Expandable Balloon Catheter Isolating Thoracic Duct
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing the lymphatic system, particularly the thoracic duct, are invasive and risk significant morbidity, such as chylothorax, due to the difficulty in isolating and manipulating central lymphatic vessels without damaging the one-way valves that prevent reflux of whole blood into the thoracic duct.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based system with a flexible, curved distal portion and an expandable balloon is introduced through the venous system to isolate the thoracic duct, allowing for selective removal and re-infusion of lymphatic fluid while minimizing the risk of blood reflux and vessel damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct cannulation of peripheral lymphatic vessels is performed, then diagnostic and therapeutic access is achieved, but the risk of valve damage and chylothorax increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary expandable balloon device that acts as a mediator between the catheter and the lymphatic vessel. The balloon is positioned within the lymphatic vessel and expanded to create isolation, allowing access to lymphatic fluid without direct manipulation that could damage valves. This intermediary structure enables safe fluid removal and reinfusion while protecting the one-way valves from mechanical injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible balloon shell that can be inflated and deflated to isolate and access the lymphatic vessel. The thin film structure of the balloon allows it to conform to the vessel geometry while providing effective isolation. This flexible shell approach enables repeated access without permanent structural modification or valve damage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If expandable devices are used to isolate the thoracic duct, then selective access to lymphatic fluid is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional catheter system where a single device performs multiple functions: navigation to the lymphatic vessel, isolation via balloon expansion, fluid aspiration, and controlled reinfusion. The expandable balloon serves both as an isolation mechanism and as a platform for fluid access. This universal design reduces the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining selective access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the balloon is contained within the catheter in a collapsed state during insertion, then expanded within the lymphatic vessel to create isolation. The aspiration and reinfusion lumens are nested within the catheter structure. This nested arrangement allows complex functionality to be delivered through a relatively simple delivery system, reducing overall device complexity.
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 safe and effective access to the lymphatic system for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, reducing the risk of complications like chylothorax by isolating the thoracic duct without damaging its valves, allowing for selective fluid removal and re-infusion.
Implementation Method 1
An expandable member on the distal portion adjacent a distal tip thereof, the expandable member sized for substantially isolating the thoracic duct when expanded therein
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A~4D
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for performing a medical procedure within a patient's body that involves a thoracic duct including an ostium communicating with the patient's venous system. A distal end of a catheter is introduced through the patient's venous system into a body lumen adjacent the ostium of the thoracic duct. An expandable member on the distal end of the tubular may be expanded adjacent the ostium, e.g., within the body lumen or the thoracic duct itself, and used to isolate the thoracic duct from the body lumen, whereupon a medical procedure may be performed via the thoracic duct. For example, lymphatic fluid may be removed from the thoracic duct through a lumen of the tubular member and/or one or more agents may be introduced into the thoracic duct through the tubular member.