Multi-Mode Balloon Catheter for Thrombus Removal and Dilation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for treating obstructive materials in body lumens, such as thrombi in blood vessels or aorto-venous grafts, often require multiple device exchanges and lack versatility in function, limiting their effectiveness and efficiency in procedures like dilation and material removal.
Innovation Solution
A balloon catheter apparatus with a shaft and expandable balloon that can operate in multiple modes, including fluid infusion, thrombus capture, and dilation, using a valve system and helical expansion mechanism to minimize device exchanges and enhance treatment flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for fluid infusion, thrombus capture, and dilation, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the procedural complexity increases and multiple device exchanges are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluid infusion, thrombus capture, and dilation functions into a single integrated catheter device. The catheter includes a balloon for dilation, a filter for thrombus capture, and fluid injection capabilities, allowing all three functions to be performed with one device rather than requiring multiple separate devices and exchanges.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform fluid infusion, thrombus capture, and dilation within a single apparatus. The universal design allows the same device to handle multiple therapeutic tasks that previously required specialized equipment for each function.
2Productivity
If a single apparatus is used to perform multiple functions, then device exchanges are reduced and procedural efficiency improves, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter design nests multiple functional components within a single apparatus structure. The filter, balloon, and fluid injection system are integrated into one catheter body, allowing the device to perform multiple functions without requiring separate apparatus for each function, thereby improving procedural efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional catheters are used for both dilation and material removal, then simpler devices can be employed, but the ability to perform both functions effectively is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform fluid infusion, thrombus capture, and dilation within a single apparatus. The universal design allows the same device to handle multiple therapeutic tasks that previously required specialized equipment for each function.
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 apparatus allows for single-device performance of multiple functions, reducing procedural complexity and improving the efficiency of treating obstructive materials within body lumens by minimizing the need for multiple devices and facilitating both dilation and material removal.
Implementation Method 1
fluid introduced into the lumen may expand the balloon from a contracted condition to an expanded condition
Implementation Method 2
the helical member may be compressed and consequently expand radially outwardly, thereby expanding the balloon to the expanded helical shape
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus is provided that is operable in different modes to perform various functions for treating a body lumen. The apparatus includes a shaft including proximal and distal ends, a lumen extending therebetween, and a balloon on the distal end. The apparatus includes a valve on the distal end that selectively opens or closes an outlet communicating with the lumen. With the valve open, fluid introduced into the lumen exits the outlet into a body lumen. With the valve closed, fluid introduced into the lumen expands the balloon. The valve may be biased to be closed, e.g., by a spring element disposed within the balloon. Optionally, the apparatus also includes an actuator for expanding a helical member within the balloon interior, e.g., either before or after expanding the balloon, such that the helical member and balloon may adopt an expanded helical shape for removing material within a body lumen.