Flexible Valve Structure Resisting Retrograde Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-target delivery of therapeutics due to retrograde flow causes unintended side effects and variable dosing in therapeutic applications, as existing solutions either fail to prevent retrograde flow effectively or hinder the delivery of therapeutic agents by occluding blood flow.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with a flexible structure that transitions from a reduced width profile to an expanded width profile when retracted, creating a check valve that resists deformation from fluid pressure in the proximal direction more than the distal direction, thereby limiting retrograde flow while allowing normal blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve is created to resist retrograde flow, then retrograde flow is inhibited, but blood flow occlusion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible structure transitions between compressed and expanded states dynamically based on fluid pressure direction. When fluid pressure applies force in the proximal direction, the structure expands to engage the lumen wall and resist retrograde flow. When fluid pressure applies force in the distal direction, the structure compresses to allow normal blood flow, preventing occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its physical state (compressed vs. expanded) in response to changes in fluid pressure direction. The flexible structure's width profile and engagement with the lumen wall are directly controlled by the direction and magnitude of fluid pressure forces, allowing it to adapt its flow-resisting properties dynamically.
2Reliability
If the flexible structure is expanded to engage the lumen wall, then retrograde flow is blocked, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible structure self-regulates its state based on fluid pressure forces without requiring external control mechanisms. The structure automatically expands when subjected to proximal-directed fluid pressure and compresses when subjected to distal-directed fluid pressure, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining reliable flow direction control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes a flexible structure that can deform and change shape in response to fluid pressure. This flexible component allows the device to achieve flow control functionality through simple geometric transformation rather than complex mechanical mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the flexible structure adopts reduced width profile for insertion, then ease of insertion is improved, but flow resistance capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible structure dynamically changes its width profile from compressed (low profile) during insertion to expanded (high profile) when deployed. This dynamic transformation allows the device to be easily inserted in a compact state and then expand to provide effective flow resistance once in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible structure can be compressed into a compact form that nests within the delivery device during insertion, similar to nested dolls. Once deployed, it expands from this nested state to its full functional configuration, providing flow resistance capability while maintaining ease of insertion.
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 effectively inhibits retrograde flow while ensuring therapeutic agents can reach the target tissue, minimizing side effects and maintaining normal blood flow dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
the flexible structure adopts an expanded width profile that is more resistant to deformation due to fluid pressure in a proximal direction than it is to deformation due to fluid pressure in a distal direction
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a valve structure that comprises a flexible structure having a distal portion configured for attachment to a first member and a proximal portion configured for attachment to a second member. The flexible structure is configured such that when the first member is extended distally relative to the second member, the flexible structure adopts a reduced width profile and such that when the first member is retracted proximally relative to the second member to a point of maximal retraction, the flexible structure adopts an expanded width profile, which is more resistant to deformation due to fluid pressure in a proximal direction than it is to deformation due to fluid pressure in a distal direction. The present disclosure is also directed to devices and methods pertaining to such a valve structure.