Catheter Balloon Sensing Elements at Minimal Curvature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical diagnostic and treatment technologies face challenges in accurately measuring tissue states and delivering therapies due to limitations in sensing and contact with tissues, particularly in areas with complex curvatures, which can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes and increased procedure times.
Innovation Solution
The development of a flexible substrate-based inflatable body with strategically disposed sensing elements, such as pressure and impedance sensors, positioned at areas of minimal curvature to enhance contact and data accuracy, integrated with a coupling bus and encapsulation materials like polyurethane for mechanical stability and optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensing elements are disposed on the inflatable body, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are segmented and disposed at specific locations (areas of minimal curvature) on the inflatable body rather than uniformly distributed, allowing precise measurement while reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables tissue contact, and carries the sensing elements for measurement, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying device structure
2Measurement precision
If sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements are placed at specific locations (areas of minimal curvature) on the inflatable body where the surface geometry provides optimal sensing conditions, improving measurement precision while the inflatable body's flexibility accommodates manufacturing tolerances
3Productivity
If multiple functions are integrated into the same device, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing elements and therapeutic functions (ablation, occlusion) are merged into a single integrated device, allowing simultaneous measurement and treatment which shortens procedure time and eliminates the need for separate dye injection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable body with integrated sensing elements serves as both a diagnostic tool for tissue state measurement and a therapeutic device for ablation or occlusion, combining multiple functions into one universal device that improves procedural efficiency
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 approach enables precise measurement of tissue states and improved contact with tissues, reducing the need for dyes and shortening procedure times by integrating sensing and therapeutic functions within the same device, while providing real-time feedback for optimal occlusion and treatment efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensing elements may include at least one of a pressure sensor or an impedance sensor
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of sensing elements may include at least one of a pressure sensor or an impedance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for medical diagnosis and/or treatment is provides. The apparatus includes a flexible substrate forming an inflatable body and a plurality of sensing elements disposed on the flexible substrate. The plurality of sensing elements are disposed about the inflatable body such that the sensing elements are disposed at areas of minimal curvature of the inflatable body in a deflated state.