Catheter Flow Modifier for Embolic Agent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolic delivery catheters face challenges in delivering embolic agents accurately and predictably due to turbulent blood flow, which can disrupt or push away the embolic material from its intended target position, leading to less effective occlusion and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design featuring a fluid flow modifier at the distal end that creates laminar flow by branching into a central lumen and surrounding smaller channels, reducing turbulence and enabling more precise delivery, along with sidewall apertures that utilize the Venturi effect to recapture embolic beads that have refluxed proximally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microcatheter tip with side pores is used to reduce backflow, then embolic agents are prevented from moving proximally beyond the side fluid jets, but significant backflow and turbulence are still generated away from the target delivery area
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is segmented into multiple functional zones: a central delivery lumen for embolic agent delivery, surrounded by an annular lumen for counter-flow liquid delivery. This segmentation allows independent control of embolic agent flow and counter-flow to cancel turbulence at different radial positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies counter-weight by introducing liquid flow in the opposite direction through the annular lumen to counterbalance the turbulent backflow generated by embolic agent delivery through the central lumen. The counter-flow acts as a compensating force that cancels out the harmful turbulence.
2Ease of operation
If fluid is pushed out through the main delivery opening and side pores, then embolic agents are constrained from proximal migration, but turbulence disrupts the embolic material from its intended target position
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the catheter tip have different flow characteristics: the central lumen delivers embolic agents with high velocity for deep penetration, while the surrounding annular lumen delivers counter-flow at optimized velocities to reduce turbulence. Each region is optimized for its specific function rather than uniform design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes flow parameters by controlling the velocity and volume of liquid through the annular lumen to match and counterbalance the embolic agent flow from the central lumen. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both containment and precision.
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 laminar flow design enhances the cohesiveness and predictability of embolic agent delivery, reducing backflow and migration, while the suction mechanism effectively recaptures refluxed beads, improving the accuracy and safety of embolic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flow modifier located at or near the distal end of a catheter shaft to create laminar flow from a delivery lumen of the catheter
Implementation Method 2
sidewall apertures that utilize the Venturi effect to recapture embolic beads that have refluxed proximally
Data Source
AI summary
Catheters are described that have improved flow characteristics that may be particularly helpful when delivering embolic agents within a blood vessel. One catheter includes a fluid flow modifier that is configured to create laminar fluid flow out of a distal end of the catheter to help reduce turbulence and achieve predictable fluid movement. Another catheter includes scavenging ports that are configured to suction in embolic agents that have refluxed proximally back from a distal end of the catheter.