Balloon-Pouch Medical Delivery for Viscous Treatment Agents
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices struggle to efficiently deliver highly viscous fluids to treatment sites due to the requirement of large forces or pressures, which can deform or break components, and increase the risk of failure, especially when delivering fluids through narrow channels.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a chamber and a distal cap featuring a balloon or pouch that surrounds a fluid cavity, where transitioning the balloon or pouch between inflated and deflated configurations urges fluid through holes, facilitated by a barrier layer and bellows to apply force effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a large amount of force or pressure is applied to urge viscous fluid through narrow fluid channels, then the fluid delivery efficiency is improved, but the risk of device components deforming or breaking increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pushing the viscous fluid distally through narrow channels using a syringe plunger, the invention inverts the approach by using a balloon that expands radially inward to push the fluid forward. This expansion-based mechanism distributes force more evenly and avoids the need for high axial compression forces that could deform or break device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs pneumatic principles by using a balloon that inflates with gas or fluid to generate the force needed to deliver viscous treatment agents. The balloon's expansion creates radial inward pressure on the fluid cavity, efficiently urging the viscous fluid through the distal cap without requiring high external compression forces on the device structure.
2Speed
If a large amount of force or pressure is applied to deliver viscous fluid, then the fluid delivery speed is improved, but the difficulty of operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional syringe push mechanism with a balloon expansion mechanism. Instead of requiring the operator to apply large axial forces to push the plunger, the operator simply inflates the balloon, which then radially expands to push the viscous fluid forward at high speed through the distal cap.
Solution Approach 2:
By using pneumatic inflation of the balloon, the system converts easily applicable force (inflating the balloon) into high-speed fluid delivery. The balloon's elastic expansion generates the necessary pressure to propel viscous fluid rapidly through narrow channels without requiring the operator to directly apply large forces.
3Device complexity
If common fluid delivery devices like syringes are used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to deliver viscous fluid effectively is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a container with fluid cavity, a separate balloon for force generation, a distal cap with holes for fluid ejection, and a barrier layer. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, with the balloon dedicated to force generation and the distal cap dedicated to controlled fluid delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic elements, specifically the balloon that transitions from deflated to inflated state, and the barrier layer with bellows that can deform. This dynamic structure allows the device to adapt to the high viscosity of the treatment agent, efficiently delivering it through the narrow distal cap holes without requiring complex mechanical force application mechanisms.
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 easier and more efficient delivery of viscous fluids with reduced risk of device failure, allowing for quicker application and reduced procedure time and cost, while providing a protective layer to minimize bleeding and stricture formations.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon or pouch may radially surround the fluid cavity. Transitioning the balloon or pouch from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration or from the inflated configuration to the deflated configuration may urge a fluid within the fluid cavity through one or more holes of the distal cap.
Implementation Method 2
The medical device may further include a barrier layer positioned between the balloon and the fluid cavity. The barrier layer may include one or more bellows.
Data Source
AI summary
Medical systems, devices, and related methods for delivery of treatment agent(s) are described. The medical device includes a container. The container includes a chamber and a distal cap. The distal cap of the container includes one or more holes therethrough. The chamber includes a balloon or a pouch, and a fluid cavity. The balloon or pouch radially surrounds the fluid cavity. Transitioning the balloon or pouch from a deflated configuration to an inflated configuration or from the inflated configuration to the deflated configuration urges a fluid within the fluid cavity through one or more holes of the distal cap.