Multi-Lumen Catheter Tip for Pressure Measurement and Fluid Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters lack the ability to effectively measure fluid pressure differences across body lumens, particularly at valves, and simultaneously deliver fluids or electrical pulses, due to limitations in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen catheter design with a coupled catheter tip and body, featuring a curved distal region and distinct lumens for fluid communication and sensor integration, allowing for simultaneous pressure measurement and fluid delivery or electrical pulse monitoring across body lumens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-lumen catheter design is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot simultaneously measure fluid pressure differences and deliver fluids or electrical pulses
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens (first lumen, second lumen, third lumen) that are spatially separated but integrated within a single catheter body. Each lumen serves a specific function: one for pressure measurement, another for fluid delivery, and a third for electrical pulse monitoring. This segmentation allows the catheter to perform multiple functions simultaneously without functional interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device where a single catheter body with multiple lumens can simultaneously measure fluid pressure differences across body lumens, deliver fluids, and monitor electrical pulses. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices, improving operational efficiency and patient care.
2Measurement precision
If pressure measurement ports are positioned far from the valve, then the measurement is easier to implement, but the measurement precision of pressure differences across the valve decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates pressure measurement ports with specific local positioning characteristics - one port is positioned immediately adjacent to the valve while another is positioned at a predetermined distance away. This localized port arrangement enables accurate measurement of pressure differences across the valve by capturing pressure gradients in the immediate valve region, which is critical for assessing valve function and gradient.
3Force
If the catheter tip is rigid, then torque transference is improved, but atraumatic advancement through body lumens is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a dynamic tip section that can change its mechanical properties during insertion. The tip is designed to be flexible during advancement through tortuous body lumens to prevent trauma, and can be stiffened or maintained with adequate torque transference when positioned to allow manipulation and stabilization at the target location. This dynamic characteristic allows the catheter to adapt its mechanical properties to different operational phases.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongate catheter tip may be coupled to an elongate catheter body adjacent a distal end of the catheter body. To couple a catheter tip to a catheter body, a proximal portion of the catheter tip may (1) be disposed between a first elongate member and an second elongate member and (2) be subsequently fused to the second elongate member and the first elongate member. The resulting catheter and catheter tip may, among other functions, facilitate the measurement of differences in fluid pressure and/or facilitate the delivery of fluid or medical devices during a medical procedure.