Movable Manifold Balloon for Cryo-Therapy Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiology catheters for treating cardiac arrhythmias face challenges in precisely controlling the flow of fluid within ablation balloons to target specific tissue areas while avoiding adjacent tissues, requiring improved directional control and fluid distribution mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of a medical device featuring a balloon with a movable manifold inside, an elongate shaft, and a supply lumen that allows longitudinal movement of the manifold to control fluid flow, enabling precise distribution and directional control of ablative fluid within the balloon for effective tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed manifold is used in the balloon, then the structure is simple, but the fluid flow direction cannot be controlled to target specific tissue areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the manifold movable within the balloon rather than fixed. The manifold can be repositioned along the balloon length to change fluid flow direction and target different tissue areas. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt fluid distribution patterns without redesigning the entire device, resolving the contradiction between operational control and structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the manifold is made movable to control fluid distribution, then tissue targeting precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the manifold into multiple independent segments or sections that can be individually positioned. Each segment can be controlled to direct fluid flow to specific regions, allowing precise tissue targeting. This segmented approach enables fine-grained control over fluid distribution patterns while keeping each individual segment relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nesting principle by placing the movable manifold inside the balloon, which itself is inserted within the catheter shaft. This nested configuration allows the complex manifold mechanism to be contained within the existing catheter structure, minimizing overall device complexity while enabling precise fluid distribution control through the manifold's internal movement capabilities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If fluid flow is directed to specific areas, then adjacent tissue protection is improved, but control mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling the manifold to direct fluid flow to specific local areas within the balloon rather than uniform distribution. By positioning the manifold to target only the intended treatment zone, the system protects adjacent tissues from undesired exposure to ablative fluid. This localized control approach minimizes the need for complex multi-zone control mechanisms while achieving effective tissue protection.
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
This solution allows for consistent and targeted tissue ablation, effectively blocking electrical signals between ectopic foci in the pulmonary vein, thereby alleviating arrhythmia symptoms with enhanced precision and control.
Implementation Method 1
the movable manifold is configured to distribute a fluid within the balloon
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of the present disclosure can include a medical device for providing therapy to heart tissue. The medical device can comprise a balloon, a movable manifold, wherein the movable manifold comprises a first plurality of openings and the movable manifold is inside the balloon and the movable manifold is configured to distribute a fluid within the balloon, an elongate shaft with a proximal end portion and a distal end portion, wherein the distal end portion of the elongate shaft is coupled with the balloon, a central lumen, wherein the movable manifold is movably coupled with the central lumen, and a supply lumen comprising a supply lumen proximal end and a supply lumen distal end, wherein the supply lumen is longitudinally movable and in fluid communication with the movable manifold, wherein the movable manifold is configured to move longitudinally in response to an actuation of the supply lumen proximal end.