Balloon Occluder Delivery Handle for Synchronized Inflation and Shortening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing delivery systems for balloon-based implants in medical procedures are unreliable, unstable, and inefficient, often requiring manual operation that can lead to misuse and operator errors, increasing procedure time and patient discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system that automates the inflation, deflation, and deployment of balloon-based implants using a fluid-retaining chamber, plunger, and actuator mechanism, with a double-threaded tube for controlled fluid expulsion and implant length adjustment, enhancing precision and reducing operator effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for balloon implant delivery, then operator control is maintained, but reliability and stability deteriorate due to operator errors and misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service through automated control mechanisms. The processor automatically controls the actuator to adjust implant length and control the plunger to regulate fluid inflation, eliminating the need for manual operation and thereby improving reliability while reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical operation is replaced with an automated control system. The processor substitutes manual control with electronic/automated control of the actuator and plunger mechanisms, improving deployment reliability while simplifying the operational interface
2Productivity
If manual steps are performed for inflation and deployment, then flexibility is maintained, but procedure time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuous useful action by automating the sequence of operations. The processor continuously coordinates the actuator for length adjustment and the plunger for fluid inflation without interruption, eliminating delays between manual steps and thereby improving productivity while reducing procedure time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions automatically before deployment. The processor pre-adjusts the implant length using the actuator and pre-preps the fluid inflation system with the plunger, so that when deployment is initiated, all actions occur in rapid succession, improving efficiency and reducing overall procedure time
3Measurement precision
If automated control is implemented, then reliability and precision improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions within a single control unit. It simultaneously controls the actuator for length adjustment and the plunger for fluid inflation, and can also perform retrieval operations. This multi-functionality improves precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating control functions
Solution Approach 2:
The control functions for length adjustment and fluid inflation are merged into a single automated system. The processor combines control of the actuator and plunger mechanisms under one unified control architecture, improving coordination precision while reducing overall system complexity compared to separate manual control systems
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 provides reliable, stable, and efficient deployment of balloon-based implants, reducing procedural errors, time, and patient discomfort while ensuring precise implantation and adherence to target anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
A plunger is slidingly disposed in the fluid-retaining chamber, as a movable membrane to draw fluid into the fluid-retaining chamber and expel fluid out of the fluid-retaining chamber
Implementation Method 2
The fluid-retaining chamber is configured to expel fluid to an catheter fluid-conveyance lumen connected proximally to the fluid-retaining chamber and distally coupled to the balloon-based implant. The expulsion of fluid from the fluid-retaining chamber inflates a balloon of the balloon-based implant during its deployment
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery system is provided for delivering and deploying an implantable balloon-based occlusion device including an inflatable balloon. The delivery system includes a handle including a plunger slidingly disposed in a fluid-retaining chamber, and a proximal rotatable user-control knob. A fluid-conveyance lumen catheter is shaped so as to define a catheter fluid-conveyance lumen in fluid communication with the fluid-retaining chamber and the inflatable balloon when the fluid-conveyance lumen catheter is coupled to the inflatable balloon. A catheter lumen shaft is configured to be in reversible connection with the balloon-based occlusion device, longitudinally slidable with respect to the handle. Rotation of the knob in a first rotational direction concurrently expels at least some of the fluid from the fluid-retaining chamber into the inflatable balloon, via the catheter fluid-conveyance lumen, and shortens a length of the balloon-based occlusion device by proximally pulling the catheter lumen shaft. Other embodiments are also described.