Catheter Balloon Pressure Feedback for Bowel Irrigation Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bowel irrigation systems lack the ability to control the size of the inflated balloon during the procedure, leading to potential damage to the rectal walls due to excessive pressure and risk of balloon rupture, especially for users with sensitive or fragile rectal walls.
Innovation Solution
A bowel irrigation system with a pressure sensor and control unit that adjusts the balloon size by inflating or deflating it based on pressure thresholds, using an incompressible fluid to maintain optimal balloon volume and minimize counter pressure on the rectal walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to retain the catheter in the rectum, then the catheter is securely retained, but excessive pressure may damage the rectal walls or cause balloon rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is transformed from a static inflation system to a dynamic one where the balloon volume can be adjusted in real-time. The system continuously monitors pressure and automatically deflates or inflates the balloon to maintain optimal pressure levels, making the retention mechanism adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor provides continuous feedback about the pressure inside the balloon. This feedback loop allows the system to detect when pressure exceeds safe thresholds and automatically trigger deflation, or when pressure drops below retention thresholds and trigger inflation, ensuring safe and effective catheter retention.
2Reliability
If the balloon is inflated to secure the catheter, then retention is achieved, but the risk of balloon rupture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon inflation state is made dynamic rather than static. The system continuously adjusts the balloon volume based on real-time pressure monitoring, preventing the balloon from being over-inflated to the point of rupture while maintaining sufficient inflation for secure retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure monitoring system provides early warning when pressure approaches dangerous levels. The system automatically deflates the balloon before rupture can occur, acting as a preventive safety mechanism that cushions against the harmful effect of over-inflation.
3Device complexity
If manual control of balloon size is used, then the system is simple, but the pressure cannot be regulated to prevent damage
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure sensor and control system create an automatic feedback loop that monitors and regulates balloon pressure. When pressure exceeds a predetermined safe threshold, the system automatically deflates the balloon. When pressure drops below the retention threshold, the system automatically inflates it again, eliminating the need for complex manual regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation of balloon pressure without requiring continuous manual intervention. The pressure sensor and automated control mechanisms enable the system to monitor its own state and adjust balloon volume autonomously to maintain safe and effective pressure levels throughout the bowel irrigation procedure.
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 system effectively manages balloon size to prevent excessive pressure on the rectal walls and reduces the risk of balloon rupture, ensuring a safe and controlled bowel irrigation procedure without medical supervision.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor for assessing a pressure inside the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
A bowel irrigation system comprising a container adapted for containing a liquid, a catheter comprising an inflated balloon, a tubing connecting the container and the catheter, a pump, a control unit for controlling a flow of fluid in the system, and a pressure sensor is disclosed. The system comprises means for deflating the balloon, as a response to an assessment of a first pressure inside the balloon being greater than a first threshold value, by reducing the amount of liquid inside the balloon by a first amount of liquid. In addition, a method for deflating an inflatable balloon, as a response to an assessment of a first pressure inside the balloon being greater than a first threshold value, by reducing the amount of liquid inside the balloon by a first amount of liquid is disclosed.