Expandable Catheter With Independent Balloon Control for Irregular Anatomy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon catheters struggle with expanding devices in anatomies with irregular shapes or non-uniform diameters, as they typically have a single balloon that inflates to a uniform diameter, making it difficult to adequately expand target areas such as those near aneurysms or large plaque deposits.
Innovation Solution
An expandable catheter system with a plurality of independently inflatable balloons or chambers, each of which can be selectively expanded to different diameters and sequences, using a longitudinally movable inflation tube to direct inflation media into individual balloons, and optionally including features like rotational orientation locks and seals to maintain precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single balloon is used for expansion, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to accommodate irregular anatomies with non-uniform diameters is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The single balloon is divided into multiple independently inflatable segments or chambers along the catheter shaft. Each segment can be inflated separately to different diameters, allowing the catheter to adapt to irregular anatomies with non-uniform diameters while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates a dynamically adjustable expansion mechanism where the number, size, and positioning of inflatable segments can be modified during the procedure. This dynamic configuration allows the catheter to adapt to varying anatomical shapes and diameters without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple independently inflatable balloons are used, then the adaptability to irregular anatomies is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single inflation mechanism or master control system is designed to serve multiple functions by controlling multiple independently inflatable balloons or segments. This universal control approach allows customized expansion of different segments while avoiding the need for separate complex inflation systems for each balloon, thus managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflation mechanism is designed with a nested structure where control elements for multiple balloons are integrated within a single catheter body. The inflation tubes and control mechanisms are arranged concentrically or in nested configurations, allowing multiple balloons to be controlled independently through a compact, space-efficient design that reduces overall device complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a longitudinally movable inflation tube is used to selectively inflate individual balloons, then the precision of expansion control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinally movable inflation tube serves as an intermediary element that selectively connects the inflation source to individual balloons or segments. By moving the inflation tube along the catheter shaft, precise control over which balloon is inflated and to what extent is achieved. This intermediary mechanism provides precise expansion control while the tube itself is a relatively simple component that manages complexity efficiently.
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 system allows for precise and customizable expansion of devices within irregular anatomies, improving delivery and therapy efficacy by accommodating varying shapes and diameters, reducing operation times, and enhancing patient safety and outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
Inflation media may be delivered through the inflation lumen to inflate the balloon during a procedure. As the balloon expands, it radially expands the device and/or vessel to a desired size.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable catheter system includes a catheter body and a plurality of expansile elements connected at a distal region of the catheter body. The system further comprises an expansion mechanism capable of independently adjusting the radial size of each expansile element when in an actuated state. This independent adjustment allows for precise control over the expansion of each element, facilitating targeted treatment or intervention within a body lumen. The system is designed to enhance the adaptability and effectiveness of catheter-based procedures by providing customizable expansion capabilities tailored to specific anatomical or procedural requirements.