Adjustable Diameter Catheter for Varying Vein Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical treatment devices for venous reflux disease and other hollow anatomical structure conditions face challenges due to fixed catheter diameters, which do not accommodate the varying diameters of veins in different patient locations, requiring multiple devices or interruptions during procedures.
Innovation Solution
Development of a medical treatment device with an adjustable diameter catheter that includes multiple heating elements of varying lengths and diameters, allowing for on-the-fly adjustments using a power source that automatically detects the connected heating element and adjusts energy output, enabling treatment of different vein sizes without interrupting the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed diameter catheter is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying vein diameters in different patient locations
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple modular heating segments (first heating segment, second heating segment, etc.) that can be independently selected and attached to the catheter body. Each segment has a specific diameter and length configuration, allowing the operator to choose the appropriate segment for the specific vein being treated, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring the entire catheter to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is designed with universal compatibility across multiple heating segments that can all attach to the same catheter body. A single catheter platform can accommodate different heating segments with varying diameters and lengths, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to different vein sizes and locations throughout the body.
2Productivity
If multiple fixed-diameter catheters are used to treat different vein sizes, then each catheter is optimized for its specific size, but the procedure requires multiple devices and interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system transitions from static, fixed-diameter designs to a dynamic configuration where heating segments can be changed during the procedure. The modular attachment mechanism allows rapid exchange of heating segments without removing the entire catheter, enabling the operator to adapt to different vein diameters continuously and maintain procedure momentum.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system enables continuous treatment by allowing heating segment exchanges without removing the catheter from the patient. The quick-attach mechanism minimizes interruption time, and the ability to select appropriate segments for different vein locations allows the treatment to proceed continuously through various anatomical regions without significant breaks.
3Adaptability or versatility
If heating segments with different lengths and diameters are used, then treatment can be adapted to various vein configurations, but the electrical contact configuration becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each heating segment is designed with specific local electrical contact configurations tailored to its intended use. The first heating segment has a first electrical contact configuration optimized for larger diameter veins, while the second heating segment has a second electrical contact configuration optimized for smaller diameter veins. This local optimization allows each segment to be highly effective for its specific application while maintaining overall system adaptability.
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
Enables a single catheter to treat veins of varying diameters efficiently, reducing procedure time and improving patient outcomes by allowing continuous treatment without the need for multiple devices or interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
Electrosurgical heating may use radio frequency current to apply energy to create targeted tissue ablation to seal off damaged veins
Implementation Method 2
The heating segment may use RF energy driven by the RF generator to heat and seal the vein
Data Source
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AI summary
The present embodiments enable the length and/or diameter of the heating segment of a medical treatment device to be adjusted on the fly during a treatment procedure, without a need to interrupt the procedure, thus allowing a single catheter to be used at different locations in a hollow anatomical structure.