Graphene-Polymer Composite Balloon for Pulmonary Artery Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for pulmonary hypertension, such as implantable systems with balloons and reservoirs, face challenges in maintaining fluid volume and minimizing diffusion of gases and vapors, leading to inefficiencies and potential complications like gas embolism and polymer fatigue, which limits their effectiveness and longevity.
Innovation Solution
A diffusion-resistant system using a carbon-polymer composite for the compliant body and conduit, incorporating graphene to reduce fluid diffusion, along with a reservoir and anchor for securing the compliant body within the pulmonary artery, allowing for long-term implantation and reduced frequency of fluid refills.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If a balloon with compressible fluid is implanted in the pulmonary artery to restore compliance, then peak pressure is reduced and cardiac output increases, but fluid diffuses through the balloon membrane over time requiring frequent refills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a polymer matrix with carbon nanotubes or graphene to create a balloon membrane that maintains flexibility while significantly reducing fluid diffusion. The carbon-based reinforcement creates a tortuous path for diffusing molecules through the membrane, extending the time between refills while preserving the balloon's compliance function.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If CO2 is used as the compressible fluid in the balloon, then the gas dissolves well in blood reducing embolism risk, but CO2 diffuses rapidly through polymer membranes requiring frequent refills
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses carbon nanotube-polymer or graphene-polymer composite materials that create a physical barrier to gas diffusion while maintaining the balloon's biocompatibility. The nanoscale carbon structures form a tortuous path that significantly slows CO2 diffusion through the membrane, extending refill intervals while preserving CO2's beneficial solubility in blood.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the system by using a composite membrane structure where the carbon nanotube or graphene reinforcement is distributed throughout the polymer matrix. This creates localized regions of high diffusion resistance while maintaining overall membrane flexibility and gas exchange properties where needed.
3Ease of operation
If traditional polymer materials are used for the balloon, then the device is flexible and biocompatible, but fluid and gas diffuse through the polymer requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional biocompatible polymers with carbon nanotubes or graphene to create a composite material that maintains the polymer's flexibility and biocompatibility while adding a diffusion barrier. The carbon structures form a nanoscale network within the polymer matrix that slows fluid and gas transport without compromising the material's mechanical properties or biological compatibility.
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 reduces peak pressure in the pulmonary artery, increases cardiac output, and extends the interval between fluid refills, enhancing patient convenience and device efficacy by minimizing fluid diffusion and maintaining compliance over multiple cardiac cycles.
Implementation Method 1
the compliant body is formed from a carbon-polymer composite configured to resist diffusion of the fluid through the compliant body while the compliant body remains implanted in the vessel
Implementation Method 2
the compliant body is formed from a carbon-polymer composite configured to resist diffusion of the fluid through the compliant body while the compliant body remains implanted in the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A device for reducing pulsatile pressure within a vessel to treat heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension, includes a compliant body structured to expand and contract upon changes in pressure within the vessel, a reservoir structured for holding a fluid therein, and a conduit extending between and fluidly coupling the reservoir and the compliant body, wherein the device includes a graphene-polymer composite designed to resist diffusion of the fluid through the device.