curvature and an angled distal end surface (75-105 degrees), to optimize both engagement stability and energy delivery efficiency.
4Reliability
If a basket is used to collect and retrieve the calculus, then the calculus can be removed from the ureter, but the procedure becomes time consuming and complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fragmentation function and the removal function into a single integrated transmission member. The same device that fragments the calculus through ultrasonic energy also allows aspiration of fragments through its lumen, eliminating the need for separate basket retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission member serves multiple functions: it delivers ultrasonic energy for fragmentation, engages the calculus to prevent migration, and provides a lumen for aspiration of fragments. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall procedure.
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 solution effectively limits calculus movement, enhances ultrasonic energy delivery efficiency, reduces the risk of lumen obstruction, and minimizes the risk of tissue damage, allowing for faster and more reliable fragmentation and aspiration of calculi without the need for sharp tips.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission member is configured to transfer ultrasonic energy from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion
Implementation Method 2
Ultrasonic energy propagates through the transmission member as a periodic wave thereby causing the distal head to vibrate
Implementation Method 3
The engagement surface is configured to engage a target tissue within the bodily lumen to limit movement of the target tissue along the longitudinal center line
Implementation Method 4
The calculus fragments are then aspirated out of the body through a lumen of the probe
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a transmission member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The transmission member is configured to be inserted into a bodily lumen, and is configured to transfer ultrasonic energy from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The transmission member defines a lumen along a longitudinal center line of the transmission member. The distal end portion of the transmission member includes a concave engagement surface and a distal end surface. The distal end surface defines a plane that intersects the longitudinal center line of the transmission member at an angle of between about 75 degrees and about 105 degrees. The engagement surface is configured to engage a target tissue within the bodily lumen to limit movement of the target tissue along the longitudinal center line. The engagement surface defines an opening in fluid communication with the lumen.