Multiple Lumen Microcatheter Tube with Window Passage Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple-lumen micro-catheter tubes lack improved parameters for effectively interacting with tissue material, particularly for diagnostic or treatment purposes, and require enhanced mechanical stability and cost-effective manufacturing methods.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-lumen micro-catheter tube design featuring window passage openings and a permeable material for media exchange, combined with an adhesive layer for fixation and sealing, allowing for intensive interaction with tissue and enabling reproducible conditions, while maintaining mechanical stability and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple window passage openings are added to enhance media exchange with tissue, then the interaction efficiency with tissue material is improved, but the mechanical stability of the tube is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tube wall is designed with localized window passage openings at specific positions rather than uniformly throughout, allowing media exchange only where needed for tissue interaction while preserving the structural integrity of the remaining tube wall. This localized modification enables targeted functionality without compromising overall mechanical stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permeable material is added to enable defined exchange between medium and environment, then the control over media exchange is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A permeable material with controlled pore structure is integrated into the tube wall at the window passage opening region. This porous material enables selective media exchange between the tube lumen and the external environment through passive diffusion and convection, providing controlled interaction without requiring active pumping or complex valve mechanisms.
3Reliability
If adhesive layer is added to fix permeable material and seal tube lumen, then the sealing reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive layer is pre-applied to the inner wall of the tube lumen before inserting the permeable material. This preliminary preparation ensures proper positioning and immediate sealing upon insertion, preventing short-circuit currents and ensuring reliable fixation without requiring complex post-assembly sealing operations.
4Measurement precision
If inner diameter of tube lumens is reduced to 1 mm or less for micro-catheter application, then the precision for tissue measurement is improved, but the productivity of manufacturing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tube lumens are designed with optimized hydraulic characteristics suitable for microfluidic flow at reduced diameters (1 mm or less). The cross-sectional geometry and surface properties are engineered to maintain adequate flow rates and pressure characteristics despite the small diameter, enabling precise tissue measurement applications while using standard extrusion manufacturing processes.
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 design enables efficient media exchange and interaction with tissue, enhances mechanical stability, and facilitates cost-effective mass production, ensuring secure fixation and fluid-tight closure of the distal end, thereby improving the tube's performance for diagnostic and treatment applications.
Implementation Method 1
A permeable material according to claim 4 allows a defined exchange between a medium supplied and discharged through the tube lumen and an environment of the micro-catheter tube
Implementation Method 2
The permeable material is permeable for the medium to be conducted in the micro-catheter tube
Implementation Method 3
The viscosity of the adhesive may prior to curing in the range between 250 Pa-s and 400 Pa-s
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-lumen microcatheter tube has at least two tube lumens and a closed distal tube end. In the area of the distal tube end, a separation strip has between the two tube lumens at least one passage opening. There results a multiple-lumen tube, whose use as for example a probe for measuring tissue parameters, is improved.