Expandable Catheter Pressure Control via Periodic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters with expandable treatment elements face challenges in maintaining effective pressure control and leak detection, which are crucial for successful cryoablation procedures, as slight changes in pressure and orientation significantly impact treatment efficacy, and leaks can cause harm to patients.
Innovation Solution
A medical system with an expandable element, pressure sensors, and a control unit that alternates between active pressure control and leakage detection monitoring phases, using fluid circulation and periodic inflation pulses to maintain preset pressure thresholds and detect any deviations, thereby preventing leaks and ensuring consistent treatment delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If continuous fluid circulation is used to maintain pressure in the expandable element, then pressure stability is improved, but the ability to detect leaks is worsened due to continuous pressure application masking pressure drops
Solution Approach 1:
The system alternates between an active pressure control phase where fluid is circulated to maintain preset pressure, and a leakage detection phase where fluid circulation is stopped and pressure is monitored over time. This periodic switching allows the system to achieve both pressure stability during treatment and reliable leak detection during monitoring phases, resolving the contradiction between continuous pressure maintenance and leak detection capability
2Reliability
If pressure monitoring is performed continuously, then leak detection is improved, but treatment efficacy is worsened due to constant monitoring interfering with stable pressure maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic switching between active pressure control and leakage detection phases. During active pressure control, fluid circulation maintains stable pressure for effective treatment. During leakage detection phases, the system temporarily stops fluid circulation and monitors pressure to detect leaks. This periodic approach ensures that continuous monitoring does not interfere with pressure stability while still providing reliable leak detection capability
3Stability of the object's composition
If fluid circulation is maintained at high levels to ensure pressure, then pressure control is improved, but energy consumption is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic fluid circulation instead of continuous circulation. During active pressure control phases, fluid is circulated to maintain preset pressure. During leakage detection phases, fluid circulation is stopped and pressure is monitored. This periodic operation maintains effective pressure control while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous high-level circulation
Solution Approach 2:
During leakage detection phases, the system uses the existing pressurized state of the expandable element to perform self-diagnosis by monitoring pressure changes over time. No additional energy is required to maintain pressure during these monitoring phases, as the system leverages the pressure already established during active control phases
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 effectively maintains optimal pressure within the expandable element during procedures, promptly detects and responds to leaks, ensuring safe and efficient cryoablation by preventing fluid or gas leakage into the patient's body.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pressure sensor in communication with the expandable element
Implementation Method 2
a fluid source in fluid communication with the expandable element, circulation of the fluid within the expandable element inflates the expandable element
Data Source
AI summary
A medical system for monitoring pressure may comprise a medical device with an expandable element, at least one pressure sensor in communication with the expandable element and a control unit. The control unit may include a fluid source in fluid communication with the expandable element and circulation of the fluid within the expandable element may inflate the expandable element. A processing circuitry may be configured to monitor a pressure within the expandable element based on signals received from the at least one pressure sensor for a first period of time and circulation of the fluid within the expandable element for a second period of time.