Balloon Catheter Electrodes for Strain and Impedance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon catheter systems lack precise control over stent expansion and anchoring due to inadequate measurement of viscoelastic behavior and tissue interaction, leading to imprecise balloon diameter control and potential inadequate stent fixation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of first and second annular electrodes on the balloon catheter system to measure strain, impedance, and redox potential, allowing for precise control of balloon expansion and stent anchoring by detecting full vascular contact and atherosclerotic state, with the electrodes being formed from precious metals or conductive ink for effective adhesion and measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional balloon catheter systems are used without sensor systems, then the device structure remains simple, but precise control over stent expansion and anchoring cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural component of the catheter and as a sensor system for measuring strain, impedance, and redox potential. This multi-functionality allows precise control over stent expansion and anchoring without adding separate sensor components, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode structure provides real-time feedback on balloon diameter through strain measurement and tissue interaction through impedance and redox potential measurement. This feedback mechanism enables precise control over stent expansion and anchoring by allowing continuous monitoring and adjustment during the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If additional sensor systems are added to improve control over stent expansion, then measurement capability improves, but the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is designed to perform multiple measurement functions simultaneously - strain measurement for balloon diameter control, impedance measurement for tissue interaction detection, and redox potential measurement for tissue state assessment. This multi-functionality achieves comprehensive tissue interaction measurement without requiring separate sensor systems, thus avoiding increased device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on the balloon outer side to measure tissue impedance, then tissue interaction can be detected, but the electrodes may interfere with balloon expansion control
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure provides real-time feedback on tissue interaction through impedance measurement while the same structure is integrated into the balloon catheter system for expansion control. The feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor tissue contact and adjust expansion parameters accordingly, ensuring that impedance measurement accuracy does not interfere with balloon expansion control.
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 precise expansion and anchoring of stents by providing real-time feedback on balloon diameter and tissue interaction, optimizing stent deployment and adaptation to vessel geometry, and allowing for the selection of suitable balloon materials and thermal processes for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
configured to measure strain of the balloon in the circumferential direction, strain of the balloon in the radial direction
Implementation Method 2
configured to measure an impedance of tissue of a patient resting against the electrodes
Implementation Method 3
configured to measure a redox potential of tissue of the patient contacting at least one of the electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon catheter system has a balloon extending in an axial direction and surrounding a balloon interior. The balloon has an outer side facing away from the balloon interior. A catheter is connected to the balloon and extending in the axial direction, the catheter having a lumen in fluid communication with the balloon interior. First and second annular electrodes are disposed on the outer side, each extending in a circumferential direction of the balloon and being located opposite one another in the axial direction. The electrodes are configured to measure one of more of strain of the balloon in the circumferential direction, strain of the balloon in the radial direction, an impedance of tissue of a patient resting against the electrodes, and a redox potential of tissue of the patient contacting at least one of the electrodes.