Dual-Valve Inflation Device for Multi-Balloon Catheter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheters with multiple balloons require complex manipulation due to the need for separate inflation devices, complicating the inflation and deflation processes of multiple balloons during medical procedures.

Innovation Solution

A dual-valve inflation device that allows for sequential, simultaneous, and independent inflation and deflation of multiple balloons on a catheter through a system of first and second lumens, utilizing a first and second valve member to control fluid paths between valve ports, enabling controlled inflation and deflation of balloons.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate inflation devices (e.g., individual syringes) are coupled to separate ports of the catheter to allow independent inflation of multiple balloons, then independent control of each balloon is achieved, but the complexity of manipulation and use of the catheter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent balloon controlVSAvoidcatheter manipulation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple inflation devices into a single integrated inflation device that includes multiple valve members (first valve member, second valve member) within one handle assembly. This allows independent control of multiple balloons through a unified interface rather than requiring separate syringes and ports, thereby reducing manipulation complexity while maintaining independent balloon control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single inflation device handle is designed to perform multiple functions: it can inflate and deflate multiple different balloons (first balloon, second balloon) through its multiple valve members, and can also control stent deployment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall system while providing versatile control options

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate inflation devices are used to inflate multiple balloons sequentially or simultaneously, then independent inflation control is achieved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to complicated manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation control flexibilityVSAvoidcatheter ease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple valve members are merged into a single handle assembly that provides a unified control interface. The operator can control inflation and deflation of multiple balloons through one integrated device rather than coordinating multiple separate syringes, significantly improving ease of operation while preserving the flexibility to inflate balloons independently or simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve members are designed to be dynamically controllable, allowing the operator to switch between different inflation modes (sequential, simultaneous, independent) as needed during the procedure. This dynamic control capability within a single device provides both ease of operation and operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates efficient and controlled inflation and deflation of multiple balloons on catheters, simplifying medical procedures by reducing complexity and enhancing maneuverability during stent deployment and stenosis dilation.

Implementation Method 1

the source of inflation media may be actuated to pull a vacuum along the fluid path to collapse the first and second balloons simultaneously

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

inflation media delivered from the source of inflation media through the first lumen inflates the first balloon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid delivery:

Implementation Method 3

inflation media delivered from the source of inflation media through the second lumen inflates the second balloon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid delivery:

Data Source

PatentUS20250332391A1Inflation devices and systems for balloon catheters and methods for use

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 VERGE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

Inflation devices and methods for using them are provided for selectively inflating and deflating multiple balloons on a catheter. For example, the inflation device may include a first valve including a plurality of first valve ports and a first valve member movable between multiple positions for opening and closing fluid paths between the first valve ports, a second valve including a plurality of second valve ports and a second valve member movable between multiple positions for opening and closing fluid paths between the second valve ports, and an actuator coupled to the first and second valve members for directing the first and second valve members between multiple positions, e.g., to selectively pull vacuum and sequentially inflate the balloons.