Bronchoscopic Airway Sizing Catheter for Precise EBV Placement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining airway suitability and sizing for endobronchial valve (EBV) implantation are complex and unsuitable for bronchoscopic use, lacking a quick and convenient method to assess airway diameter and length for effective lung volume reduction.
Innovation Solution
A flexible catheter-based airway sizing device with orthogonal sizing elements and a depth gauge is introduced through a bronchoscope to measure and confirm the suitability of airways for EBV implantation, allowing for accurate selection and placement of pulmonary implants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If catheter-based devices with radial arms or rotating barrels are used to measure airway diameter, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring two-handed operation and complex construction
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct functional segments: a measurement section with radial arms for diameter measurement, a marking section with visible markers for location identification, and a delivery section for navigation. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integration of all functions into a single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The radial arms automatically contact the airway wall when the catheter is positioned, providing self-measuring capability without requiring active manipulation by the operator. The arms passively indicate airway diameter through their contact state, eliminating the need for complex rotation mechanisms or two-handed operation required by prior art devices.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If complex catheter-based measurement devices are used, then airway diameter can be measured, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement mechanism operates passively through the natural interaction between the radial arms and the airway wall. When the catheter is advanced into the airway, the radial arms automatically extend and contact the wall, providing measurement information without requiring the operator to manually activate or manipulate the measurement mechanism with both hands.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical rotation and activation mechanisms with a simpler passive contact system. Instead of requiring rotational movement to engage measurement elements, the radial arms simply extend and contact the airway wall, converting a complex mechanical operation into a simple positional indication that can be observed during bronchoscopic visualization.
3Reliability
If appropriately sized EBV is selected for target airway, then EBV fit and prevention of migration is improved, but time and complexity increase for measuring airway dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter provides preliminary measurement and marking actions during the bronchoscopic evaluation phase, before EBV implantation. By establishing the appropriate measurement landmarks and confirming airway dimensions during this initial assessment, the procedure ensures correct EBV sizing is determined in advance, preventing the need for revision procedures and ensuring proper implant stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates visible markers or color-coded indicators that provide immediate visual feedback about airway measurements and catheter position. These visual cues allow the operator to quickly assess airway dimensions and determine appropriate EBV sizing without requiring complex measurements or calculations, thereby reducing the time required to ensure proper implant selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for measuring the diameter of an airway in a human or animal subject are disclosed. The device comprises a flexible catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end. Flexible sizing elements are disposed along and extend approximately orthogonally from the catheter body. The sizing elements have different heights from one another and are configured to fit through the working channel of a bronchoscope. Devices, systems, and methods for redirecting airflow through a lung airway are also disclosed. The method comprises introducing into the airway a catheter comprising a distal end, a proximal end and an elongated portion therebetween, wherein the distal end comprises an airway closing mechanism, and wherein the proximal end comprises an actuator to actuate the airway closing mechanism; and actuating the airway closing mechanism to at least partially close the airway.