Access Catheter with Integrated Radial Dilation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing stones from the urinary tract often require additional dilation devices, which can cause trauma and prolong procedures due to the need for multiple devices and limited space within the access catheter.
Innovation Solution
An access catheter with an integrated dilation mechanism featuring a radially expandable body with interwoven helical coils that can be actuated to increase the cross-sectional area of the passageway, allowing for stone retrieval without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If additional dilation devices are used to dilate the urinary tract, then sufficient access space is provided for stone retrieval, but device complexity increases and procedure duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dilation function and access catheter function into a single integrated device. The access catheter includes an expandable balloon that can dilate the urinary tract while the catheter itself provides the access pathway, eliminating the need for separate dilation devices and access sheaths.
Solution Approach 2:
The access catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a dilation device (through the expandable balloon) and an access device (through its catheter structure). This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace multiple traditional devices in the stone retrieval procedure.
2Area of moving object
If multiple dilators and access sheaths are inserted sequentially, then adequate dilation and access are achieved, but procedure duration increases causing greater patient trauma
Solution Approach 1:
The dilation action is performed preliminarily within the same device that provides access. The balloon is inflated to dilate the tract before the retrieval device is advanced through the catheter, ensuring adequate space is created in advance without requiring sequential device insertions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the dilation step and access establishment into a single integrated action. The expandable balloon and catheter work together as one system, allowing dilation and access to be achieved simultaneously rather than through multiple sequential steps.
3Ease of operation
If the access catheter maintains a small profile for easy insertion, then insertion is facilitated, but sufficient access space for retrieval devices is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The access catheter employs a dynamic structure where the balloon can transition from a compressed low-profile state during insertion to an expanded high-volume state during the procedure. This dynamic transformation allows the device to optimize its profile at different stages of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is nested within the catheter structure in a compressed state during insertion, similar to a nested doll. Once positioned, the balloon expands outward to provide the necessary access space while remaining contained within the overall device structure.
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 integrated dilation mechanism provides sufficient access for stone retrieval while minimizing trauma and procedure duration by expanding the catheter's lumen, allowing for efficient stone removal without the need for additional devices.
Implementation Method 1
a radially expandable body defining a passageway therethrough... Actuation of the control member applies a compressive force to the body causing the body to radially expand
Implementation Method 2
at least two helical coils interwoven with each other... Actuation of the control member applies a compressive force to the body causing the body to radially expand
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a medical device having a dilation capability and related methods are disclosed. For example, the medical device may include a distal assembly having a radially expandable body defining a passageway therethrough, and a control member extending from the distal assembly to a proximal end of the device. Actuation of the control member may apply a compressive force to the body, causing the body to radially expand and a cross-sectional area of the passageway to increase.