Inflatable Balloon Catheter for ANS Modulation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for treating pulmonary conditions, such as electrostimulation of nerves, are often invasive and provide only short-term symptomatic relief, failing to effectively address chronic pulmonary dysfunction.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus comprising a fluid exchange catheter with an inflatable balloon and an energy delivery mechanism, positioned in the tracheo-bronchial tree, delivers electrical energy to the autonomic nervous system, modulating its function to treat pulmonary conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrostimulation of nerves is used to treat pulmonary conditions, then symptomatic relief is achieved, but the treatment is highly invasive and provides only short-term relief

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of treatmentVSAvoidinvasiveness of procedure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an inflatable balloon as an intermediary device that applies external compression force to the airway wall, indirectly stimulating the autonomic nervous system without requiring direct nerve penetration or highly invasive procedures. The balloon serves as a mediator between the energy delivery mechanism and the target nerve tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical nerve stimulation methods (such as direct electrical leads inserted into nerves) with a mechanical compression system using an inflatable balloon that applies controlled external force to the airway wall, thereby stimulating nerves through mechanical pressure rather than direct electrical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If traditional electrostimulation methods are used, then some symptomatic relief is provided, but the treatment duration is limited to short-term relief

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of symptomatic reliefVSAvoideffectiveness of treatment

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous or repeated applications of electrical energy through the inflatable balloon mechanism, allowing for sustained modulation of the autonomic nervous system. The balloon can be inflated, energized, and deflated in cycles, providing continuous therapeutic action rather than single-shot temporary relief.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If highly invasive electrostimulation procedures are used, then treatment effectiveness is achieved, but patient comfort and safety are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment effectivenessVSAvoidpatient harm from invasiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the treatment function into two separate components: (1) the inflatable balloon that provides mechanical positioning and compression, and (2) the energy delivery mechanism that provides electrical stimulation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall invasiveness while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 apparatus provides a minimally invasive method for long-term modulation of the autonomic nervous system, effectively treating pulmonary conditions by delivering electrical energy to target sites within the tracheo-bronchial tree, reducing symptoms and improving pulmonary function.

Implementation Method 1

An expansion medium is delivered to the apparatus so that the inflatable balloon is sufficiently inflated to sandwich at least a portion of the at least one energy delivery member between the inflatable balloon and a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

The energy delivery mechanism includes at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy delivery: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS8989862B2Apparatus and method for treating pulmonary conditions

Publication Date: 2015.03.24 THE CLEVELAND CLINIC FOUND

AI summary

A method for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject is provided. One step of the method includes providing an apparatus for positioning at a target site innervated by at least one nerve of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The apparatus includes a fluid exchange catheter, an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter, and an energy delivery mechanism including at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site. Next, an expansion medium is delivered to the apparatus so that the inflatable balloon is sufficiently inflated to sandwich at least a portion of the at least one energy delivery member between the inflatable balloon and a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. Electrical energy is then delivered to the at least one energy delivery member to effect a change in the ANS of the subject.