Description:
[0042] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which the specific embodiments that may be practiced is shown by way of illustration. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and it is to be understood that the logical, mechanical and other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments. The following detailed description is therefore not to be taken in a limiting sense.
[0043] The present invention relates to a piston-driven shock wave generation device configured for therapeutic applications, particularly for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The device is designed to generate controlled shock waves using compressed gas dynamics within a shock tube arrangement and to deliver such shock waves through a hand-held unit to a treatment site without expelling the working medium, thereby ensuring safe and effective operation.
[0044] Erectile dysfunction is commonly associated with impaired blood flow and reduced vascularization within penile tissue. Therapeutic approaches aimed at stimulating angiogenesis and enhancing tissue regeneration have been explored to address such conditions. Shock wave therapy has emerged as a non-invasive technique capable of inducing such biological responses by applying controlled mechanical waves to the affected region.
[0045] Conventional systems for shock wave generation are primarily derived from extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy technologies, which utilize electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric mechanisms to generate acoustic waves. These systems are generally optimized for disintegration of renal calculi and are not specifically engineered for controlled therapeutic applications such as treatment of erectile dysfunction.
[0046] Electrohydraulic systems typically employ spark discharge within a liquid medium to generate high-energy shock waves. Electromagnetic systems rely on rapidly changing magnetic fields to induce pressure waves, while piezoelectric systems utilize arrays of crystals to generate acoustic pulses. These mechanisms inherently produce focused and high-energy waves designed for fragmentation purposes rather than controlled therapeutic stimulation.
[0047] Electrohydraulic systems typically employ spark discharge within a liquid medium to generate high-energy shock waves. Electromagnetic systems rely on rapidly changing magnetic fields to induce pressure waves, while piezoelectric systems utilize arrays of crystals to generate acoustic pulses. These mechanisms inherently produce focused and high-energy waves designed for fragmentation purposes rather than controlled therapeutic stimulation.
[0048] Further, the waveform characteristics and energy profiles produced by these conventional systems are often limited by their underlying design and operational principles. The ability to dynamically adjust the shock wave profile, including amplitude and propagation characteristics, is constrained, thereby reducing their effectiveness for tailored therapeutic applications.
[0049] Additionally, conventional shock wave devices typically require a large number of pulses to achieve clinically meaningful outcomes. This results in extended treatment durations and increased operational complexity, which may affect patient compliance and overall efficiency of the treatment process.
[0050] Another limitation associated with existing systems is their relatively large size, high installation costs, and requirement for complex infrastructure. Such factors limit the accessibility and cost-effectiveness of shock wave therapy, particularly in settings where compact and portable solutions are desirable.
[0051] Moreover, existing devices are generally unable to generate a substantially planar blast wave or a waveform closely resembling a Friedlander-type profile at the point of delivery. Such waveforms are considered advantageous for controlled and uniform energy deposition across the treatment area.
[0052] In view of the aforementioned limitations, there exists a need for a shock wave generation device that is capable of producing controlled, reproducible, and adjustable shock waves suitable for therapeutic applications, while minimizing collateral tissue damage and reducing operational complexity.
[0053] The present invention addresses these requirements by providing a piston-driven shock wave generation device that utilizes compressed gas dynamics within a shock tube configuration. The device comprises a control unit and a hand-held unit, wherein the control unit is configured to supply pressurized gas and vacuum conditions required for operation of the hand-held unit.
[0054] In the control unit, an air compressor is provided to generate and store pressurized gas within a reservoir. The pressurized gas is supplied to the hand-held unit through a suitable conduit. Additionally, a vacuum reservoir connected to a vacuum pump is provided to facilitate resetting of the piston within the hand-held unit after each operational cycle.
[0055] The hand-held unit comprises a driver section and a driven section arranged in a shock tube configuration. A high-speed valve is positioned between the driver section and the driven section to enable instantaneous release of pressurized gas from the driver section into the driven section.
[0056] Upon actuation of the high-speed valve, the pressurized gas from the driver section is released into the driven section, thereby generating a shock wave within the device. The rapid pressure differential created by this release initiates movement of a piston positioned within the driven section.
[0057] The piston is initially positioned at the start of the driven section and is configured to move at a subsonic speed upon interaction with the generated shock wave. The controlled motion of the piston is a key aspect of the invention, enabling generation of a secondary shock wave through mechanical interaction.
[0058] At the distal end of the driven section, a liquid column is provided. The piston impacts the liquid column, resulting in the generation of a shock wave that propagates through the liquid medium and exits the device at the treatment interface.
[0059] In the present invention, only the generated shock wave is transmitted to the treatment site, while the working gas used for generating the shock wave is retained within the device. This ensures that no gas medium is expelled toward the patient, thereby enhancing safety for both the operator and the patient.
[0060] Following each operational cycle, the piston is reset to its initial position using the vacuum system provided in the control unit. The vacuum pressure pulls the piston back to the top end of the driven section, thereby preparing the device for subsequent shock wave generation cycles.
[0061] The device is configured to operate within a pressure range of approximately 50 to 500 bar, thereby enabling generation of shock waves with varying energy levels depending on the therapeutic requirement. This provides flexibility in controlling the intensity and characteristics of the generated shock waves.
[0062] The present invention enables generation of shock waves with improved control over waveform characteristics, including amplitude and propagation behavior. The piston-driven mechanism allows for modulation of shock wave profiles, thereby facilitating delivery of energy in a controlled and reproducible manner.
[0063] The configuration of the device further enables generation of shock waves that approximate a planar blast wave profile at the point of delivery. Such a profile is advantageous for uniform distribution of energy across the treatment area, thereby enhancing therapeutic effectiveness.
[0064] Compared to conventional electrohydraulic, electromagnetic, and piezoelectric systems, the present invention provides a simplified mechanical approach to shock wave generation. The use of compressed gas and piston dynamics reduces reliance on complex electrical or acoustic systems.
[0065] The device is compact and requires minimal instrumentation and consumables, thereby reducing both initial installation costs and ongoing operational expenses. This makes the invention suitable for wider adoption in various clinical and therapeutic settings.
[0066] The controlled nature of shock wave generation in the present invention minimizes the risk of collateral tissue damage, as the energy levels and waveform characteristics can be tailored to the specific therapeutic application.
[0067] The ability to generate shock waves without expelling the working medium further enhances the safety profile of the device, ensuring that only the intended mechanical energy is delivered to the treatment site.
[0068] The present invention thus overcomes the limitations associated with conventional shock wave generation systems by providing a controlled, safe, and cost-effective solution for therapeutic applications.
[0069] The device is particularly useful for treatment of erectile dysfunction by enabling effective stimulation of tissue through controlled shock wave delivery, thereby supporting angiogenesis and improved blood flow.
[0070] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic overview of a piston-driven shock wave generation device comprising a control unit 100 operatively connected to a hand-held device 101, which is configured to deliver generated shock waves to a target treatment site represented as penile tissue 102. The illustrated arrangement depicts a system-level configuration wherein generation, control, and delivery functions are segregated yet functionally integrated.
[0071] The control unit 100 is configured as a centralized module responsible for generating and regulating operational parameters required for the device. In an embodiment, the control unit 100 includes mechanisms for generating pressurized gas and vacuum conditions necessary for operation of the hand-held device 101. The control unit 100 further facilitates controlled supply and regulation of such parameters through suitable conduits.
[0072] The hand-held device 101 is operatively connected to the control unit 100 and is configured to receive pressurized gas and associated control inputs. The hand-held device 101 functions as the primary interface for shock wave generation and delivery, wherein internal components of the hand-held device 101 generate shock waves that are subsequently transmitted toward the treatment site.
[0073] The distal end of the hand-held device 101 is positioned in proximity to the penile tissue 102, which represents the intended treatment region. The arrangement ensures that shock waves generated within the hand-held device 101 are directed toward the penile tissue 102 in a controlled manner, thereby enabling therapeutic application without direct emission of the working medium.
[0074] The overall configuration depicted in FIG. 1 demonstrates a compact and integrated system architecture wherein the control unit 100 and the hand-held device 101 operate in coordination to generate and deliver controlled shock waves to the penile tissue 102, thereby facilitating therapeutic treatment while maintaining operational safety and efficiency.
[0075] FIG. 2 illustrates a detailed schematic representation of a piston-driven shock wave generation device comprising a control unit 100 operatively connected to a hand-held device 101 for delivering shock waves to a treatment region represented as penile tissue 102. The configuration depicts integration of control, pneumatic actuation, and shock wave delivery subsystems.
[0076] The control unit 100 comprises a human-machine interface (HMI) display 201 configured to provide user interaction, monitoring, and control of operational parameters. The HMI display 201 enables input of treatment settings and displays relevant system conditions, thereby facilitating controlled operation of the device during therapeutic procedures.
[0077] The control unit 100 further includes an electronic control unit 202 configured to process input signals received via the HMI display 201 and to regulate the operation of the pneumatic system 203. The electronic control unit 202 ensures synchronization of gas flow, valve actuation, and piston movement for controlled shock wave generation.
[0078] The pneumatic system 203 within the control unit 100 is configured to manage pressurized gas supply and vacuum generation required for operation of the hand-held device 101. The pneumatic system 203 is operatively connected to a compressor 204 and a vacuum chamber 205 to facilitate both forward actuation and resetting functions.
[0079] The compressor 204 is configured to generate and store pressurized gas, which is supplied to the hand-held device 101 through a conduit. The generated pressure is maintained within a predefined range to ensure controlled release of gas for consistent shock wave generation during operation.
[0080] The vacuum chamber 205 is configured to generate vacuum pressure required to reset the piston 209 within the hand-held device 101 after each operational cycle. The vacuum chamber 205 ensures that the piston 209 is repositioned to an initial state for subsequent shock wave generation.
[0081] The hand-held device 101 comprises a driver section 206 configured to receive pressurized gas from the control unit 100. The driver section 206 acts as a high-pressure region from which gas is released to initiate the shock wave generation process within the device.
[0082] A high-speed valve 207 is positioned between the driver section 206 and a driven section 208. The high-speed valve 207 is configured to enable instantaneous release of pressurized gas from the driver section 206 into the driven section 208, thereby generating a primary shock wave.
[0083] The driven section 208 houses a piston 209 that is initially positioned at a proximal end of the driven section 208. Upon release of pressurized gas through the high-speed valve 207, the generated shock wave imparts momentum to the piston 209, causing it to move in a controlled manner.
[0084] The piston 209 travels within the driven section 208 at a subsonic velocity and is directed toward a cartridge 210 located at a distal end of the hand-held device 101. The motion of the piston 209 is governed by the pressure differential generated within the device.
[0085] The cartridge 210 comprises a liquid column arranged to receive impact from the piston 209. Upon impact, the kinetic energy of the piston 209 is transferred to the liquid column, resulting in the generation of a secondary shock wave that propagates toward the distal end of the device.
[0086] The generated shock wave is transmitted through the cartridge 210 and exits the hand-held device 101 at an interface provided with a cloth dressing 211. The cloth dressing 211 is configured to facilitate safe and hygienic contact between the device and the penile tissue 102.
[0087] The arrangement ensures that only the generated shock wave is delivered to the penile tissue 102, while the pressurized gas used for generating the shock wave remains confined within the device. This configuration enhances operational safety and prevents exposure of the treatment site to the working medium.
[0088] Following delivery of the shock wave, the piston 209 is returned to its initial position within the driven section 208 through application of vacuum pressure generated by the vacuum chamber 205. This resetting mechanism enables repeated operation of the device for successive treatment cycles.
[0089] The coordinated operation of the control unit 100 and the hand-held device 101 ensures controlled generation, delivery, and repetition of shock waves, thereby providing an efficient and reliable system for therapeutic treatment of erectile dysfunction at the penile tissue 102.

[0090] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood that various modifications and adaptations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
, Claims:We claim
1. A piston-driven shock wave generation device (100) for therapeutic treatment of erectile dysfunction, comprising:
a control unit (100) configured to generate and regulate pressurized gas and vacuum conditions;
a hand-held device (101) operatively connected to the control unit (100);
a driver section (206) configured to receive pressurized gas from the control unit (100);
a high-speed valve (207) disposed between the driver section (206) and a driven section (208), wherein the high-speed valve (207) is configured to release pressurized gas instantaneously;
a piston (209) positioned within the driven section (208); and
a cartridge (210) comprising a liquid column disposed at a distal end of the driven section (208),
wherein release of pressurized gas from the driver section (206) into the driven section (208) causes movement of the piston (209) to impact the liquid column in the cartridge (210) to generate a shock wave,
and wherein the generated shock wave is delivered through the hand-held device (101) to a treatment region (102) without expulsion of the pressurized gas.
2. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (100) comprises a compressor (204) configured to generate and store pressurized gas and a vacuum chamber (205) configured to generate vacuum pressure for resetting the piston (209) after each operational cycle.
3. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (100) further comprises an electronic control unit (202) configured to control operation of the high-speed valve (207), the compressor (204), and the vacuum chamber (205) in a synchronized manner.
4. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (100) comprises a human-machine interface (HMI) display (201) configured to receive input parameters and display operational conditions of the device.
5. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston (209) is configured to move within the driven section (208) at a controlled subsonic velocity upon release of pressurized gas.
6. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cartridge (210) comprises a liquid medium configured to convert kinetic energy of the piston (209) into a propagating shock wave.
7. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the hand-held device (101) further comprises a cloth dressing (211) disposed at an output end and configured to interface with the treatment region (102).
8. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pressurized gas is supplied to the driver section (206) within an operating pressure range of 50 to 500 bar.
9. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber (205) is configured to reposition the piston (209) to an initial position within the driven section (208 after each shock wave generation cycle.
10. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the high-speed valve (207) is configured to enable rapid pressure equalization between the driver section (206) and the driven section (208) to initiate shock wave generation.
11. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the generated shock wave approximates a planar blast wave profile at an output of the hand-held device (101).
12. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is configured such that only the generated shock wave is transmitted to the treatment region (102), while the working gas remains confined within the device.
13. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (100) and the hand-held device (101) are connected through a conduit configured to supply pressurized gas and vacuum conditions.
14. The device (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the piston (209), the driven section (208), and the cartridge (210) are configured to generate a controlled and reproducible shock wave suitable for therapeutic stimulation of biological tissue.
15. A method for generating and delivering shock waves for therapeutic treatment using the device (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
supplying pressurized gas from the control unit (100) to the driver section (206);
actuating the high-speed valve (207) to release pressurized gas into the driven section (208);
moving the piston (209) within the driven section (208) toward the cartridge (210);
impacting the piston (209) on a liquid column within the cartridge (210) to generate a shock wave;
delivering the generated shock wave through the hand-held device (101) to a treatment region (102); and
resetting the piston (209) to an initial position using vacuum pressure generated by the vacuum chamber (205).