Internal-Valve Perfusion Balloon for Continuous Blood Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical balloons used in procedures like Balloon Aortic Valvuloplasty and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation temporarily disable heart valves, causing disruptions in blood flow and undesirable backflow due to inflation.
Innovation Solution
A perfusion balloon with an internal valve mechanism that regulates fluid flow by allowing passage during inflation and blocking during deflation, mimicking the function of a natural valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the balloon is inflated to create space inside the body, then the balloon can perform its medical function, but the heart valve is temporarily disabled causing disruptions in blood flow and undesirable back flow
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is divided into multiple segments or compartments, with at least one segment containing an internal valve mechanism. This segmentation allows different portions of the balloon to serve different functions: some segments can be inflated to maintain balloon volume and medical function, while the internal valve in other segments actively regulates blood flow to prevent backflow and maintain continuity during the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
An internal valve mechanism is nested within the balloon structure itself. The valve is positioned inside the balloon lumen, allowing the balloon to maintain its inflated volume for medical procedures while the embedded valve actively controls blood flow through the balloon, preventing the valve disability issue caused by conventional fully-inflated balloons
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional balloon is used to disable the heart valve for the procedure, then the medical procedure can be performed, but manufacturing complexity increases due to the need for precise valve integration
Solution Approach 1:
The internal valve is constructed from flexible materials that can be integrated into the balloon structure through methods such as bonding flexible valve components to the balloon interior or forming the valve from the same elastomeric material as the balloon. This approach maintains the balloon's flexibility and inflatability while incorporating valve functionality, avoiding complex rigid structures that would be difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 2:
The valve mechanism is merged with the balloon structure rather than being a separate component. The valve is positioned and integrated within the balloon lumen, allowing the balloon and valve to function as a unified device. This integration simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of separate components and assembly steps, while still providing both balloon inflation capability and active blood flow regulation
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
Enhances fluid flow regulation during medical procedures, maintaining blood flow continuity while the balloon is inflated, and facilitates easier manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
During diastole, the valve 18 is collapsed by fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
During systole, the valve body 18 is expanded against the passage P
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing a medical procedure and, in particular, an aortic valvuloplasty, in a vessel for transmitting a flow of fluid. The apparatus comprises a shaft, an inflatable perfusion balloon supported by the shaft and including an internal passage for permitting the fluid flow in the vessel while the perfusion balloon is in an inflated condition, and a valve for controlling the fluid flow within the passage. The valve may be connected to the shaft, or may comprise an elongated tube partially connected to the balloon. The balloon may comprise a plurality of cells in a single cross-section, each cell including a neck, and the valve may be positioned in a space between the shaft and the necks for controlling the fluid flow within the passage. A connector may also be provided to control the position of the valve.