Balloon Catheter Assembly With EMI Stent Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon catheter assemblies rely on X-ray imaging for stent placement, which poses radiation hazards and provides poor imaging, making stent localization challenging.
Innovation Solution
A balloon catheter assembly equipped with a retention balloon and a locating sensor, such as an antenna, that uses electromagnetic induction (EMI) measurement to accurately position the retention balloon relative to a stent without X-ray imaging, utilizing a control unit to determine the balloon's position based on feedback from the sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If X-ray imaging is used to guide balloon catheter stent placement, then the stent can be positioned in the body vessel, but radiation hazards are posed to the patient and personnel, and imaging quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the X-ray imaging system with a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible locating sensor system. The locating sensor, positioned on the catheter near the retention balloon, detects magnetic field signals to determine the balloon's position relative to the stent without requiring ionizing radiation, thereby eliminating radiation hazards while maintaining placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a locating sensor as an intermediary between the retention balloon and the imaging system. This sensor uses magnetic field interactions to provide positional information about the balloon relative to the stent, serving as a non-radiative mediator that enables accurate positioning without direct X-ray exposure to patients and personnel.
2Measurement precision
If X-ray imaging is used for stent placement guidance, then positioning can be achieved, but stent localization is challenging due to stent material interference with imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes X-ray imaging with a magnetic field-based locating system. The locating sensor detects magnetic field signals that are not interfered with by the stent material, allowing precise measurement of the retention balloon's position relative to the stent without the imaging challenges posed by metallic or radiopaque stent materials.
3Device complexity
If traditional balloon catheter assembly without locating sensor is used, then the device structure is simpler, but the retention balloon cannot be accurately positioned relative to the stent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a locating sensor as an intermediary component on the catheter assembly. This sensor provides real-time positional feedback of the retention balloon relative to the stent through magnetic field detection, enabling accurate positioning while adding only minimal structural complexity to the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The locating sensor provides continuous feedback about the retention balloon's position relative to the stent. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to accurately position and reposition the balloon within the stent by monitoring the sensor's signals, thereby achieving precise placement without requiring complex mechanical positioning systems.
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 positioning and repositioning of the retention balloon within a stent, reducing stent failure and other issues related to improper stent placement, while eliminating radiation exposure.
Implementation Method 1
The locating sensor is configured to detect a position of the retention balloon relative to a stent
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a balloon catheter assembly configured to detect a stent and accurately locate a retention balloon within the stent. In an embodiment, a balloon catheter assembly in accordance with the present disclosure includes an elongated catheter tube, a retention balloon and a locating sensor. The retention balloon is disposed on the catheter tube and is configured to be inflated from a deflated state to an inflated state. The locating sensor is configured to detect a position of the retention balloon relative to a stent. In an embodiment, the balloon catheter assembly includes or is connected to a control unit configured to detect the position of the retention balloon relative to the stent and determine when the retention balloon is appropriately positioned to widen the stent.