Wearable Shock Wave Device for Cardiovascular Therapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for measuring cardiac function and generating extracorporeal shock waves for cardiovascular therapy are costly, error-prone, and require specialized training, with limited portability and adaptability to individual patient needs, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and increased risk of hospital-acquired infections.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device equipped with cardiac sensors, shock wave transducers, and a processor that can non-invasively acquire cardiac data, generate extracorporeal shock waves, and adjust therapy parameters based on individual patient characteristics, using a combination of low-frequency and high-frequency ultrasound to provide personalized and adaptive treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high intensity focused ultrasound is used to treat cardiovascular diseases, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the risk of non-target injury and undesired lesions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using low-frequency ultrasound (below 20 kHz) instead of conventional high-frequency ultrasound, and by delivering energy over extended periods (minutes to hours) rather than short pulses. This fundamental parameter change allows the ultrasound to penetrate deeper into tissues while generating primarily mechanical effects rather than thermal effects, thereby achieving therapeutic effectiveness without the harmful thermal lesions associated with high-intensity focused ultrasound
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through continuous or near-continuous low-frequency ultrasound delivery over extended periods. The ultrasound is delivered in a sustained manner rather than as intermittent high-intensity pulses, allowing the tissue to respond gradually to mechanical stimulation while avoiding the thermal accumulation that would occur with high-intensity pulsed ultrasound. This periodic delivery pattern enables safe, sustained treatment of cardiovascular diseases
2Reliability
If conventional ultrasound therapy is administered in clinical environments, then therapeutic outcomes are achieved, but hospital-acquired infections risk increases and patient convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling patients to perform ultrasound therapy on themselves using a portable, wearable device. The device is designed to be operated by patients without requiring specialized training or clinical supervision, allowing them to conduct therapy in their own homes or daily environments. This eliminates the need for patients to visit hospitals or clinics for treatment, thereby removing the risk of hospital-acquired infections while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of clinical hospital-based therapy delivery with a portable wearable device that can be used in various non-clinical settings. This substitution allows therapy to be administered in patients' homes, workplaces, or other familiar environments, eliminating the need for patients to travel to and visit healthcare facilities, thereby reducing exposure to hospital-acquired infections
3Reliability
If existing ultrasound systems are used for cardiovascular therapy, then treatment can be provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of using simpler, more affordable technology components that can be integrated into a portable wearable device. Instead of using complex, expensive high-intensity focused ultrasound systems, the invention employs simpler low-frequency ultrasound transducers that can be miniaturized and integrated into wearable form factors, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining therapeutic capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a wearable ultrasound device that can be used across different patient populations and treatment scenarios. The device is designed to be universally applicable for various cardiovascular conditions and can be used by patients independently, eliminating the need for specialized clinical equipment and reducing overall system complexity and cost
4Ease of operation
If standardized ultrasound protocols are applied to all patients, then treatment delivery is simplified, but adaptability to individual patient needs decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing adjustable and reconfigurable ultrasound parameters that can be modified based on individual patient characteristics. The device allows customization of frequency, duration, and intensity parameters to match each patient's specific needs, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high adaptability. The system can dynamically adjust treatment parameters without complicating the user interface or requiring complex manual configuration
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 wearable device enables efficient, personalized, and adaptive ultrasound therapy that minimizes adverse effects, reduces the need for hospital visits, and improves therapeutic outcomes for cardiovascular diseases by providing controlled biological effects and precise targeting of cardiac areas without requiring specialized training.
Implementation Method 1
A wearable device for generating extracorporeal shock waves... shock wave transducer units can be provided in order to generate extracorporeal shock waves
Implementation Method 2
at least one cardiac sensor, such as an ultrasound sensor, e.g. an ultrasound receiver, for non-invasively acquiring cardiac data
Data Source
AI summary
A wearable device for generating extracorporeal shock waves in a thoracic region of a user includes a shock wave transducer unit to generate extracorporeal shock waves and configured to be placed on the skin of the user to apply shock wave therap. At least one proximity sensor measures the proximity of the shock wave transducer unit relative to the user's skin. A positioning mechanism is configured to controllably position the shock wave transducer unit. A processor is configured to transmit information to the shock wave transducer unit for generating extracorporeal shock waves.