Nested Balloon Catheter Envelopes for High Pressure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Balloon catheters face challenges in achieving both high compressive strength and flexibility to withstand working pressures without risking tearing or uncontrolled expansion, which is crucial for safe insertion and operation in tubular hollow organs.
Innovation Solution
A double- or triple-walled balloon catheter design with sliding balloon envelopes made of flexible materials like polyamide or polyester, enhanced with a thin lubricating coating, allows for increased working pressure while maintaining flexibility and reducing the risk of tearing, and a guide wire with improved sealing and marking for precise placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single balloon envelope is used, then the wall thickness can be reduced, but the compressive strength and flexibility are insufficient to withstand high working pressures without tearing or uncontrolled expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon envelope is divided into multiple separate envelopes (first, second, and third balloon envelopes) that are arranged concentrically. Each envelope contributes to the overall compressive strength while maintaining flexibility through their individual sliding capability relative to one another.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon envelopes are nested within each other, with the first balloon envelope having a first lumen, the second balloon envelope having a second lumen, and the third balloon envelope having a third lumen. This nested arrangement allows each envelope to slide independently while collectively providing the necessary strength and flexibility.
2Strength
If multiple balloon envelopes are stacked to increase compressive strength, then the working pressure capacity increases, but the flexibility and lubricity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon envelopes are designed to slide relative to one another dynamically during insertion and operation. The first, second, and third balloon envelopes can move independently along their respective lumens, allowing the structure to adapt to curved paths and maintain flexibility despite the multiple layers.
Solution Approach 2:
A lubricating coating is applied to the balloon envelopes to facilitate smooth sliding between them and between the envelopes and the organ wall. This intermediary lubricating layer reduces friction and maintains ease of operation while allowing the multi-envelope structure to achieve high working pressure capacity.
3Ease of operation
If the wall thickness is reduced to improve flexibility, then the insertion ease improves, but the tear resistance and safety under high pressure are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon envelopes are made from composite materials that combine flexibility with tear resistance. The material composition allows the thin-walled envelopes to be flexible enough for easy insertion while maintaining sufficient tear resistance to withstand high working pressures safely.
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 balloon catheter can safely operate at higher pressures (up to 50-60 bar) with minimal diameter expansion, ensuring safe and effective insertion and operation, while maintaining lubricity and tear resistance, and allowing for precise tracking and positioning.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced with a thin lubricating coating
Implementation Method 2
flexible materials like polyamide or polyester
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a balloon catheter (10) for insertion into a substantially tubular hollow organ (18) in the human or animal body. The balloon catheter (10, 10', 10') comprises at least one fillable and emptyable expansion space (14, 14') between a front and a rear (12, 12'). A liquid or gaseous medium (20) can be conveyed to and from the expansion space (14, 14') via at least one attachment piece with at least one lumen (24). In a guide lumen, a flexible guide wire (38) is arranged along a longitudinal axis (x-x) of the balloon catheter. The balloon catheter (10, 10', 10') has at least two balloon sleeves (16, 16') arranged one inside the other. The expansion spaces (14, 14') are acted upon with the same or different working pressures.