Nested Balloon Insert for Controlled Substance Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for releasing substances into the urinary bladder lack effective controlled release mechanisms and often require complex designs, limiting their efficacy and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an inflatable balloon with an insert having compartments and a biodegradable coating for substance encapsulation, allowing controlled diffusion of substances into the bladder fluid, along with additional features for imaging, monitoring, and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple balloon device is used for substance release, then device complexity is reduced, but controlled release efficacy is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where an insert containing compartments is placed within the balloon. The insert is further configured with compartments that contain the substances to be released. This nesting arrangement allows the device to maintain relative structural simplicity while incorporating controlled release mechanisms through the compartmented insert design, thereby resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and controlled release efficacy.
2Reliability
If an insert with compartments is added to the balloon, then controlled release capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into multiple compartments, each capable of containing different substances or the same substance in different concentrations. This segmentation allows for controlled release of multiple substances simultaneously or sequentially, improving controlled release capability while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple through modular compartment design.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is configured with grooves on its surface to increase surface area for diffusion. Additionally, the insert can be shaped as an open-ended cylindrical shell with compartments contained within the wall, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. These dimensional configurations enhance controlled release capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If surface area of insert is increased through grooves or shell configuration, then substance diffusion rate is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is configured as an open-ended cylindrical shell with compartments contained within the wall, utilizing thin film structures to create increased surface area. This shell configuration allows for high surface area to volume ratio, enhancing diffusion rate while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard shell formation techniques.
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 device provides a controlled and efficient release of substances into the urinary bladder, enhancing treatment efficacy for conditions like urinary incontinence and infections, while allowing for optional additional functions like imaging and easy retrieval.
Implementation Method 1
The particles are encapsulated with a biodegradable coating or capsule. After delivery into the body cavity, the cavity fluid diffuses into the device and dissolves the biodegradable coating or capsule of the particles.
Implementation Method 2
The substances diffuse out of the insert through the exposed surface of the insert into the cavity.
Data Source
AI summary
An implantable device for releasing one or more substances into a body cavity such as a urinary bladder, is provided. The device includes an inner balloon located within an outer balloon so as to define a lumen between the outer and inner balloons. A first valve is used for filling the lumen; and a second valve is used for filling the inner balloon. The device is delivered to the body using a delivery catheter. The inner portion is filled with the substance or substances to be released into the body cavity. The outer balloon is filled with a substance that is chosen to impart a desired specific gravity to the device. The substances to be released may be contained in particles coated with a soluble coating. The particles may be in suspension or embedded in a matrix.