Integrated Therapeutic Imaging Catheter Balloon Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current intravascular imaging systems require separate devices for imaging and treatment, leading to increased procedural time and complexity, as well as potential inaccuracies in treating arterial occlusions without real-time imaging confirmation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter with a balloon assembly, imaging device, and treatment device, allowing for simultaneous imaging and treatment of intravascular lesions without the need for device exchange, featuring a flexible design with high-pressure capabilities and real-time imaging for precise stent placement and expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate imaging and treatment devices are used, then imaging capability is provided, but procedural time increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate imaging and treatment devices into a single integrated catheter system. The imaging catheter includes both imaging components (transducers, image processing system) and treatment components (balloon assembly, stent delivery mechanism) within one unified device structure, eliminating the need to exchange between separate devices during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated catheter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can image intravascular structures using ultrasound transducers while also delivering treatment interventions through the same device. The balloon assembly and stent delivery mechanisms are incorporated into the imaging catheter, allowing a single device to serve both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
2Reliability
If separate imaging and treatment devices are used, then imaging capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges imaging components (transducers, image processing system) and treatment components (balloon assembly, stent delivery mechanism) into a single integrated catheter structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate devices that need to be handled, positioned, and coordinated during the procedure, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced functionality integrated within one device.
3Reliability
If separate imaging and treatment devices are used, then imaging capability is provided, but treatment accuracy decreases due to lack of real-time imaging confirmation
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated catheter enables real-time imaging feedback during treatment delivery. The ultrasound transducers continuously image the intravascular structures while the balloon or stent is being deployed, allowing the operator to immediately verify treatment accuracy and make real-time adjustments. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise treatment placement and improves overall treatment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging capability remains active and continuous throughout the treatment delivery process. Rather than performing imaging before treatment and then switching to treatment mode, the integrated system maintains continuous imaging during the entire procedure, ensuring that treatment accuracy can be verified at any stage of the intervention.
4Reliability
If device exchange is required between imaging and treatment, then imaging can be performed, but procedural time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges imaging and treatment functions into a single catheter device, eliminating the need to exchange between separate imaging and treatment devices. The integrated design allows the operator to perform imaging and deliver treatment within the same procedural session, significantly improving productivity by removing the time loss associated with device exchange.
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
This integrated catheter reduces procedural time, enhances patient safety by minimizing anesthesia duration, and improves treatment accuracy through real-time imaging, facilitating easier access, assessment, and treatment of intravascular lesions with reduced resistance and improved visibility.
Implementation Method 1
The transducers emit ultrasonic waves in order to create an image of the vessel of interest
Implementation Method 2
The balloon assembly is configured to be inflated to a high pressure
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an integrated therapeutic and imaging catheter. The catheter comprises an inner member defining a guidewire lumen, a balloon assembly, a treatment device mounted about the balloon assembly, and an imaging device. The balloon assembly comprises an inner sleeve surrounding the inner member and a connection medium, wherein the connection medium is disposed between the balloon inner sleeve and the inner member, and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve. The imaging device is disposed distal to the balloon assembly and is coupled to the connection medium.