Dual-pump catheter system for embolic bead delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for delivering embolic beads lack precise control, leading to inconsistent blockage of target arteries and potential reflux to non-target vasculature.
Innovation Solution
A controlled apparatus with a peristaltic pump system, bidirectional pump, and valve management, utilizing a microprocessor-controlled system to regulate fluid flow and pressure, ensuring precise delivery of embolic beads through a catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a single pump system is used for delivering embolic beads, then the device complexity is reduced, but the delivery precision and flow control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent pump units: a first pump for delivering embolic beads at a first flow rate, and a second pump for delivering a second fluid at a second flow rate. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function, achieving precise control over the delivery of embolic beads and the secondary fluid independently, thereby resolving the contradiction between delivery precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pump system serves multiple functions: the first pump delivers embolic beads for arterial blockage, while the second pump delivers additional fluid to maintain pressure and prevent reflux. Both pumps work together to achieve precise flow control and consistent delivery, demonstrating multi-functionality that improves delivery precision without excessive complexity increase.
2Reliability
If manual delivery of embolic beads is used, then the operation is simple, but the blockage consistency and pressure control are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensors that provide real-time feedback on the pressure within the catheter and arterial system. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust the operation of both pumps, maintaining optimal pressure levels and ensuring consistent arterial blockage. This automated feedback control improves reliability while reducing the operational burden on the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual pump system with automated control performs the complex task of flow rate regulation and pressure maintenance independently. The controller automatically coordinates the operation of both pumps based on real-time conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention to maintain blockage consistency. This self-service capability improves reliability while keeping the interface simple for the operator.
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
Enables precise and controlled delivery of embolic beads, minimizing reflux and ensuring effective blockage of target arteries while maintaining laminar flow to prevent non-target distribution.
Implementation Method 1
The first pump is a peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 2
The bidirectional pump is a bidirectional peristaltic pump
Implementation Method 3
maintaining laminar flow to prevent non-target distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension of a therapeutic substance (e.g., embolic beads) dispersed within a liquid can be delivered via a catheter by using a bidirectional pump to rapidly draw the mixture of the therapeutic substance and liquid from an external syringe into an internal reservoir, then rapidly push the mixture back out into the external syringe. The rapid operation of the bidirectional pump mixes the two constituents so that the therapeutic substance is temporarily suspended within the liquid. Then, a low-speed pump is used to inject the mixture out via the catheter. In some embodiments, the parameters of the low-speed pump are controlled so that the fluid exiting the catheter will experience laminar flow. When the therapeutic substance comprises embolic beads, this can advantageously prevent reflux of the embolic beads, which can be dangerous.