Expandable Balloon Isolates Thoracic Duct for Lymphatic Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for accessing the lymphatic system are limited, particularly for central lymphatic vessels like the thoracic duct, which can lead to morbid conditions such as chylothorax due to direct access challenges and the risk of disrupting valves, necessitating a safer and more controlled approach for accessing and manipulating lymphatic fluid.
Innovation Solution
A tubular member with a flexible, curved distal portion and an expandable balloon is introduced into the venous system to isolate the thoracic duct, allowing for selective removal and re-infusion of lymphatic fluid, using percutaneous access and guided by imaging techniques to avoid valve disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct cannulation of peripheral lymphatic vessels is performed, then diagnostic procedures can be conducted, but the risk of disrupting valves and causing morbid conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an expandable balloon as an intermediary device to access the lymphatic system indirectly through the venous system. The balloon is positioned in the venous system near the thoracic duct and expanded to isolate the lymphatic vessel, allowing fluid access without direct cannulation that would disrupt valves. This mediator approach enables diagnostic and therapeutic procedures while protecting the lymphatic valves from damage.
2Productivity
If central lymphatic vessels are accessed directly, then fluid can be removed for treatment, but defects do not close readily leading to chylothorax
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thoracic duct into isolated sections using expandable balloons positioned at different locations. By inflating balloons to create sealed segments, the system can remove fluid from one segment without compromising the integrity of adjacent segments. This segmentation allows efficient fluid removal while maintaining vessel closure capability, as defects in one segment do not lead to leakage into the pleural space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary isolation of the thoracic duct segment using expandable balloons before fluid removal. The balloons are positioned and inflated to create sealed segments upstream and downstream of the target area, preventing potential leakage before the actual fluid removal procedure begins. This preliminary action ensures that even if vessel defects occur during fluid removal, they will not lead to chylothorax.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If trans-venous access to the thoracic duct is used, then valve protection is achieved, but selective isolation of the duct is required to avoid blood removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs expandable balloons as intermediary devices to achieve selective isolation of the thoracic duct within the venous system. The balloons are positioned and inflated to create sealed segments that isolate the lymphatic vessel from the surrounding venous blood flow. This intermediary approach protects the valves while providing the necessary isolation complexity through a controllable, reversible mechanism rather than permanent structural modifications.
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 controlled access to the lymphatic system, minimizing the risk of valve disruption and allowing for therapeutic interventions like fluid drainage, pathologic constituent removal, and re-infusion of treated lymphatic fluid, facilitating treatments for conditions like lymphedema and immune disorders.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon on the distal portion adjacent a distal tip thereof, the balloon sized for substantially isolating the thoracic duct when expanded therein
Data Source
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 member 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.