Multi-Balloon Catheter for Esophageal Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for displacing the esophagus during medical procedures, such as pulmonary vein isolation, exert force over a small surface area, leading to inefficiencies in control and precision.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with a shaft featuring three passages, including an elastic balloon tube and a cover tube with distal, intermediate, and proximal recesses, allowing for the expansion of balloons along the catheter shaft via a filling medium, enabling precise control over the displacement of the esophagus through separate lumen control and independent balloon expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If force is exerted on the esophagus by pressure on a small surface area, then displacement can be achieved, but control precision and force distribution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple segments with three separate lumens, each controlling an independent balloon. This segmentation allows precise control of displacement force at different locations along the esophagus, improving control precision while distributing force across multiple balloon surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point force application to a multi-dimensional force distribution system. Multiple balloons expand in different directions (radially outward) to distribute force across a larger surface area of the esophagus, achieving both precise control and improved force distribution.
2Measurement precision
If multiple balloons are controlled independently for precise displacement control, then displacement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple balloon control functions are merged into a single catheter shaft structure with three integrated lumens. This combining approach allows independent balloon control while maintaining a unified, manageable device structure, balancing precision control with acceptable device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If balloons are arranged alternately along the longitudinal axis pointing radially in opposite directions, then displacement control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloons are arranged asymmetrically along the longitudinal axis, with alternating orientations pointing radially in opposite directions. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes displacement control by creating balanced force vectors, while the systematic alternating pattern provides a manageable manufacturing approach.
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 device allows for high-precision, easily controllable displacement of the esophagus with improved accuracy and ease of cleaning, enhancing the effectiveness of medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the catheter shaft has three passages which are surrounded in the balloon region by an elastic balloon tube and a covering tube... an expansion of the balloon tube within the recesses to form balloons can be achieved
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a balloon catheter (1) which by displacing the esophagus of a patient during a catheter ablation in the event of cardiac arrhythmias allows prevent esophageal injuries. For this purpose, three balloons (7, 9, 11) are provided along a catheter shaft (3), which are arranged at a distance from each other and can be respectively widened in an alternate manner in an opposite direction.