Multi-balloon Catheter with Independent Lumen Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheters are limited to single functions, requiring frequent insertion and removal, which causes discomfort and confusion during procedures, especially when multiple functions are needed, leading to potential errors and increased pain for patients.
Innovation Solution
A multi-balloon catheter with a locking mechanism, multi-balloon inflator, and extraction point that allows for independent control of balloon size and function, enabling multiple functions on a single catheter, including fluid removal, dose measurement, and delivery of radioactive isotopes, while maintaining a vacuum seal to prevent fluid or air leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple single-function catheters are inserted into the patient, then all required functions can be performed, but patient discomfort increases due to multiple insertions and the procedure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple single-function catheters into a single multi-functional catheter that can perform drainage, injection, and surgical access functions simultaneously. The catheter includes multiple lumens (first lumen for drainage, second lumen for injection, third lumen for surgical instruments) integrated into one device, eliminating the need to insert and manage multiple separate catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions through its different lumens and configurations. The first lumen enables drainage function, the second lumen enables injection function, and the third lumen enables surgical instrument passage, making the single catheter versatile enough to replace multiple specialized catheters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are inserted into the patient, then multiple functions can be performed, but medical personnel may perform functions on the wrong catheter due to excessive length and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple functions into a single catheter with distinct lumens, the invention eliminates the confusion that arises from having multiple separate catheters of excessive length. Each lumen is clearly defined and can be identified, ensuring that medical personnel perform functions on the correct pathway within the single catheter structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If one catheter is removed and another is inserted when multiple functions are required, then functional requirements can be met, but patient pain and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed as a universal multi-functional device that can perform drainage, injection, and surgical access functions without requiring removal and reinsertion. The integrated design with multiple lumens allows all functions to be achieved through a single insertion, eliminating the repetitive trauma of multiple catheter insertions and removals.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a single catheter is used for multiple functions, then patient discomfort is reduced, but controlling the size and function of different balloon sections becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple functional sections with separate lumens that can be independently controlled. The first lumen controls the first balloon for drainage function, the second lumen controls the second balloon for injection function, and the third lumen controls the third balloon for surgical instrument guidance. This segmentation allows independent control of each balloon section despite being part of a single integrated catheter.
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 multi-balloon catheter system reduces patient discomfort by allowing multiple functions on a single catheter, improving procedural efficiency and accuracy, and enabling precise control over balloon size and function for proper fixture within the body cavity.
Implementation Method 1
The medical device that contains the locking mechanism when affixed to another catheter creates a vacuum seal that does not allow the fluids or any air to pass through any said connecting point
Implementation Method 2
The medical device that contains the extraction point contains an inner seal within the opening that only allows for a single direction flow for only removal of fluids which does not allow for fluids to be inserted into the human body
Data Source
AI summary
According to one general aspect, there is a multi-balloon catheter for medical applications that includes a multi-balloon inflator that inflates multiple balloons on a single catheter, an extraction point used to remove human fluids from the human body, and a connecting point that allows a syringe or a machine to insert air or any other liquid, such as a liquid saline solution, for inflation of a corresponding balloon of the multiple balloons or insert radioactive isotopes into the multi-balloon inflator.