Multilayer Nylon Balloon Catheter for Low-Compliance Dilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing valve balloons for percutaneous balloon valvuloplasty have low puncture resistance and high compliance, which can lead to tearing or damage during surgery due to their bulky size and calcified aortic valve conditions.

Innovation Solution

A balloon dilatation catheter with a multi-layer structure made from blends of different grades of nylon materials, such as L25 and TR55, TR90, or combinations thereof, to enhance puncture resistance and reduce compliance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a single nylon material with high specification is used for the balloon, then the balloon has relatively high compliance, but the puncture resistance is relatively low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepuncture resistanceVSAvoidcompliance control
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by blending different grades of nylon (L25 and TR55/ TR90/ TR70) to create a balloon material that simultaneously achieves high puncture resistance and controlled compliance. The specific blend ratios are optimized to balance these two properties, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the balloon structure into multiple layers, with each layer made of different nylon material compositions. This multi-layer construction allows different regions of the balloon to have different mechanical properties, with some layers providing puncture resistance and others controlling compliance, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the balloon size is increased to accommodate aortic valve treatment (8.0 mm to 50.0 mm diameter), then the balloon can treat severe calcified aortic stenosis, but the compliance becomes too high which may tear the valve or damage the stent structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaortic valve treatment capabilityVSAvoidvalve and stent protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite nylon materials with specific blend ratios to create a balloon that maintains low compliance even at large sizes required for aortic valve treatment. The composite structure provides the necessary strength to protect the valve and stent while still enabling treatment of severe calcified aortic stenosis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local quality by creating a multi-layer balloon structure where different layers have different material properties. This allows the balloon to have varying compliance characteristics in different regions, enabling it to safely interact with the aortic valve and stent structure while maintaining the large size needed for treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Adaptability or versatility

If the balloon size is increased to 8.0 mm to 50.0 mm diameter for aortic valve treatment, then the balloon can reach severe calcified aortic stenosis, but the bulky size causes high compliance which may tear the valve during surgery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to severe calcified aortic stenosisVSAvoidvalve integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite nylon materials to create a large-sized balloon that maintains controlled compliance, preventing valve tearing during surgery while still being able to reach and treat severe calcified aortic stenosis. The material composition is specifically designed to balance size adaptability with valve protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the balloon into multiple layers with different material compositions, allowing the large-sized balloon to have varying compliance characteristics throughout its structure. This segmentation enables the balloon to safely access and treat severe calcified aortic stenosis without compromising valve integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3871730B1Balloon dilation catheter, balloon and preparation method therefor
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 SHANGHAI MICROPORT CARDIOFLOW MEDTECH CO LTD
  • EP3871730B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3871730B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A balloon dilation catheter, a balloon (10) and preparation method therefor. The balloon (10) is prepared by co-mixing at least two of L25, TR55, TR90, and TR70, and has high puncture resistance and low compliance with respect to a balloon (10) made of a single nylon material. The balloon (10) is preferably a hollow multilayer structure, and the puncture resistance of the balloon (10) can be further improved and the compliance can be further reduced with respect to a single-layer structure.