Endoscopic Sheath Compression for Viscous Fluid Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices face difficulties in delivering highly viscous fluids to target sites within the gastrointestinal tract due to the need for excessive force and pressure, which can lead to device deformation or failure, and increase the risk of complications.

Innovation Solution

A medical device with an inflatable feature, such as a balloon, is used to deliver viscous fluids by applying pressure to a sheath containing the fluid, allowing for easier and controlled delivery through a working channel of an endoscope without requiring the fluid to travel the full length of the device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional devices are used to deliver highly viscous fluids through the full length of the device, then the fluid can reach the target site, but excessive force and pressure are required leading to device deformation or failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidforce required for fluid delivery

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The device divides the fluid delivery path into segments: a first portion through the outer tube and a second portion through the inner tube. The deformable member creates a localized compression zone that propels fluid through the distal opening, eliminating the need to push viscous fluid through the entire device length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The deformable member acts as an intermediary mechanism between the fluid source and the target site. It receives fluid through the inner tube and uses radial deformation to compress and propel the viscous fluid through the distal opening, reducing the force required compared to direct push-through delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If conventional devices apply high pressure to deliver viscous fluids, then fluid delivery is achieved, but the risk of complications increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid delivery efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable member dynamically changes its configuration from a relaxed state to a compressed state through radial deformation. This dynamic action creates controlled pressure zones that propel fluid efficiently without requiring sustained high pressure, reducing complications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device uses fluid pressure applied to the deformable member to create mechanical compression of the viscous fluid. This pneumatic-hydraulic mechanism converts pressure applied to the deformable member into directed fluid flow, achieving efficient delivery with controlled pressure levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If viscous fluid travels the full length of the device, then the target site is reached, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery controlVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The deformable member is pre-positioned within the outer tube with its distal opening aligned with the target site. Fluid is loaded through the inner tube and propelled forward by the deformable member's radial deformation, eliminating the time required for fluid to slowly traverse the entire device length.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from one-dimensional linear fluid push-through to two-dimensional radial compression and propulsion. The deformable member deforms radially inward to compress fluid, then propels it forward, creating a more efficient delivery path that reduces procedure time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables efficient and controlled delivery of viscous fluids, reducing procedure time and cost, while minimizing the risk of device failure, and facilitating wound treatment and hemostasis with enhanced user convenience.

Implementation Method 1

A medical device may include an outer tube, a deformable member disposed within the outer tube, a gap disposed between the outer tube and the deformable member, and a sheath. The sheath may include an opening on a distal portion of the sheath. The medical device may include a port configured to supply a fluid to the gap. The fluid may be configured to deform the deformable member radially inwardly to compress the sheath and deliver a second fluid within the sheath out of the opening.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20250381373A1Medical systems, devices, and related methods for delivery of fluids

Publication Date: 2025.12.18 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

A medical device may include an outer tube and a deformable member disposed within the outer tube. A gap may be disposed between the outer tube and the deformable member. The medical device may further include a sheath. The sheath may include an opening on a distal portion of the sheath. The medical device may include a port configured to supply a fluid to the gap. The fluid may be configured to deform the deformable member radially inwardly to compress the sheath and deliver a second fluid within the sheath out of the opening.