Multifunctional Catheter Probe With Coupling Pieces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing catheter probes for measuring sphincter closure force are expensive, require complex manufacturing, and lack versatility to perform various measurement types without needing multiple probes, with issues such as temperature dependence and leakage monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional catheter probe with a multiluminal flexible tubing system and coupling pieces that allow for easy assembly and adaptation, incorporating peripheral measurement lumens and a central feed lumen, enabling multiple measurement methods without the need for additional stoppers or complex tooling, and allowing for pointwise pressure measurement with integrated sealing and fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate catheter probes are used for different measurement methods, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and storage requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement versatilityVSAvoidprobe variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter probe incorporates multiple measurement lumens with different configurations (radially directed openings, helicoidal arrangements, longitudinal distributions) within a single probe structure, enabling it to perform manometric measurements, perfusion measurements, and electrical measurements without requiring multiple separate probes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The probe divides measurement functions into separate lumens and measurement sections, each optimized for specific measurement types, while maintaining a unified structural framework that allows all functions to be integrated in one device

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of stationary object

If electronic sensors are used for reusable measurements, then measurement reusability is improved, but cost worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe reusabilityVSAvoidprobe cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The probe incorporates a modular sensor system where electronic sensors can be selectively activated or deactivated based on the measurement requirements, allowing the same physical probe to be reused for different measurement types while extending its operational lifespan and justifying the investment through versatile utility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If balloon catheters with air are used for measurement, then simplicity of construction is improved, but measurement reliability worsens due to temperature dependence and compressibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter constructionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The probe uses fluid-filled measurement lumens instead of air-filled balloons, exploiting the incompressibility of fluids to maintain stable pressure transmission and eliminate temperature-dependent volume changes, thereby improving measurement reliability while maintaining construction simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

4Adaptability or versatility

If lateral openings are incorporated into multiluminal flexible tubes, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is manufactured with pre-formed measurement lumens that include integrated lateral openings and radial directed openings as part of the extrusion process, eliminating the need for post-manufacturing modifications and simplifying the overall manufacturing workflow while maintaining versatile measurement capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 multifunctional catheter probe enables efficient and cost-effective performance of various measurement methods, including manometric and electrical measurements, with reduced tooling costs and simplified assembly, allowing for precise pressure measurement across the sphincter region without leakage monitoring, thus addressing the limitations of existing probes.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic measurement probes which may be used several times and which measure the closure force, in particular via piezoresistive measurement sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

the pressure sensor is located in a balloon-like chamber which is filled with gel or a fluid to measure the produced pressure of the sphincter all around

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentUS7637876B2Multifunctional catheter probe

Publication Date: 2009.12.29 LABORIE MEDICAL TECH SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

A multifunctional catheter probe for carrying out intracorporal measurements, including a multiluminal flexible tubing divided into sections and joined together by coupling pieces and forming a multifunctional catheter probe. Each coupling piece has a central body with a central feed lumen lead-through and measurement lumen lead-throughs which are arranged around. The coupling is accomplished with suitable attachment nipples to the lumens of the flexible tube sections. A measurement lumen passage closed in the passage has a radial opening in or on which different measuring devices for the manometric or electro-sensory are attached.