Development and performance evaluation of an electromagnetic-type shock wave generator for lipolysis

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Acoustics
• Electromagnetism

Background:

• Acoustic shock wave lithotripsy is a common medical procedure.
• Non-invasive fat tissue ablation requires precise energy delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and develop an electromagnetic intermittent shock wave generator.
• To focus generated shock waves for targeted tissue lysis.
• To evaluate the device's efficacy in disrupting fat tissue.

Main Methods:

• Constructed an electromagnetic shock wave generator using a rectifier, capacitors, spark gap, and flat coil.
• Utilized a metal disk in a liquid-filled tube to generate shock waves via repulsive forces and eddy currents.
• Employed an acoustic lens to focus shock waves at a focal point.
• Measured focused pressures at varying operation voltages.
• Tested the device's fat tissue disruption capability on pig fat samples.

Main Results:

• The device generates focused shock waves using electromagnetic principles.
• Increased capacitance enhanced electric energy, leading to higher focused pressure.
• The generator achieved energy intensities of 0.0016 mJ/mm² (at 4 kV).
• Successful disruption of pig fat tissue was observed at specific energy intensities and firing counts (e.g., 2000 firings).

Conclusions:

• The designed electromagnetic shock wave generator is effective for focused pressure delivery.
• The device demonstrates potential for non-invasive fat tissue ablation.
• Further optimization of energy intensity and firing parameters may enhance therapeutic outcomes.