Fluid-Driven Bladder Implant Deployment Instrument

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheters are not suited for deploying flexible implantable devices, such as drug delivery devices, into the bladder due to narrow lumens and risk of device damage or lodging during insertion.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a deployment instrument with a fluid stream to drive an implantable device through the urethra and into the bladder, featuring a deployment instrument with a lumen designed to accommodate the device and a stylet for verification, allowing for flexible device deployment and anchoring in the bladder.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If known catheters with narrow interior lumens are used for fluid instillation or drainage, then the catheter structure is simple and suitable for fluid management, but the lumen is not wide enough for passage of an implantable device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelumen diameterVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment instrument is divided into multiple functional segments: a catheter portion for navigation and fluid delivery, a deployment chamber for housing the implantable device, and a release mechanism. This segmentation allows the system to provide both narrow catheter functionality and wide deployment space without increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable device is nested within the deployment instrument's internal lumen during insertion, allowing the device to pass through the catheter safely. Once positioned in the bladder, the device is released from the nested configuration. This nesting approach enables passage of implantable devices through catheters without requiring permanently enlarged lumens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If known systems for implanting devices along an exterior of a guidewire are used, then the implantation path is established, but there is risk of damage to the device or the body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice integrityVSAvoiddevice damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The deployment instrument serves as an intermediary protective sheath between the implantable device and the external environment. The device remains enclosed within the deployment instrument's protective lumen during insertion through the urethra, preventing mechanical damage. The soft, biocompatible materials of the deployment instrument also prevent trauma to the urethral and bladder tissues

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The deployment instrument provides pre-established protection and cushioning for the implantable device during the insertion process. The compliant walls of the deployment chamber absorb mechanical stresses and prevent direct contact between the device and potentially damaging surfaces in the urinary tract

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of operation

If most known catheters are used for deploying flexible devices, then the catheter can be inserted through the urethra, but the flexible device may get lodged or wedged in the exit opening without being able to exit the distal end

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice deploymentVSAvoiddevice lodging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The distal end of the deployment instrument features a rounded, curved tip rather than a sharp or angular exit. This curvature prevents the flexible implantable device from catching or wedging at the exit opening, allowing smooth passage into the bladder. The rounded geometry conforms to the natural curvature of the urethra and bladder entrance, facilitating effortless device deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 safe and effective implantation of flexible drug delivery devices into the bladder, ensuring proper placement and retention without damaging the device or the body.

Implementation Method 1

a stream of fluid is injected into the deployment instrument. The stream of fluid drives the implantable device from the deployment instrument into the bladder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid stream propulsion: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 2

The stream of fluid may act on a movable seal positioned downstream of the implantable device, and the movable seal may act on the implantable device to drive the device through the deployment instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

An inflatable balloon may be inflated on a distal end of the deployment instrument to anchor the distal end in the bladder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10064980B2Systems and methods for deploying devices to genitourinary sites

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 JANSSEN BIOTECH INC

AI summary

A method delivers an implantable device through the urethra and into the bladder. A deployment instrument is inserted into the urethra, the implantable device is inserted into the deployment instrument, and a stream of fluid is injected into the deployment instrument. The stream of fluid drives the implantable device from the deployment instrument into the bladder. The deployment instrument is removed from the urethra, leaving the implantable device wholly implanted in the bladder.