Expandable Imaging Hood Catheter for Tissue Visualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for visualizing and manipulating tissue regions within body lumens, such as the heart, face challenges due to opaque bodily fluids like blood, which obstruct image acquisition and therapeutic procedures, and are prone to displacement and instability from dynamic forces and pressure changes.

Innovation Solution

A tissue imaging and manipulation apparatus with an expandable imaging hood deployed via a catheter, using a transparent fluid to displace blood and provide clear visualization, combined with stabilizing mechanisms like inflatable balloons and tissue anchors, allowing for real-time imaging and therapeutic interventions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If an inflatable balloon is used for imaging, then the balloon can be deflated for easy introduction, but it must be inflated to a relatively large size which displaces surrounding tissue and interferes with fine positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of introductionVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The imaging balloon is nested within a delivery catheter in a collapsed state for easy introduction, then expanded to imaging size at the target location. This allows the balloon to be transported in a compact form while achieving full imaging capability at the destination, resolving the contradiction between ease of introduction and positioning precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If an inflatable balloon is used for imaging, then imaging can be accomplished, but the working area created is generally cramped and limited in size

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging capabilityVSAvoidworking area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The balloon is designed with dynamic expandability, transitioning from a collapsed delivery state to an expanded imaging state. This dynamic transformation allows the system to achieve adequate imaging capability while minimizing the working area during introduction, and providing sufficient working space when expanded at the target location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If an inflatable balloon is used for imaging, then imaging can be performed, but it is susceptible to pressure changes in the surrounding fluid which affect balloon volume and positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging functionVSAvoidpositioning stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Pressure sensors are integrated into the balloon system to detect surrounding fluid pressure changes. This feedback information is used to actively adjust the balloon's internal pressure, compensating for external pressure variations and maintaining stable balloon volume and positioning throughout the imaging procedure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If conventional imaging modalities are used, then images can be obtained, but they fail to provide real-time imaging for intra-operative therapeutic procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidreal-time capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an optical imaging system with illumination fibers and imaging fibers as an intermediary between the tissue and the external imaging equipment. This optical intermediary enables real-time visualization during intra-operative procedures, bridging the gap between traditional imaging quality and real-time capability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

5Measurement precision

If fluoroscopic imaging is used, then anatomic landmarks can be identified, but it fails to provide accurate image of tissue quality or surface and instrumentation for tissue manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelandmark identificationVSAvoidtissue manipulation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges imaging functionality with therapeutic intervention capability by integrating the optical imaging system with instruments for tissue manipulation and treatment. This combination allows simultaneous visualization of tissue quality and surface features while providing integrated tools for therapeutic procedures, eliminating the need for separate imaging and treatment devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 clear, real-time imaging and precise therapeutic procedures within body lumens filled with opaque fluids, maintaining stability despite dynamic conditions, thereby improving diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes.

Implementation Method 1

using a transparent fluid to displace blood and provide clear visualization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid displacement:

Implementation Method 2

stabilizing mechanisms like inflatable balloons

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation pressure: Pressurisation

Implementation Method 3

tissue anchors, allowing for real-time imaging and therapeutic interventions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical anchoring: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11779195B2Precision control systems for tissue visualization and manipulation assemblies

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 INTUITIVE SURGICAL OPERATIONS INC

AI summary

A robotic assembly comprises a deployment catheter including a steerable distal region and further comprises a balloon assembly coupled to the steerable distal region.