Multi-Channel Catheter Connector for Simultaneous Balloon Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical manometry devices require cumbersome and time-consuming individual connection of multiple pressure ports, limiting the efficiency of high-resolution pressure measurements in procedures like anorectal manometry.
Innovation Solution
An anatomical manometry catheter system with a plurality of inflatable/deflatable balloons and a connector assembly that allows simultaneous charging of multiple balloons using a common actuating mechanism, improving measurement resolution and reducing procedural time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple pressure ports are connected individually, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individual pressure port connections into a single multi-channel connector assembly. The connector integrates multiple lumens that simultaneously connect to multiple pressure sensors, eliminating the need for sequential individual connections and reducing procedural time while maintaining high spatial resolution through multiple measurement channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical connection for multiple pressure ports, fluid pathway management for pressure transmission medium, and structural support for the catheter system. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace multiple individual connection operations.
2Device complexity
If multiple pressure ports are connected individually, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate connection operations into a single integrated connector assembly. The multi-channel connector allows simultaneous connection of multiple pressure ports through one unified interface, reducing the operational steps required while enabling high-resolution multi-point pressure measurements to be performed concurrently, thus improving productivity.
3Loss of time
If multiple balloons are charged simultaneously, then time consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple balloon charging operations into a single simultaneous operation through the manifold system. The manifold integrates multiple channels that deliver pressure transmission medium to multiple balloons concurrently, reducing total charging time while the integrated design manages the increased complexity through unified fluid pathway management.
Solution Approach 2:
The manifold acts as an intermediary component that simplifies the charging process. It receives pressure transmission medium from a single source and distributes it simultaneously to multiple balloons through its integrated channels, mediating between the single charging input and multiple balloon outputs, thus reducing time consumption while managing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An anatomical manometry catheter system, comprising a plurality of balloons on the distal end and being configured to be inflatable and/or deflatable. The system includes a connector assembly coaxially aligned with the catheter assembly, the connector assembly being connectable to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may have a connector interface connected to the proximal end of the catheter. The connector assembly may include a manifold comprising a plurality of channels configured to deliver the pressure transmission medium therethrough toward a respective catheter lumen for inflating one or more balloons. The connector assembly may include a charging mechanism fluidly coupled to the catheter that facilitates inflating each balloon of the plurality of balloons by a common actuating mechanism so as to simultaneously charge each balloon of the plurality of balloons.