Intragastric Balloon Delivery via Nested Sheath
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Solution Overview
Problem
The delivery and deployment of intragastric expandable members, such as balloons, are hindered by visualization issues during endoscope insertion due to obstruction and maneuverability challenges in the narrow esophagus, necessitating a method that enhances visualization without compromising navigation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a loading device with an expandable member and a covering that allows the expandable member to transition between states, facilitating deployment by mounting on an endoscope, where the covering compresses the member and separates upon expansion, enabling unobstructed visualization and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the intragastric balloon is pushed ahead of the endoscope during delivery, then the balloon can be delivered to the stomach, but visualization is hindered by obstruction of the imaging device view
Solution Approach 1:
The intragastric balloon is nested within the introduction sheath during delivery, allowing the balloon to be contained and delivered through the narrow esophagus without obstructing the endoscope's imaging path. The balloon is positioned inside the sheath lumen, which has a diameter smaller than the expanded balloon, enabling safe passage through the esophagus while maintaining endoscopic visualization.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the intragastric balloon is positioned side-by-side with the endoscope, then visualization is improved, but maneuverability is reduced due to the narrow diameter of the esophagus
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon and endoscope are both contained within the introduction sheath during the critical navigation phase through the narrow esophagus. This nested configuration allows both devices to pass through the constrained anatomical space without requiring side-by-side positioning, thereby maintaining maneuverability while enabling visualization through the endoscope.
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction sheath acts as an intermediary device that facilitates the simultaneous passage of the endoscope and intragastric balloon through the narrow esophagus. The sheath provides a confined space that accommodates both devices, eliminating the need for them to be positioned side-by-side and thus preserving ease of maneuverability during delivery.
3Manufacturing precision
If the intragastric balloon is delivered deflated with endoscope assistance, then proper placement can be visualized, but the balloon obstructs the view when pushed ahead
Solution Approach 1:
The deflated intragastric balloon is nested within the introduction sheath during delivery, allowing the endoscope to visualize the delivery process without obstruction. The balloon remains contained within the sheath lumen, which has a smaller diameter than the expanded balloon, enabling the endoscope to maintain an unobstructed view while the balloon is being positioned for accurate placement in the stomach.
Data Source
AI summary
According to aspects of the present disclosure, a system may include a loading device including an exterior surface. The system may also include an expandable member mounted on the exterior surface of the loading device. The expandable member may be configured to selectively transition between a collapsed state and an expanded state. The system may also include a covering mounted on the expandable member. The covering may extend around the expandable member and the loading device. The loading device may be configured to position the expandable member and the covering for mounting on an exterior surface of an elongate introduction sheath.