Dual-Balloon Intravesical Pressure Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intravesical pressure measurement methods, such as Foley catheters, suffer from inaccuracies due to off-center balloon inflation, require bladder emptying and refilling, increasing infection risk, and prevent continuous pressure data measurement.

Innovation Solution

A probe with two balloons, one for locking and another for pressure measurement, allows continuous data collection without bladder drainage or refilling, ensuring accurate and symmetrical pressure measurement by maintaining the pressure sensing balloon centered within the bladder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single inflatable balloon is used in the catheter, then the catheter structure is simple, but the measured pressure data becomes falsified when the balloon inflates off-center or adheres to bladder walls

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter structureVSAvoidpressure data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into functionally distinct segments: a first balloon dedicated to blocking/anchoring and a second balloon dedicated to pressure sensing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with the other, ensuring accurate pressure measurement while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the bladder is emptied and refilled with physiological saline solution, then pressure measurement can be performed, but the risk of bacterial contamination and infection considerably increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidbacterial contamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is pre-equipped with a second pressure-sensing balloon that remains in place and functional throughout the procedure. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to empty and refill the bladder for pressure measurement, as the balloon continuously senses pressure in the native bladder environment, thereby preventing bacterial contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure measurement function is made continuous through the permanently positioned second balloon, which continuously monitors pressure without requiring interruption of the catheter or bladder drainage. This continuous action eliminates repeated connections and disconnections that would expose the system to contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the catheter is connected and disconnected from supply and monitoring means for bladder emptying and refilling, then pressure measurement can be performed, but work time is extended and continuous pressure data measurement is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidwork time and measurement continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter integrates multiple functions into a single device: the first balloon provides blocking/anchoring capability while the second balloon provides continuous pressure sensing. This multi-functionality allows the catheter to simultaneously maintain bladder drainage and continuously measure pressure without requiring separate procedures or repeated connections/disconnections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The second pressure-sensing balloon enables continuous pressure data acquisition throughout the entire catheterization period. The useful action of pressure measurement continues uninterrupted alongside bladder drainage, eliminating time losses associated with repeated connections and disconnections of monitoring equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Device complexity

If a single balloon is used for both blocking and pressure measurement, then the device is simpler, but the balloon must be positioned perfectly centered to avoid falsified data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveballoon configurationVSAvoidpressure data truthfulness

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of blocking and pressure measurement are segmented into separate balloons. The first balloon handles blocking/anchoring without concern for precise central positioning, while the second balloon is specifically positioned and sized for accurate pressure sensing. This functional segmentation eliminates the need for perfect centering of a single multi-functional balloon.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3439557B1Probe for measuring intravesical pressure

Publication Date: 2022.08.31 SIDAM SRL

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AI summary

The probe (1) for measuring intravesical pressure comprises a flexible tubular element (2) of elongated conformation and having: - a first extremity (3) comprising at least a supply mouth (4, 5) associable with the supply means (6) of a fluid (A); - a second extremity (7) opposite to the first extremity (3), positionable inside the bladder of a patient along a direction of insertion (8); - a first sensing element (11) and at least a second sensing element (12) associated with the tubular element (2) in the proximity of the second extremity (7) and adapted to measure the pressure inside the patient's bladder.