Cryoballoon Refrigerant Dispersion Control via Articulated Injection Tube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter-based medical devices for cryogenic fluid dispersion lack control over the direction of coolant dispersion, leading to inefficient cooling and potential unintended tissue ablation due to non-uniform distribution and return of cold liquid.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dispersion control element that can be mechanically, electrically, or magnetically adjusted to direct the angle of fluid dispersion from the injection tube, allowing precise targeting of the cooling fluid to the treatment area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If coolant is dispersed in a fixed direction from the injection tube, then the device structure is simple, but the cooling efficiency is reduced and unintended tissue ablation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The injection tube is made flexible or articulated, allowing it to change orientation dynamically. This enables the coolant dispersion direction to be adjusted during the procedure to match the target tissue location, improving cooling efficiency without requiring a completely fixed complex structure
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing the orientation parameter of the injection tube through mechanical articulation or magnetic actuation. By varying the tube's angle and direction, the system adapts the coolant flow pattern to different treatment scenarios, enhancing cooling efficiency while maintaining relative structural simplicity
2Ease of operation
If multiple injection tubes are used to achieve uniform coolant dispersion, then the cooling coverage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single injection tube is divided into multiple segments or articulated sections that can independently orient themselves. This segmentation allows different portions of the tube to direct coolant to different areas, achieving uniform distribution without requiring multiple separate injection tubes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding more injection tubes in the same dimension, the solution introduces rotational and angular dimensions to a single tube. The articulated tube can orient in multiple directions through rotational joints, achieving multi-directional coolant distribution equivalent to multiple tubes but with fewer components
3Measurement precision
If the injection tube is made flexible to change dispersion direction, then the targeting precision is improved, but the control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical control of the flexible injection tube is replaced or assisted by magnetic actuation. Magnetic fields can precisely control the orientation of magnetizable components within the tube, achieving high targeting precision while simplifying the user's control task compared to manual manipulation of a flexible tube
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary between the user's control inputs and the physical positioning of the injection tube. The magnetic actuation system translates electrical or mechanical control signals into precise tube orientation, reducing the direct control difficulty while maintaining high positioning accuracy
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
Enhances cooling efficiency by controllably directing the cryogenic fluid to the target tissue, reducing unintended tissue ablation and optimizing coolant usage.
Implementation Method 1
expanding to low pressure and temperature through positive Joule-Thomson throttling
Implementation Method 2
undergoing a phase change from liquid to vapor, thereby absorbing heat of vaporization
Implementation Method 3
absorbing heat of vaporization
Implementation Method 4
one of the magnetizable components is activated to attract the magnetic segment of the fluid injection tube
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter based medical device including controlled refrigerant dispersion is disclosed. The device includes a fluid injection tube that carries refrigerant from a coolant supply to the distal portion of the device. An open distal end or one or more orifices may be provided on the injection tube for the refrigerant to be expelled into an expandable chamber such as a balloon disposed on the distal portion of the catheter. The dispersion of the refrigerant from the injection tube may be controlled or manipulable to direct the refrigerant to one or more target locations.