Balloon Catheter Ablation Delivery for Stenosis Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ablation procedures can cause stenosis (narrowing of vessels), necessitating the inclusion of anti-stenotic elements to mitigate this issue during treatment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a balloon structure having varying permeabilities and electrodes is used to deliver ablation therapy, where the first portion permeates a liquid, such as an anti-stenotic agent, and the second portion anchors the system, while electrodes apply energy to target tissue regions, potentially using direct current to minimize stenosis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ablation energy is delivered to tissue to treat atrial fibrillation, then the therapeutic effect is achieved, but stenosis (vessel narrowing) occurs as a harmful side effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by delivering an anti-stenotic pharmacological agent to the tissue before ablation energy is applied. The agent is delivered through a balloon structure that contacts the tissue, and then ablation energy is delivered to create the therapeutic effect while the agent prevents stenosis formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of ablation (which causes tissue injury and potential stenosis) into a beneficial outcome by simultaneously delivering an anti-stenotic agent that counteracts the harmful effects. The balloon structure serves dual purposes: delivering the protective agent and providing a return path for electrical current during ablation
2Reliability
If a balloon structure is used to deliver anti-stenotic agent, then stenosis prevention is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon structure performs multiple functions: it delivers the anti-stenotic pharmacological agent to the tissue, provides a return path for electrical current during ablation, and can be inflated to contact the tissue surface. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the agent delivery function and the electrical return path function into a single balloon structure. The balloon serves as both the vehicle for pharmacological agent delivery and the electrical return electrode, consolidating multiple functions into one component
3Reliability
If liquid is delivered through the first portion of the balloon, then anti-stenotic agent delivery is achieved, but control over delivery location and timing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon structure has different permeability properties in different portions: the first portion is permeable to allow liquid delivery while the second portion is impermeable to provide structural integrity and anchoring. This local differentiation enables controlled agent delivery to specific tissue areas
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods for applying ablation therapy to a tissue region. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may include a balloon structure and one or more electrodes arranged on or within the balloon structure and configured to deliver energy to the tissue region.