Multifunctional Electrophysiological Catheter with Occlusion Balloon

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrophysiological diagnostic catheters lack the ability to universally connect multiple diagnostic functions, such as measurement of heart potentials, localization, navigation without fluoroscopy, selective blood sampling, substance delivery, and stabilization in the coronary sinus, particularly for blocking fluid flow through the coronary sinus.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional electrophysiological diagnostic catheter with a distal ending, diagnostic rings, an occlusion-stabilizing balloon, main tube, manipulation handgrip, and internal channels, featuring a central channel for fluid flow, microdevice introduction, and a modifiable occlusion-stabilizing balloon for precise blood sampling and stabilization in the coronary sinus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional diagnostic catheter is used, then basic electrophysiological measurements can be performed, but the catheter cannot perform multiple diagnostic and therapeutic functions simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple diagnostic and therapeutic functions into a single catheter device. The catheter integrates electrophysiological diagnostic electrodes, an occlusion balloon for stabilizing catheter position, and a central channel system for blood sampling and microdevice introduction. This merging of functions allows the catheter to perform electrical measurements, mechanical stabilization, fluid sampling, and therapeutic interventions simultaneously, directly resolving the contradiction between functional versatility and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter is designed as a universal device capable of performing multiple functions: electrophysiological mapping, catheter stabilization via balloon occlusion, selective blood sampling from coronary sinus, substance delivery, and introduction of microdevices. The central channel system and multi-lumen structure enable this universality, allowing a single catheter to replace multiple specialized devices while maintaining ease of operation through integrated controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If the catheter position is stabilized using a balloon, then electrode dislodgment is prevented, but the catheter structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter position stabilityVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization balloon is integrated into the catheter structure as an inherent component rather than a separate device. The balloon is positioned within the catheter body and connected to the control system through internal channels, allowing catheter position stabilization to be combined with other functions such as electrophysiological measurements and blood sampling. This integration prevents electrode dislodgment while avoiding the need for additional separate stabilization devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple internal channels are added for various functions, then functional versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediagnostic and therapeutic functionsVSAvoidcatheter fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter employs a segmented channel structure with distinct lumens for different functions: a central channel for blood sampling and microdevice introduction, separate channels for balloon inflation/deflation, and dedicated pathways for electrophysiological electrodes. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining a modular manufacturing approach, reducing overall fabrication complexity despite the multi-functional design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 precise, selective blood sampling and stabilization in the coronary sinus, allowing for combined diagnostic and therapeutic functions like pressure measurement, drug administration, and electroanatomical mapping, reducing the risk of electrode dislodgment and blood mixing, while facilitating navigation and precise cardiac cavity contouring.

Implementation Method 1

an occlusion-stabilizing balloon (4) located after diagnostic rings (3)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOcclusion:

Implementation Method 2

diagnostic rings (3), wherein the amount of diagnostic rings (3) is from 4 to 20

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical potential detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10285648B2Multifunctional, electrophysiological diagnostic catheter for treatments in electrocardiology

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 MEDINICE SA

AI summary

The multifunctional, electrophysiological diagnostic catheter for electrocardiologic treatments includes a distal end, diagnostic rings, a balloon, a main channel, a manipulation handgrip, functional connection and internal channels. There is an internally-located open central channel, wherein inlet/outlet of an internal channel is located in the distal ring. There is a pumping channel for pumping up and pumping out of the occlusion-stabilizing balloon located after the diagnostic rings. There is a division of a central channel into two branches in the region of the catheter proximal end.