Multi-lumen Balloon Catheter Lumen Identification via Radio-opaque Markings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-lumen brachytherapy devices face challenges in visually distinguishing and identifying individual lumens, particularly due to limitations in CT scan technology and the need for customized or standard guidewires, which increase costs and reduce clarity in dosimetry planning.
Innovation Solution
Modifying features such as markings, diameters, and compositions of the lumens, and using a connection member with distinct features to enhance visualization and identification during CT scans, including printing unique patterns with radio-opaque ink, varying diameters, and differing radiographic contrasts, allows for clear differentiation without additional accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If customized guidewires are inserted into lumens to identify and visualize them, then lumen visualization and identification is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lumen structure with integrated markings directly formed on the lumen walls during manufacturing. The markings are embedded into the lumen structure itself, eliminating the need for separate customized guidewires. This merging of identification features into the base component reduces overall device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining visualization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumens are designed with self-identifying markings that are inherently part of their structure. These markings automatically provide visualization and identification without requiring additional accessories or customization. The lumen structure serves its primary function of guiding radioactive seeds while simultaneously providing its own identification through integrated markings.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard dummy guidewires are used to identify lumens, then device cost is reduced, but lumen identification clarity deteriorates due to artifacts and limited patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different marking characteristics to different lumens based on their specific identification needs. Each lumen can have markings with distinct properties such as different radiopaque patterns, densities, or configurations tailored to that specific lumen's location and function. This localized differentiation ensures clear identification without requiring expensive customized guidewires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses variations in radiopaque marking characteristics (analogous to color changes in visible light) to differentiate between lumens. By varying the density, pattern, or configuration of radiopaque markings on different lumens, each lumen produces a distinct appearance on imaging studies, enabling clear identification without artifacts from external guidewires.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lumens are placed close together to achieve asymmetric dosing, then dosing flexibility is improved, but lumen differentiation in imaging becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification features by providing unique markings for each individual lumen. Even when lumens are positioned close together, each one has its own distinct marking pattern that can be independently identified on imaging studies. This segmentation of identification features allows multiple lumens to be clearly differentiated despite their close proximity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric or non-uniform marking patterns on the lumens to enhance differentiation. By using asymmetric configurations of radiopaque markings, each lumen creates a unique visual signature that is easily distinguishable from adjacent lumens, even when the lumens themselves are symmetrically positioned or closely spaced.
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 clear visualization and identification of lumens without specialized accessories, reducing costs and improving dosimetry planning accuracy by providing distinct imaging contrasts and patterns, facilitating precise placement of radioactive materials.
Implementation Method 1
printing unique patterns with radio-opaque ink
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods that facilitate visualization and identification of lumens of a multi-lumen brachytherapy device are disclosed. In one embodiment, visualization and identification can be attained by modifying a feature of at least one of the lumens relative to the other lumens. The feature may include a marking on the lumen, a diameter of the lumen or a composition of the lumen. In an additional embodiment, for brachytherapy devices in which multiple lumens are coupled to a distal end point such as a rigid connection member, visualization and identification of the lumens can be attained by modifying a feature of the rigid connection member. It will be readily appreciated that visualization and identification can be further enhanced through a combination of two or more of the techniques described herein.