Multi-lumen Catheter with Expandable Occlusion Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Controlling the expansion and contraction of occlusion elements on flow-restrictive devices used in cardiovascular treatments is challenging, particularly in regulating venous blood return to the heart.

Innovation Solution

A multi-lumen catheter with an expandable occlusion element, such as a balloon, is designed. The catheter includes multiple lumens for fluid introduction, pressure sensing, and air removal, with strategically positioned exit points and angles to optimize occlusion control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a flow-restricting device is installed into the patient's superior vena cava to assist in regulating venous blood return to the heart, then the ability to control blood flow is improved, but the complexity of controlling the expansion and contraction of occlusion elements increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of blood flowVSAvoidcontrol of occlusion element expansion and contraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into multiple lumens (first lumen for fluid introduction, second lumen for pressure sensing, third lumen for air removal) that operate independently but coordinate to control the occlusion element. This segmentation allows each lumen to handle a specific function, simplifying the overall control mechanism while maintaining precise regulation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The expandable occlusion element is nested within the tubular body of the catheter, with multiple lumens running through the tubular body to the occlusion element. This nested structure allows the occlusion element to be controlled by the catheter system without requiring external complex mechanisms, as the control structures are integrated within the catheter itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If multiple lumens are added to the catheter for fluid introduction, pressure sensing, and air removal, then the precision of occlusion control is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion control precisionVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter structure serves multiple functions through its multi-lumen design: the tubular body provides structural support and houses multiple lumens, the first lumen introduces fluid for expansion, the second lumen senses pressure for precise control, and the third lumen removes air. This multi-functionality allows a single catheter structure to perform all necessary operations for precise occlusion control without requiring separate devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional lumens are merged into a single catheter body, with all lumens extending from the proximal end to the external surface at strategically positioned exit points. This merging consolidates what could be separate devices into one integrated catheter system, achieving precise control while managing complexity through unified design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the expandable occlusion element is designed with conical ends and cylindrical intermediate portion, then the effectiveness of blood flow regulation is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow regulation effectivenessVSAvoidocclusion element fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The occlusion element features conical proximal and distal ends with smooth curved transitions, and a cylindrical intermediate portion. These curved and tapered geometries promote uniform expansion and contraction during operation, preventing stress concentrations and improving reliability. The geometric design ensures smooth fluid dynamics and consistent occlusion performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 catheter effectively regulates blood flow by allowing precise control over the expansion and contraction of the occlusion element, enhancing the management of venous blood return to the heart.

Implementation Method 1

an expandable occlusion element (which may be, e.g., a balloon)... The expandable occlusion element may be coupled to an external surface of a tubular body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic expansion and contraction: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250127515A1Multi-lumen catheter with occlusion element

Publication Date: 2025.04.24 ABIOMED INC

AI summary

A catheter may be provided. The catheter may include an expandable occlusion element coupled to an external surface of a tubular body at a proximal end of the expandable occlusion element and a distal end of the expandable occlusion element. An inner surface of the expandable occlusion element may define a volume of space between the inner surface of the expandable occlusion element and an external surface of the tubular body. The catheter may include a plurality of lumens. A first lumen may be configured to allow a first fluid to be introduced and/or removed from the volume of space defined by the inner surface of the expandable occlusion element. A second lumen may be configured to receive a pressure sensor or define a fluid-filled pressure transducer. A third lumen may be configured to allow a second fluid to be removed from the volume of space.