Balloon Catheter Heating with Feedback for Stable Surface Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon catheters face challenges in accurately and consistently maintaining the surface temperature of the balloon due to difficulties in installing temperature sensors and controlling temperature discrepancies, leading to instability and safety concerns during ablation treatments.
Innovation Solution
A balloon catheter system with a heating member fixed to the outer cylinder shaft and temperature sensors positioned in the liquid passage, allowing for precise control of balloon surface temperature through relative movement of inner and outer cylinder shafts, agitation of the liquid, and feedback from temperature sensors to maintain a constant surface temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is attached to the inner surface of the balloon, then the surface temperature can be measured, but it is not easy to stably install the temperature sensor on the surface of the balloon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature sensor holder as an intermediary component that is fixed to the outer cylinder shaft and extends into the balloon. The temperature sensor is installed in this holder rather than directly on the balloon surface, providing a stable mounting structure that facilitates easy installation while maintaining accurate temperature measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is arranged in the liquid passage of the balloon catheter, then the surface temperature can be measured with high accuracy, but the balloon surface temperature changes significantly depending on contact state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the temperature sensor detects the surface temperature of the balloon, and this information is fed back to the heating member control mechanism. The heating member adjusts its output based on this feedback to maintain constant surface temperature, compensating for changes in contact state with the target object.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically changes the heating parameter of the heating member based on the detected temperature and contact state. When the balloon contacts the target object, the system detects the temperature change and adjusts the heating power to maintain constant surface temperature, preventing significant temperature fluctuations.
3Power
If the heating member is arranged in the balloon and fixed to the inner cylinder shaft, then heating can be performed, but the temperature discrepancy between heating member and balloon surface becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the outer cylinder shaft as an intermediary thermal conduction path. The heating member is fixed to the outer cylinder shaft rather than the inner cylinder shaft, and the outer cylinder shaft extends into the balloon to transfer heat directly to the balloon material, reducing thermal resistance and minimizing temperature discrepancy between the heating source and balloon surface.
4Productivity
If the balloon catheter is used for ablation treatment, then the target site can be ablated, but it is difficult to safely obtain constant surface temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the balloon surface temperature and this information is fed back to the control system. The heating member adjusts its power output based on this feedback to maintain constant surface temperature, ensuring safe and reliable ablation treatment while maintaining high productivity.
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 system enables accurate and stable maintenance of balloon surface temperature, enhancing the safety and effectiveness of ablation treatments by preventing excessive heating and ensuring consistent temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
a heating member for heating a liquid in the balloon
Implementation Method 2
a first temperature sensor fixed to an end of the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon catheter and a balloon catheter system capable of safely keeping the surface temperature of a balloon constant. A balloon catheter includes: a balloon; an outer cylinder shaft connected to a proximal end of the balloon; an inner cylinder shaft passing through the outer cylinder shaft and connected to a distal end of the balloon; a heating member for heating a liquid in the balloon; a first temperature sensor fixed to an end of the heating member; and a liquid passage formed between the outer cylinder shaft and the inner cylinder shaft and leading into the balloon. The balloon can be stretched or loosened by relative movement of the inner cylinder shaft to the outer cylinder shaft, and the heating member is arranged in the balloon and fixed only to the outer cylinder shaft.