Microphone Sensing for Cryoablation Balloon Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vascular denervation catheters using cryoablation techniques face challenges in optimizing balloon contact with varying vessel diameters, relying on internal pressure for occlusion, which can lead to overdilation and require complex ultrasonic sensors for accurate occlusion monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The use of a single-sized balloon with integrated microphone sensors to detect turbulent blood flow (bruits) for real-time occlusion control, allowing for closed-loop balloon expansion and minimizing the need for complex ultrasonic systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single balloon is used to cover large diametrical ranges, then versatility is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates because the balloon cannot be optimized for each specific diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts balloon inflation pressure based on real-time bruit detection feedback. The balloon transitions from a static single-size design to a dynamically adaptable system that optimizes contact for each specific vessel diameter through closed-loop pressure control
Solution Approach 2:
A microphone sensor detects bruits (turbulent blood flow sounds) and provides real-time feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor occlusion status and adjust inflation pressure accordingly, achieving optimized contact for each vessel diameter
2Reliability
If internal balloon pressure is increased to create adequate contact against the vessel wall, then occlusion quality is improved, but harmful factors worsen due to the risk of overdilation
Solution Approach 1:
The microphone sensor provides real-time feedback on blood flow occlusion status through bruit detection. The control system uses this feedback to automatically adjust inflation pressure, ensuring adequate occlusion while preventing overdilation by stopping inflation when complete occlusion is achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the patient's own blood flow sounds (bruits) as the sensing mechanism. The natural turbulent flow sounds provide self-regulating feedback that indicates when adequate occlusion is achieved, eliminating the need for external complex sensing systems
3Measurement precision
If complex ultrasonic sensors are added to the flow wire for accurate occlusion monitoring, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex ultrasonic sensing systems with a simple acoustic microphone sensor. Instead of using ultrasonic waves and doppler principles, the system uses passive acoustic detection of blood flow sounds, dramatically simplifying the device while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The microphone sensor is a simple, inexpensive component compared to ultrasonic sensors. It provides sufficient measurement precision for occlusion monitoring without the complexity and cost of ultrasonic systems, making the overall device more practical
4Measurement precision
If fluoroscopy is used to confirm occlusion, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance worsens due to the high amount of contrast needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic imaging with acoustic sensing. Instead of using ionizing radiation and contrast agents, the system uses microphone-based bruit detection to assess occlusion, eliminating the need for contrast media while providing real-time functional assessment
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
Enables precise control of balloon inflation, optimizing occlusion and reducing the risk of overdilation, while simplifying the measurement process and reducing the need for high contrast agents in fluoroscopy.
Implementation Method 1
microphone sensors detect bruits and control catheter balloon inflation based on analysis of the bruits. Because bruits can be related to a degree of vessel occlusion by the balloon
Implementation Method 2
a transducer assembly of a microphone sensor is simpler than an ultrasonic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for performing cryoablation using a single sized balloon coupled with one or more audio sensors for use in controlling balloon inflation. One example system comprises an electronic controller configured to couple to a balloon catheter comprising a balloon, an inflow lumen for providing a fluid to the balloon, and a microphone sensor is positioned to sense a flow of blood proximal to the balloon. The electronic controller is configured to receive, from the microphone sensor, a signal indicative of a blood flow sound. The electronic controller is configured to control a pump to provide a volume of the fluid to the balloon via the inflow lumen based at least in part on the signal indicative of the blood flow sound.