Balloon Coating via Core Member Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon coating methods fail to consistently control the morphological form of drugs on balloon catheters, leading to inconsistent drug release and transfer to tissue, which is crucial for preventing restenosis.
Innovation Solution
A balloon coating method involving a core member inserted into the guide wire lumen, with the core member's distal portion protruding beyond the distal opening and proximal portion positioned proximally, allows for stable rotation and fixation of the balloon, enabling precise application of a coating liquid and setting the morphological form of the drug coating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the balloon is clamped for coating application, then the balloon position is fixed, but the balloon may deform due to crushing
Solution Approach 1:
A core member is inserted into the guide wire lumen of the balloon catheter to act as an intermediary support structure. The core member has a distal portion that protrudes beyond the distal opening and a proximal portion positioned proximally, providing internal scaffolding that prevents balloon deformation during clamping and coating application, while allowing the balloon to be securely held for precise coating.
2Manufacturing precision
If the balloon rotates during coating, then the coating can be applied uniformly, but the balloon position may fluctuate
Solution Approach 1:
The core member serves as a stable intermediary structure that anchors the balloon during rotation. By providing internal support through the guide wire lumen, the core member allows the balloon to rotate smoothly for uniform coating application while the clamping mechanism maintains overall position stability, preventing unwanted position fluctuations.
3Strength
If the core member protrudes distally beyond the guide wire lumen opening, then the balloon is protected from crushing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The core member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides internal support to prevent balloon crushing, anchors the balloon during clamping, and enables stable rotation for coating. This multi-functional design justifies the additional structural element, as a single component addresses multiple critical needs during the coating process.
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
This method ensures appropriate drug morphological form on the balloon surface, enhancing drug release and transfer to the lesion site, effectively preventing restenosis by maintaining the balloon's shape and position during coating, thus optimizing drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the length of time of volatilization of the solvent
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon coating method for forming a coating layer on the outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter includes: inserting a core member into a guide wire lumen penetrating the balloon, disposing a proximal portion of the core member on a proximal side of a region of inflation of the balloon, with a distal portion of the core member protruded distally beyond a distal opening portion of the guide wire lumen, and fixing by clamping together with the core member a part of the balloon catheter that is on a distal side of the region of inflation; and moving a dispensing tube for supplying a coating liquid containing the drug relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon, while rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon, thereby to apply the coating liquid to the outer surface of the balloon.