Powder Delivery Catheter Fluidization for Anti-Clog Hemostasis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Delivering hemostatic powders endoscopically to bleeding sites is challenging due to the need for effective delivery through a catheter, which often results in clogging and inefficient distribution.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a chassis that fluidizes powdered agents using pressurized gas, creating a vortex to facilitate delivery through a catheter, and includes features like augers and vibrating components to prevent clogging, ensuring proper distribution and interaction with bodily fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hemostatic powder is delivered through a catheter using conventional methods, then the powder can be transported to the bleeding site, but clogging occurs and distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pressurized gas flow through the catheter to fluidize the hemostatic powder and create a vortex that propels the powder through the catheter and onto the bleeding site. This pneumatic approach replaces conventional gravity-dependent or syringe-based delivery, eliminating clogging by maintaining continuous fluidized flow and improving distribution efficiency through vortex-driven dispersion.
2Device complexity
If the powder is delivered without fluidization, then the delivery system remains simple, but clogging increases and delivery reliability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluidization chamber where pressurized gas mixes with the hemostatic powder to create a fluidized bed. This fluidization prevents powder compaction and clogging within the catheter, significantly improving delivery reliability. The system remains relatively simple by using a single gas source that performs both fluidization and propulsion functions.
3Reliability
If pressurized gas is used to fluidize the powder, then clogging is reduced and delivery reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the catheter system where a single pressurized gas source performs multiple functions: fluidizing the powder in the fluidization chamber, propelling the fluidized powder through the catheter, and creating the vortex for powder ejection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanical components, keeping device complexity manageable while achieving reliable delivery.
4Device complexity
If the powder is not vortexed, then the delivery mechanism is simpler, but powder distribution uniformity and effectiveness worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vortex generation section within the catheter where the pressurized gas creates a rotating flow pattern. This vortex action uniformly distributes the hemostatic powder as it exits the catheter onto the bleeding site, ensuring even coverage and consistent therapeutic effect. The vortex mechanism is achieved through the geometry of the catheter opening and gas flow direction rather than complex mechanical agitators.
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
Enhances the delivery of hemostatic powders by reducing clogging and ensuring uniform distribution, effectively stopping bleeding by forming pseudoclots or coagulating blood at the treatment site.
Implementation Method 1
At least a first portion of the pressurized gas is introduced into the powdered agent at the junction to fluidize the powdered agent
Implementation Method 2
An angle of the fourth passage relative to the second passage may cause the second portion of the pressurized gas to be emitted tangentially relative to a wall of the second passage to create a vortex of the pressurized gas and the powdered agent in the second passage
Implementation Method 3
The powder chamber may be positioned above the chassis, such that gravity assists movement of the powdered agent out of the powder chamber and into the second passage
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for delivering a powdered agent into a subject's body may include a powder chamber housing the powdered agent. The apparatus also may include a chassis in fluid connection with the powder chamber. The chassis may include a first passage for receiving a pressurized gas, a second passage for receiving the powdered agent from the powder chamber, and a junction in fluid communication with the first passage and the second passage. At least a first portion of the pressurized gas is introduced into the powdered agent at the junction to fluidize the powdered agent.