Impedance Manometry Catheters for Quantifying Pelvic Prolapse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current diagnostic methods for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) are subjective and lack accuracy in quantifying the extent of the prolapse, limiting effective surgical planning.
Innovation Solution
A system using impedance manometry catheters with inflatable balloons and sensors for insertion into pelvic organs, providing simultaneous imaging and quantification of prolapse severity through impedance measurements and computational analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical exam and POPQ scoring system are used for diagnosis, then the diagnostic process is quick and effective, but the measurement is inherently subjective and lacks accuracy in quantifying prolapse extent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective mechanical measurement (physical exam and POPQ scoring) with objective electrical impedance-based sensing. Multiple impedance sensors mounted on a catheter balloon provide quantitative electrical measurements that objectively characterize tissue properties and prolapse severity, eliminating examiner subjectivity while maintaining diagnostic efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary impedance sensing system between the patient and the diagnostic process. The catheter with impedance sensors acts as a mediator that indirectly measures tissue characteristics through electrical properties, providing objective quantification without requiring direct mechanical measurement by the examiner.
2Measurement precision
If impedance manometry catheters with multiple sensors are used, then measurement precision and objectivity are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the catheter balloon serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for mounting sensors, creates a controlled interface with vaginal tissues, and enables impedance measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and justifies the enhanced diagnostic capability despite increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the diagnostic function into multiple impedance sensors distributed along the catheter balloon. Each sensor provides localized tissue characterization, and collectively they provide comprehensive quantitative data. This segmentation enables precise mapping of tissue properties while distributing the complexity across multiple simple sensing elements.
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 precise diagnosis and quantification of pelvic organ prolapse, enhancing surgical planning by offering real-time, objective data for treatment strategies.
Implementation Method 1
A first series of sensors arranged in alternating order along the length of the inflatable balloon on anterior and posterior sides thereof. The first series of sensors are operably coupled to an image display
Data Source
AI summary
A system for diagnosing and quantifying an organ prolapse includes a first manometry catheter configured for insertion within a first organ of the pelvic floor. The first manometry catheter includes an inflatable balloon configured to support a series of first sensors disposed along a length thereof and operably coupled to an image display for displaying a first image thereon relating to the first organ. One or more additional manometry catheters are configured for insertion within one or more respective additional organs. The additional manometry catheters include inflatable balloons configured to support corresponding additional sensors along a length thereof. The additional sensors are operably coupled to the image display for displaying one or more additional images thereon relating to the one or more additional organs. The first image and the one or more additional images being simultaneously displayed on the image display for diagnostic and quantification purposes.