Articulating Balloon Catheter for Vascular Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon catheters face challenges when used in distinct body spaces, such as arteriovenous fistulas and grafts, due to limitations in bridging between these spaces and maintaining effective positioning and compliance measurement.
Innovation Solution
An articulating balloon catheter design featuring a dual-balloon configuration with a proximal semi-compliant and distal non-compliant portion, allowing for sequential inflation and enhanced positioning, along with a flexible elongate member that can change configuration between straight and curved states to accommodate varying anatomical spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-balloon catheter is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively bridge between distinct vascular spaces or maintain reliable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments: a first balloon for positioning in one vascular space, a second balloon for engagement in another vascular space, and an articulating region connecting them. This segmentation allows each segment to perform its specific function while collectively bridging distinct vascular spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating region incorporates a flexible joint that allows dynamic change in the angle between the first and second balloons. This dynamic configuration enables the catheter to adapt to different anatomical geometries and maintain positioning across varying vascular angles during the procedure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a compliant balloon is used, then the catheter can adapt to vascular geometry, but compliance measurement becomes unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon system is segmented into a compliant first balloon for adapting to vascular geometry and a non-compliant second balloon for reliable compliance measurement and positioning. This segmentation allows the compliant portion to conform to the vessel wall while the non-compliant portion provides stable reference for measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the catheter system are assigned different compliance characteristics: the first balloon is compliant to match vascular geometry, while the second balloon is non-compliant to provide stable positioning and accurate compliance measurement. Each local region has optimized properties for its specific function.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter maintains a fixed straight configuration, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate varying anatomical spaces and angles
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates an articulating region with a flexible joint that allows dynamic adjustment of the angle between the first and second balloons. This enables the catheter to transition from a straight configuration to angled configurations to match various anatomical geometries while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating region introduces an angular dimension to the catheter configuration, allowing it to operate in three-dimensional space rather than being limited to a single linear axis. This enables the catheter to navigate and position itself across vascular spaces with varying angles and orientations.
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 reliable positioning and effective treatment in complex vascular spaces by allowing for precise articulation and compliance measurement, improving the catheter's ability to bridge between distinct spaces and maintain contact with the vascular walls.
Implementation Method 1
the first balloon is expanded using pressure from a fluid introduced into the first balloon through the infusion lumen
Implementation Method 2
the second balloon is expanded using pressure from a fluid introduced into the second balloon through the inflation lumen
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2A
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Articulating balloon catheters are described herein. An embodiment of an articulating balloon catheter comprises an elongate member (216) and a balloon (220). The balloon is attached to the elongate member and is adapted to move between a deflated configuration and an inflated configuration. The balloon has a proximal portion (270), a distal portion (272), and an articulating region (268) disposed between the proximal portion and the distal portion. The articulating region of the balloon is configured to provide articulation between the proximal portion and the distal portion of the balloon.