Detachable Balloon Embolization with Check-Valve Inflation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolization devices face challenges with lack of control, consistency, large profiles, difficulty in tracking, high learning curve, and high costs, particularly in treating wide-neck aneurysms and large vessel bleeding, with risks of nontarget embolization and complications.
Innovation Solution
A detachable balloon embolization device with a cannula, guide wire lumen, inflation lumen, and a valve sleeve, allowing precise placement, quick inflation, and easy detachment, using a friction fit mechanism, and marked for fluoroscopic guidance, to occlude blood flow in vessels or aneurysms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional embolization devices are used, then embolization can be performed, but the devices have large profiles and are difficult to track precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The embolization device is divided into multiple components: a catheter for delivery, a balloon for occlusion, and a retention mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the catheter can be thin for precise tracking while the balloon provides the necessary occlusion function when inflated.
2Measurement precision
If embolization devices are made detachable for precise placement, then placement control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is nested within the catheter during delivery, and the retention mechanism is integrated into the catheter-balloon assembly. This nested structure allows the device to remain compact and simple during delivery while providing detachable functionality for precise placement control.
3Productivity
If quick inflation is implemented for rapid embolization, then embolization speed improves, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter and balloon are pre-assembled and positioned precisely at the target location before inflation occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that when quick inflation is initiated, the balloon is already in the correct location, maintaining both speed and precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional embolization devices are used, then embolization can be performed, but costs are high and learning curve is steep
Solution Approach 1:
The embolization device is designed as a disposable single-use system with integrated components that can be manufactured cost-effectively. The simple catheter-balloon-retention mechanism uses basic materials and straightforward assembly, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of use through intuitive operation.
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 device provides controlled, quick, and safe embolization with precise placement, minimizing nontarget embolization risks, and is cost-effective, suitable for various vessel sizes and aneurysm shapes, with no metal artifacts on imaging.
Implementation Method 1
can be inflated with a fluid (e.g., a liquid or a gas), and can be easily detached from the catheter and remain in place
Implementation Method 2
using a friction fit mechanism, and marked for fluoroscopic guidance
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon embolization apparatus, system and method include a detachable balloon device mounted to the distal end of a catheter or microcatheter. The balloon device includes an elongated cannula having first and second axial lumens defined in the cannula, one lumen which allows for travel over a wire, an inflatable balloon disposed on the cannula, and a valve sleeve disposed between the balloon and the cannula. An inflation port on the cannula allows fluid to be introduced to the balloon via a channel in the catheter. The valve sleeve includes a vent offset from the inflation port in the cannula. The valve sleeve allows the introduced fluid to inflate the balloon, but prevents the fluid from escaping, thereby forming a check valve. Once inflated, the catheter is detached from the balloon apparatus. When the catheter is withdrawn, the balloon remains in place to allow for embolization.