Balloon Catheter with Magnetic Scoring Wire Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Balloon dilatation catheters face difficulties in navigating tortuous anatomy and safely crossing tight lesions, and some lesions require focused force for dilation at safe inflation pressures, which existing systems struggle to address effectively.
Innovation Solution
A balloon catheter with a magnetic coupling system that includes scoring wires extending alongside the inflatable balloon, allowing for selective use of scoring functionality by magnetically attaching the wires to the shaft, enabling focused force application on lesions during inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a balloon catheter is designed with fixed scoring wires attached to the shaft, then the lesion can be scored effectively, but the flexibility and adaptability of the catheter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The scoring wires are designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the catheter shaft through magnetic coupling, allowing the system to transition between different functional states (scoring mode and non-scoring mode) based on clinical needs, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and scoring effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the scoring wires and the catheter shaft, enabling flexible attachment and detachment while maintaining secure positioning when attached, thereby providing both flexibility and reliable scoring capability
2Manufacturing precision
If high inflation pressure is applied to dilate tight lesions, then the lesion can be opened effectively, but the risk of vessel damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scoring wires are deployed before balloon inflation to pre-score the tight lesion, creating controlled incisions that reduce the resistance to dilation. This preliminary action allows subsequent balloon inflation at lower, safer pressures to achieve effective lesion opening, thereby reducing the risk of vessel damage while maintaining dilation effectiveness
3Adaptability or versatility
If the catheter system includes multiple scoring wires with different configurations, then the ability to treat various lesion types is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is designed with universal magnetic coupling characteristics that can interact with multiple types of scoring wires having different configurations and properties. This universal interface allows a single catheter shaft to support various scoring wire options, providing lesion treatment versatility without increasing the fundamental complexity of the catheter system
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 magnetic coupling system allows for precise and controlled force application on lesions, enhancing the ability to navigate and treat tight lesions safely, offering flexibility between standard and scoring balloon catheter functions.
Implementation Method 1
the shaft and the at least one scoring wire are adapted to form a magnetic coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter (10) for introduction into a body vessel includes a shaft, a balloon (12) positioned at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one scoring wire (30) to score a vascular lesion. A distal end portion of the scoring wire is detachably connected to the catheter, such as by way of magnetic coupling (30a), thereby allowing for selective use of the catheter in a scoring or non-scoring configuration. The balloon expands when fluid is delivered to the balloon through an inflation lumen. This expansion pushes the scoring wire against the vascular lesion.