Balloon Catheter Pressure Sensor for Contact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon catheters used for vessel dilatation require imaging or fluoroscopy to ensure balloon contact with the vessel wall, leading to guesswork and potential inefficiencies, especially with drug-coated balloons where contact is crucial for effective drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a pressure sensor into the balloon catheter that uses electrical conductors to detect contact with the vessel wall, providing reliable feedback to the user through an indicator, ensuring consistent and effective contact for drug delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If imaging or fluoroscopy is used to ensure balloon contact with the vessel wall, then contact reliability is improved, but device complexity and procedure cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical imaging system with an electrical sensing system. Pressure sensors embedded in the balloon catheter detect contact forces directly, converting mechanical pressure into electrical signals that indicate vessel wall contact. This substitution eliminates the need for complex imaging equipment while providing reliable contact detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon catheter performs its own contact detection function through integrated pressure sensors. The sensor system is self-contained within the catheter, requiring no external imaging equipment or additional devices. The catheter autonomously monitors its own contact status with the vessel wall during the procedure.
2Reliability
If pressure sensors are integrated into the balloon catheter, then contact detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pressure sensing function with the balloon catheter structure itself. The pressure sensors are integrated into the balloon wall or catheter shaft, combining the diagnostic (contact detection) and therapeutic (vessel dilatation) functions into a single unified device. This integration reduces the need for separate external monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin-film pressure sensors that can be embedded within the flexible balloon wall. These thin-film sensors maintain the flexibility and compliance of the balloon while providing contact detection capability. The sensors are sufficiently thin and compliant to not interfere with the balloon's ability to conform to the vessel wall during inflation.
3Ease of operation
If multiple conductors and indicators are added to provide contact feedback, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-changing indicators (such as LEDs or other visual elements) to provide intuitive contact feedback to the operator. Different colors indicate different contact states (e.g., green for adequate contact, red for insufficient contact). This visual feedback system simplifies operator decision-making while maintaining relatively simple circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where pressure sensors detect contact forces and immediately provide visual or electronic feedback to the operator. This real-time feedback allows the operator to adjust balloon inflation to achieve optimal contact without guesswork, significantly improving ease of operation despite the added sensors and indicators.
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 pressure sensor ensures reliable contact between the balloon and the vessel wall, enhancing the effectiveness of drug delivery and reducing the reliance on imaging during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an inflatable balloon including a pressure sensor for sensing contact between the inner wall of the vessel and the balloon when inflated
Implementation Method 2
The pressure sensor comprises a first conductor for contacting a second conductor to form an electrical connection when the balloon is compressed against the inner wall
Implementation Method 3
A further alternative is a piezoelectric material connected to a wall of the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus for performing a medical procedure in a vessel having an inner wall. The apparatus includes an inflatable balloon incorporating a pressure sensor for sensing contact between the inner wall of the vessel and the balloon when inflated. Related methods are also disclosed.