Reperfusion Catheter Segmentation for Backflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Standard catheter embolization procedures face challenges with backflow, leading to non-target embolization, which can be exacerbated by pressure buildup during procedures using microparticles and liquid embolic agents, and existing solutions like occlusion balloons disrupt blood flow to target vessels, introducing additional risks.
Innovation Solution
A reperfusion system comprising an introducer sheath, a middle catheter, and a balloon microcatheter with valve ports and connecting tubes that allow for artificial antegrade flow, preventing backflow while enabling full embolization control and enhanced safety by routing blood through the system to ensure embolic agents reach the target area effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an occlusion balloon catheter is used to prevent backflow, then backflow is prevented, but blood flow to target organs is stopped introducing additional risks
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into multiple segments: an embolization catheter for delivering embolic agents, a separate perfusion catheter for maintaining blood flow, and a balloon catheter for preventing backflow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing backflow while maintaining perfusion to target organs.
Solution Approach 2:
A perfusion catheter acts as an intermediary device that provides alternative blood flow pathways. When the balloon catheter prevents backflow, the perfusion catheter ensures that blood continues to flow to target organs through this intermediary channel, preventing the harmful effect of blood flow disruption.
2Productivity
If pressure builds up distally during embolization procedures, then embolization effectiveness is improved, but backflow occurs causing non-target embolization
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates pressure sensing capabilities that provide feedback about distal pressure buildup. This feedback allows the operator to adjust embolization parameters in real-time, maintaining effective embolization while preventing excessive pressure that would cause backflow and non-target embolization.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon catheter serves as an intermediary that regulates pressure dynamics in the distal vessel. By controlling balloon inflation, the system can maintain sufficient pressure for effective embolization while preventing excessive pressure buildup that would cause backflow.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard catheter embolization techniques are used, then embolization can be performed, but backflow causes non-target embolization due to inadequate techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into specialized components: an embolization catheter for precise embolic agent delivery, a perfusion catheter for maintaining blood flow, and a balloon catheter for backflow prevention. This segmentation enables precise embolization while eliminating backflow-related errors caused by inadequate techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes key parameters of the embolization procedure by introducing controlled balloon inflation to prevent backflow and using perfusion catheters to maintain blood flow. These parameter changes transform the embolization procedure into a more reliable process that prevents non-target embolization.
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 system provides controlled artificial antegrade flow, preventing backflow during balloon inflation, ensuring safe and effective embolization by maintaining perfusion to tissues and organs, thereby reducing the risk of non-target embolization and enhancing procedural safety.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second ports of the microcatheter valve each include a switch that can be opened and closed
Implementation Method 2
Blood enters the introducer sheath lumen and travels through the connecting tube, into the microcatheter, and out of the distal end of the microcatheter
Implementation Method 3
Contrast fluid can be introduced into the second port of the middle catheter valve and into the middle catheter lumen
Data Source
AI summary
A reperfusion system and method of perfusing a blood vessel using the reperfusion system are provided. The system includes an introducer sheath, a middle catheter extending through the introducer sheath, and a balloon microcatheter extending through the middle catheter. A connecting tube extends between a lumen of the introducer sheath and a valve at a proximal end of the microcatheter. A flow path is defined along a lumen of the introducer sheath, through the connecting tube, into the microcatheter, and out of a distal opening of the microcatheter. The balloon is disposed adjacent the exit point of the flow path to reduce reflux. Embolic material can be introduced into the microcatheter at the valve to exit at the same location as the blood flow.