Rotatable Luer Member for Catheter Balloon Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dilation procedures for anatomical passageways, such as sinuses, lack easy control over balloon inflation and deflation, particularly for single-operator procedures, and require improved visualization for precise balloon positioning.
Innovation Solution
A dilation catheter system with a luer member and rotatable port, an inflatable dilator, and an illuminating guidewire, allowing for controlled fluid communication and visualization during balloon dilation, enabling precise positioning and inflation of the balloon within anatomical passageways.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional dilation catheter is used, then the balloon can be inflated to dilate the anatomical passageway, but the operator has difficulty controlling inflation and deflation and cannot easily visualize the balloon positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into functionally independent segments: a luer member for fluid control, a rotatable port for directional fluid delivery, and an illuminating guidewire for visualization. Each segment performs a specific function, making the overall system easier to control while maintaining necessary complexity for precise operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The luer member acts as an intermediary between the fluid source and the balloon, providing controlled fluid delivery. The illuminating guidewire serves as an intermediary for visualization, allowing the operator to see the balloon positioning without direct visual access through the catheter.
2Measurement precision
If an illuminating guidewire is added to provide visualization, then balloon positioning can be confirmed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination function is merged with the guidewire structure, combining positioning guidance and visualization into a single component. The luer member is integrated with the catheter shaft, combining fluid control and structural support in one element, thereby minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminating guidewire serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the catheter, enables visualization of the balloon positioning, and can potentially guide the balloon to the target location. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable port is incorporated into the luer member, then fluid can be delivered in controlled directions, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The port is designed to be rotatable relative to the luer member body, allowing dynamic adjustment of fluid delivery direction. This rotational capability provides adaptability for different anatomical orientations while using standard manufacturing techniques to keep fabrication complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable port is localized to specific regions of the luer member where fluid delivery is needed, rather than complicating the entire structure. The rotation mechanism is confined to a specific area, allowing selective directional control without manufacturing the entire catheter system with complex features.
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
Facilitates easy and precise dilation of anatomical passageways by providing controlled inflation and deflation of the balloon and enhanced visualization, ensuring accurate positioning and effective treatment with minimal operator effort.
Implementation Method 1
Such an illuminating guidewire may be positioned within the target area and then illuminated, with light projecting from the distal end of the guidewire. This light may illuminate the adjacent tissue (e.g., hypodermis, subdermis, etc.) and thus be visible to the naked eye from outside the patient through transcutaneous illumination.
Implementation Method 2
One method of dilating anatomical passageways includes using a guide wire and catheter to position an inflatable balloon within the anatomical passageway, then inflating the balloon with a fluid (e.g., saline) to dilate the anatomical passageway.
Data Source
AI summary
A dilation catheter for dilation of an anatomical passageway includes a luer member, an elongate shaft, and an inflatable dilator. The luer member comprises at least one fluid port. The luer member is rotatably disposed about the elongate shaft such that the luer member is configured to rotate relative to the elongate shaft about the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft. The elongate shaft comprises a first lumen. The at least one fluid port is in fluid communication with the first lumen such that fluid may be passed through the at least one fluid port into the first lumen. The inflatable dilator is positioned along a length of the elongate shaft. The inflatable dilator is in fluid communication with the first lumen such that the inflatable dilator is inflatable by fluid passed through the at least one fluid port and into the first lumen.