Double Balloon Isolation Catheter for Colon Segment Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current colon imaging procedures face challenges in selectively isolating specific segments of the colon for enhanced imaging, leading to discomfort, inefficient use of contrast agents, and potential overshadowing of x-ray images due to proximal contrast material migration.
Innovation Solution
A double balloon isolation catheter with infinitely adjustable inter-balloon spacing allows for precise isolation of a colon segment, minimizing the volume of contrast agent used and reducing patient discomfort by distending only the region of interest, while a guide wire and pressure transducer facilitate rapid and accurate pressure monitoring and gas/contrast delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single balloon catheter is used for colon imaging, then the procedure is simpler, but it cannot selectively isolate specific colon segments leading to contrast material migration and image overshadowing
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments with two separate balloons (proximal and distal) that can be independently inflated and deflated. This segmentation allows selective isolation of specific colon segments by controlling which balloons are inflated, enabling precise localization of contrast material to the region of interest while preventing proximal migration and image overshadowing.
2Reliability
If the entire colon is distended with gas for imaging, then complete visualization is achieved, but patient discomfort increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter enables localized gas and contrast material infusion into specific colon segments by selectively inflating the proximal and/or distal balloons to isolate target regions. This local quality approach allows complete visualization of the region of interest without distending the entire colon, thereby maintaining imaging reliability while significantly reducing patient discomfort from excessive gas accumulation.
3Manufacturing precision
If a large volume of contrast agent is used, then complete colon coating is achieved, but contrast agent waste increases and patient discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The double balloon isolation mechanism creates a contained environment that directs contrast material locally to the specific colon segment being examined. By isolating the target region with inflated balloons, the system achieves uniform contrast distribution in the region of interest while preventing contrast material from migrating to other areas, thereby reducing overall contrast agent volume required and minimizing waste.
4Measurement precision
If the catheter is made rigid for structural stability, then positioning accuracy improves, but the catheter cannot navigate the curves of the colon
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates a flexible shaft that can dynamically adapt to the curves and tortuosity of the colon anatomy during insertion. The flexibility allows the catheter to navigate complex colonic pathways, while the distal balloon positioning mechanism provides sufficient stabilization for accurate positioning and isolation of target segments, achieving both navigability and positioning 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 solution enables localized infusion of contrast agents and gas, reducing patient discomfort and improving image clarity by isolating specific colon segments, overcoming ileocecal valve dysfunction, and minimizing contrast agent seepage, thus enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of colon cancer screening procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The balloons are inflatable for isolating a section of a colon for examination
Implementation Method 2
The section of the colon between the balloons is distended with the infusion of gas
Implementation Method 3
a solid-state pressure transducer monitors the pressure within the lumen of the intestine
Data Source
AI summary
A system for examining a colon includes a catheter, such as a rectal catheter, having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end of the catheter, and a flexible tube coupled with the catheter. The system includes a first balloon located adjacent a distal end of the flexible tube, and a second balloon extending around the catheter and being located between the distal and proximal ends of the catheter, whereby the distance between the first and second balloons is adjustable by sliding the flexible tube through the central lumen of the catheter. The first and second balloons are inflatable for isolating a section of a colon, and a gas or contrast agent may be introduced into the isolated colon section for conducting the examination.