Wave Directing Device for Targeted Mechanical Energy Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive therapies using ultrasound or shock waves face challenges in accurately targeting lesions due to limitations in imaging methods and physical properties of the focusing wave, leading to insufficient energy density at the target site.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an external mechanical wave source and a wave directing device insertable into a vessel, which redirects and concentrates mechanical waves onto a lesion using reflective or refractive materials and adjustable shapes, such as concave or inflatable balloon designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive ultrasound or shock wave therapy is used to treat lesions, then the procedure is non-invasive and the mechanical wave source is outside the body, but the energy density at the target may be insufficient to accomplish the desired treatment
Solution Approach 1:
A wave directing device is introduced as an intermediary component that is insertable into the vessel and contains wave directing surfaces. This device acts as a mediator between the external mechanical wave source and the lesion, redirecting and concentrating the mechanical waves onto the lesion to achieve sufficient energy density while maintaining the non-invasive nature of the external source
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from purely external application to a combination of external generation and internal redirection by inserting a wave directing device into the vessel. This dimensional change allows the mechanical waves to be concentrated at the target site from within the vessel, achieving higher energy density without requiring the source to be invasive
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive mechanical wave therapy is used, then the source is outside the body, but the exact location of the target to be treated may be difficult to obtain due to limitations of the imaging method
Solution Approach 1:
The wave directing device serves as a physical intermediary that can be positioned within the vessel to precisely target the lesion. This device provides a tangible reference point that improves localization accuracy compared to relying solely on external imaging methods
3Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive mechanical wave therapy is used, then the source is outside the body, but the energy may not be focused at the exact desired target location due to physical limitations of the focusing wave and heterogeneities within tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The wave directing device with wave directing surfaces acts as an intermediary that physically redirects the mechanical waves. This device compensates for the physical limitations of external focusing by providing internal redirection surfaces that can precisely direct energy to the target location, overcoming tissue heterogeneities
Solution Approach 2:
The wave directing surfaces are designed with specific local geometries (concave, planar, or convex) tailored to redirect waves to specific target locations. This local customization of the wave directing surfaces allows precise focusing at the desired target while maintaining non-invasive external sourcing
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 system effectively delivers concentrated mechanical waves to the lesion, improving treatment efficacy by enhancing energy density and precision of targeting, while minimizing invasiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the wave directing device is adapted to reflect and concentrate the mechanical waves received from the external mechanical wave source
Implementation Method 2
the wave directing device comprises a least one section having one of a concave, hemi-spherical and parabolic shape... made of and coated with a reflective material having an acoustic impedance being greater that an acoustic impedance of water
Implementation Method 3
the wave directing device is adapted to refract the mechanical waves received from the external mechanical wave source... made of a material having an acoustic impedance being different from an acoustic impedance of water
Data Source
AI summary
A system for delivering mechanical waves to treat a lesion present in a vessel of a body, including an external mechanical wave source for generating mechanical waves from outside of the body, and a wave directing device insertable in the vessel, the wave directing device configured to receive the mechanical waves generated by the external mechanical wave source and to redirect the mechanical waves according to a target direction.