Balloon Structure with Anchoring Portions for Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic dilation balloons require manual holding and struggle to maintain position, especially in narrowed areas due to organ movement and slippery environments, making it difficult to perform effective dilation or therapeutic treatments.
Innovation Solution
A balloon structure with proximal, distal, and central balloon portions, where the central portion is isolated and can be inflated to self-anchor the balloon, while the proximal and distal portions are inflated to prevent movement and maintain tissue apposition for dilation or therapeutic delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cylindrical balloons are used for dilation, then the balloon can be simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but the balloon cannot maintain position and requires manual holding
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is divided into three distinct segments: proximal anchoring portion, central dilation portion, and distal anchoring portion. Each segment serves a specific function - the anchoring portions provide position stability while the central portion performs dilation, resolving the contradiction between position stability and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the balloon are given different properties and functions. The anchoring portions are designed to engage with the passage wall for stability, while the central portion is optimized for dilation. This local differentiation allows the balloon to achieve position stability without requiring complete structural complexity throughout the entire device.
2Reliability
If the balloon is made larger to ensure tissue contact for therapy delivery, then therapeutic effectiveness is improved, but the balloon becomes more difficult to position and anchor in narrowed areas
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the balloon into anchoring portions and a central dilation portion, the device can have a larger overall size for effective tissue contact while the anchoring portions remain manageable for positioning in narrowed areas. The anchoring portions act as guide elements that facilitate insertion before the main dilation function is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring portions are inflated first to establish position and provide a stable platform before the central dilation portion is activated. This preliminary anchoring action makes the overall larger balloon easier to position and control in narrowed passages.
3Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to maintain position in the passage, then position stability is improved, but the balloon may be displaced by peristalsis and organ movement
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring portions are specifically designed with properties that enable them to engage with the passage wall, providing localized stability that counteracts the effects of peristalsis and organ movement. This localized anchoring mechanism maintains overall position consistency without requiring the entire balloon to be rigidly fixed.
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 balloon structure effectively self-anchors within the bodily passage, allowing for stable tissue dilation, therapeutic treatments, and imaging by preventing slippage and ensuring consistent contact with the tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon structure includes a proximal balloon portion having a first internal volume, a distal balloon portion having a second internal volume, and a central dilation and/or positioning therapeutic balloon portion disposed between and joined with the proximal balloon portion and the distal balloon portion
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon structure includes a proximal balloon portion having a first internal volume, a distal balloon portion having a second internal volume, and a central balloon portion disposed between and joined with the proximal and distal balloon portions. The central balloon portion has a third internal volume isolated from the first and second internal volumes. A first lumen is associated with the third internal volume to direct pressure to the third internal volume for inflation of the central balloon portion. At least one second lumen is associated with the first and second internal volumes to direct pressure to the first and second internal volumes for inflation of the proximal balloon portion and the distal balloon portion. Whereby, upon inflation, the central balloon portion dilates, or delivers other treatments to tissue in the passage, with the proximal and distal balloon portions limiting movement of the balloon structure in the passage.