Multi-Lumen Bore Embolization Catheter Reflux Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current AVM embolization techniques face challenges with reflux of embolic agents, leading to inadequate distal penetration and treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
The bore embolization catheter features a multi-lumen design with an inflatable balloon, agent delivery holes, and a detachment zone, allowing for precise delivery and occlusion of embolic agents while preventing reflux.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional microcatheter is used for direct embolization, then the procedure is simple, but the embolic agent tends to reflux backwards instead of moving distally into the lesion
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens (first lumen for balloon inflation, second lumen for embolic agent delivery, third lumen for treatment substance delivery) with separate ports, allowing independent control of each function to prevent reflux while maintaining delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is inflated proximal to the AVM nidus before embolic agent delivery to create a barrier that prevents reflux. This preliminary action establishes the occlusion barrier in advance, ensuring the embolic agent flows only in the desired distal direction
2Reliability
If a pressure cooker technique using two individual microcatheters is used, then distal penetration is augmented, but the procedure complexity increases and reflux prevention is still insufficient in many instances
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions (balloon inflation, embolic agent delivery, treatment substance delivery) that previously required separate catheters are integrated into a single multi-lumen catheter system, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining or improving reflux prevention effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The single catheter performs multiple functions simultaneously through its multi-lumen design, making it a universal device that can inflate balloons, deliver embolic agents, and administer treatment substances, thereby simplifying the overall procedure while ensuring reliable reflux prevention
3Productivity
If embolic agent is administered to occlude the inflow vessel, then AVM nidus treatment is enabled, but reflux of the embolic agent occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is inflated in advance to create a mechanical barrier that actively counteracts the reflux tendency of the embolic agent. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful backward flow before it can occur, ensuring all embolic agent is used productively for distal occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
The inflated balloon acts as an intermediary barrier between the proximal inflow vessel and the distal AVM nidus. It mediates the flow of the embolic agent, allowing controlled forward movement while blocking harmful backward reflux, thereby preventing substance loss
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 catheter design enhances the delivery of embolic agents to AVM niduses, minimizing reflux and ensuring effective occlusion, thereby improving treatment outcomes for AVMs.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the inflatable balloon within the inflow vessel by applying a fluid through the first port to form an inflated balloon
Data Source
AI summary
A bore embolization catheter comprising a catheter main body extending from a catheter junction to a distal end and housing a first lumen, a second lumen, and a third lumen; a detachment zone on the catheter main body configured to allow the catheter main body to be broken; an agent delivery hole on the catheter main body between the detachment zone and the distal end; an end port at the distal end; an inflatable balloon on the catheter main body between the agent delivery hole and the distal end; and a first port in communication with the inflatable balloon through the first lumen, a second port in communication with the agent delivery hole through the second lumen, and a third port in communication with the end port through the third lumen.