Catheter Balloon Inflation Control Using Pressure and Time Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems with inflatable retention members face challenges in controlling inflation to prevent over-inflation, which can cause tissue damage, discomfort, and potential explosion, while being complex, costly, and lacking user-friendly and cost-efficient solutions.
Innovation Solution
A system with an electric pump and pressure sensor that controls inflation by setting predetermined levels with both pumping time and pressure thresholds, ensuring safe and predictable inflation by stopping when either threshold is reached, allowing for user selection and adaptation to individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inflatable retention member is inflated to ensure adequate retention, then the catheter remains securely in place, but the risk of over-inflation causing tissue damage and discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the actual balloon volume using a pressure sensor and compares it to the target volume. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the pump operation to stop inflation when the target volume is reached, preventing over-inflation while ensuring adequate retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and manual inflation control with an automated electronic control system that uses pressure sensing and electronic control to precisely manage balloon inflation, eliminating the need for user judgment and reducing over-inflation risk.
2Device complexity
If manual inflation control methods are used, then the system remains simple, but the precision and safety of inflation control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines when to stop inflation by continuously monitoring its own state through the pressure sensor and comparing actual volume to target volume, eliminating the need for external manual control while maintaining simplicity through automated self-regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual estimation and manual inflation control with an automated electronic control system that uses pressure sensing and electronic control to precisely manage balloon inflation, eliminating the need for user judgment and reducing over-inflation risk.
3Measurement precision
If advanced control systems with multiple sensors are implemented, then inflation control precision improves, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential control function needed for safe inflation - a single pressure sensor to monitor volume and a simple controller to stop the pump at the target volume. This eliminates unnecessary complex sensors and control mechanisms while maintaining adequate precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when to stop inflation by continuously monitoring its own state through the pressure sensor and comparing actual volume to target volume, eliminating the need for external manual control while maintaining simplicity through automated self-regulation.
4Reliability
If automated inflation control is implemented, then safety and precision improve, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential control function needed for safe inflation - a single pressure sensor to monitor volume and a simple controller to stop the pump at the target volume. This eliminates unnecessary complex sensors and control mechanisms while maintaining adequate precision for the application.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically determines when to stop inflation by continuously monitoring its own state through the pressure sensor and comparing actual volume to target volume, eliminating the need for external manual control while maintaining simplicity through automated self-regulation.
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
Ensures safe, predictable, and user-friendly inflation control, preventing over-inflation and explosion, while being cost-effective and suitable for self-administration, particularly in rectal and urinary catheter systems.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor continuously sensing the pressure in the inflatable retention member
Implementation Method 2
an electric pump for pumping a fluid for inflation of said inflatable retention member
Data Source
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Figure 2
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AI summary
A method and system for automated controlling of inflation of an inflatable retention member, e.g. a balloon, in a catheter is disclosed. The catheter is preferably a rectal or anal catheter, and the inflation is controlled by a controller. A plurality of predetermined inflation levels are provided, and for each of level, a pumping time threshold and a pressure level threshold are defined. The pressure in the balloon is continuously measured during the inflation. An inflation level is selected form said plurality of inflation levels, and an electric pump is used to inflate the inflatable retention member. Operation of the electric pump is continued until one of the pumping time threshold and pressure level threshold of the selected inflation level has been reached.