Rolling Membrane Catheter for Crossing Calcified Arteries

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vascular interventions face challenges such as increased complexity, longer procedural times, and higher radiation doses due to difficulties in crossing calcified arteries and chronic total occlusions with guidewires and balloon catheters.

Innovation Solution

A rolling membrane catheter that can be pressurized and rolled out in a longitudinal direction to facilitate crossing of stenoses and chronic total occlusions, potentially eliminating the need for multiple catheters and guidewires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional guidewires and balloon catheters are used to cross calcified arteries and chronic total occlusions, then the vascular intervention can be performed with standard equipment, but the procedural complexity increases and the likelihood of technical failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelikelihood of procedural successVSAvoidnumber of catheters and guidewires required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of guidewire, balloon catheter, and delivery system into a single integrated rolling membrane catheter device. The rolling membrane itself serves as both the delivery mechanism and the treatment element, eliminating the need for separate guidewires and balloon catheters that are traditionally required in vascular interventions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling membrane catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: it can navigate through tortuous and calcified vessels, cross chronic total occlusions, deliver treatment to the target site, and potentially provide therapeutic effects. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized devices in conventional procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple catheters and guidewires are used in a two-step process for coronary angioplasty, then the intervention can be performed with conventional methods, but the procedural time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural timeVSAvoidcomplexity of insertion process

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the two-step conventional process (guidewire insertion followed by balloon catheter insertion) into a single-step procedure where the rolling membrane catheter is inserted once and performs both navigation and treatment functions, thereby reducing procedural time and simplifying the insertion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rolling membrane is pre-configured within the catheter shaft in a compressed state, ready for deployment upon reaching the target site. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for sequential insertion of multiple devices and allows for rapid deployment at the treatment location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If guidewires are pushed through tortuous and calcified arteries, then the catheter can reach the target lesion, but excessive friction forces prevent successful crossing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to cross calcified arteriesVSAvoidfriction forces

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a rolling membrane with flexible properties that can conform to tortuous vessel paths and calcified surfaces. The thin film structure reduces friction compared to rigid guidewires while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to push through occlusions. The membrane's flexibility allows it to navigate complex vascular anatomy without excessive force requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 rolling membrane catheter simplifies vascular interventions by reducing the number of medical instruments required, shortening procedural time, and minimizing radiation exposure, while providing enhanced flexibility and steerability.

Implementation Method 1

The rolling membrane defines an inner volume that can be pressurized

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressurization: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The rolling membrane being configured to roll out in a longitudinal direction (D) into a rolled out state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRolling motion: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20250050067A1Hydraulically actuated catheter like system for treating vascular and non-vascular diseases

Publication Date: 2025.02.13 BIOTRONIK AG

AI summary

A catheter includes a rolling membrane defining an inner volume that can be pressurized. The rolling membrane is configured to roll out in a longitudinal direction (D) into a rolled-out state. An inner shaft is attached to the rolling membrane. The membrane can roll out in a longitudinal direction along a vessel of a patient.