Multi-purpose balloon catheter for intra-cavity radiation delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon catheters are limited in their ability to perform multiple procedures simultaneously, such as delivering radiation, measuring, imaging, and removing bodily fluids, particularly in treating esophageal and stomach cancers, while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Innovation Solution
A multi-purpose balloon catheter with a single intra-cavity design featuring a proximal end, central portion, and non-branching distal end, equipped with multiple lumens and inflatable balloons that can be selectively inflated or deflated for stabilization, radiation delivery, and medium administration, including a secondary treatment balloon for precise positioning and therapeutic agent delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single catheter is used for multiple procedures (radiation delivery, imaging, fluid removal), then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions including radiation delivery through radioactive wire insertion, imaging via contrast medium injection, fluid removal through suction, and tissue stabilization using inflatable balloons. All these functions are integrated into a single catheter structure with multiple lumens and components working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is divided into multiple functional segments including a proximal portion for control, a central portion with treatment balloons, and a distal portion for radioactive wire delivery. Each segment has dedicated lumens and components for specific functions, allowing independent operation while maintaining overall integration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lumens and balloons are added to the catheter for various functions, then treatment functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lumens are nested within the catheter walls, with each lumen serving a specific function (radiation delivery, contrast injection, fluid suction). The balloons are integrated into the catheter structure with lumens running through the catheter body to reach the balloon chambers, creating a compact nested configuration that simplifies assembly.
3Measurement precision
If the catheter is selectively positioned and stabilized in the cavity, then treatment precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloons are inflated at the treatment site before radiation delivery to establish stable positioning. This preliminary stabilization action ensures the catheter remains fixed in the correct position during subsequent radiation therapy, preventing movement that could compromise treatment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloons act as intermediary elements between the catheter and the body cavity wall. By inflating the balloons against the cavity wall, they create a stable interface that anchors the catheter in position without requiring complex mechanical locking mechanisms.
4Reliability
If radiation is delivered through the catheter with minimal damage to surrounding tissue, then treatment efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radioactive wire is extracted through a dedicated lumen and positioned within the treatment balloon. This separate extraction and positioning of the radiation source allows for precise placement while keeping the radiation delivery mechanism independent from other catheter functions, simplifying the overall radiation delivery system.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.