Pear-Shaped Balloon Catheter for Uterine Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tamponades for controlling postpartum hemorrhage do not provide optimal pressure distribution across the uterus and can interfere with the uterine surface, leading to inefficient bleeding control.
Innovation Solution
A pear-shaped balloon tamponade catheter with a dual-lumen design, featuring a first hemisphere and a smaller second hemisphere, and a transition section that bows inward when inflated, allowing for even pressure application and contact with the uterine surfaces without interference from the catheter body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a Foley catheter with a large bulb or multiple Foley catheters is used for tamponade, then the uterus can be packed to control bleeding, but the bulb shape does not provide optimal pressure distribution and components can interfere with proper contact to the uterine surface
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is designed with an asymmetric pear shape featuring a first hemisphere with a larger maximum diameter and a second hemisphere with a smaller maximum diameter. This asymmetric geometry enables the balloon to conform to the uterine cavity's natural shape, providing optimal pressure distribution across the uterine surface while eliminating interference from symmetric bulb designs
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon employs curved hemispherical surfaces instead of flat or angular shapes. The first hemisphere and second hemisphere create a smooth, continuous curved surface that conforms to the uterine cavity, ensuring even pressure distribution and preventing gaps or interference points that would occur with non-curved designs
2Reliability
If traditional gauze packing is used for tamponade, then the uterus can be packed tightly to control hemorrhage, but the procedure requires general anesthesia and is more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a flexible balloon membrane that can be collapsed for insertion through the cervix and then inflated within the uterine cavity. This flexible shell approach eliminates the need for surgical packing with gauze and general anesthesia, providing a less invasive procedure while maintaining effective hemorrhage control through internal balloon inflation
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is inflated with fluid or gas through a catheter to create internal pressure for tamponade. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach allows the balloon to expand and conform to the uterine cavity, providing effective hemorrhage control without the need for manual packing or general anesthesia required by traditional surgical methods
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 tamponade catheter effectively reduces uterine bleeding by applying consistent pressure across the uterus, potentially reducing the need for more invasive treatments and minimizing the risk of complications associated with postpartum hemorrhage.
Implementation Method 1
The balloon tamponade catheter effectively reduces uterine bleeding by applying consistent pressure across the uterus
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon tamponade catheter for controlling uterine postpartum hemorrhage has an elongated body with a balloon at a marginal distal end of the elongated body for insertion into the uterus. The balloon preferably has a pear-shaped appearance. The balloon may have a first hemisphere that is located on the catheter distal to second, smaller hemisphere. The first hemisphere has a plane of maximum diameter that is larger than the second hemisphere's plane of maximum diameter. Between the two planes of maximum diameter, the balloon comprises a transition section. In some cases, the transition section bows inward towards the elongated body when the balloon is uninflated and/or inflated. Additionally, the elongated body preferably does not extend distally past the distal end of the first hemisphere.