Catheter Balloon with Integrated Removing Unit for Tissue Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems are inefficient in removing tissue from lesions within the lumen of a living body, such as fallopian tube cancer and constriction or obstruction.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a flexible outer tube, an inner tube, a tubular balloon that inflates radially inward, and a removing unit protruding from the balloon's outer peripheral portion, allowing for effective tissue removal within the lumen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate removing unit is designed as an independent component, then tissue removal function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the removing unit with the balloon by forming the removing unit as a protrusion or recess directly on the balloon surface. This integration eliminates the need for separate removing unit components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the tissue removal function. The balloon itself becomes both the expanding element and the tissue removal element through its surface features.
2Reliability
If a separate removing unit is designed as an independent component, then tissue removal function is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the removing unit into the balloon structure as a protrusion or recess formed during balloon manufacturing, the patent eliminates the need for separate component fabrication and assembly. This reduces manufacturing steps and costs while ensuring the tissue removal function is achieved through the balloon's own surface features.
3Ease of operation
If the balloon inflates radially inward to allow rod-like member insertion, then insertion capability is improved, but the balloon structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamically deformable balloon that can transition between deflated and inflated states. When deflated, the balloon allows the rod-like member to pass through; when inflated, it expands radially inward to create the removal surface. This dynamic behavior enables insertion capability without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the balloon's elasticity and deformability provide the necessary functionality.
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 catheter system enables efficient removal of tissue from the lumen by utilizing the balloon's removing unit, which can be a protrusion or recess, allowing for a simple structure and reduced manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a balloon having a tubular shape that connects a distal portion of the outer tube and a distal portion of the inner tube to each other and inflates radially inward with respect to the outer tube
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system configured to be inserted into a lumen of a living body includes: a flexible outer tube; an inner tube disposed in an inner cavity of the outer tube; a balloon having a tubular shape that connects a distal portion of the outer tube and a distal portion of the inner tube to each other, the balloon being configured to inflate radially inward with respect to the outer tube to allow insertion of a rod-like member through the inner tube, wherein the balloon has an outer peripheral portion that touches inner periphery of the lumen when the balloon protrudes in the distal direction from the distal end of the outer tube; and a removing unit, which is (i) a protrusion or recess formed at the outer peripheral portion of the balloon, or (ii) a part of the rod-like member inserted into the balloon.