Split Balloon Assist Device for Distal Vascular Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balloon guide catheters for vascular surgery have a large profile and reduced flexibility due to the integral balloon design, making them difficult to navigate in the neurovascular anatomy, limiting their use mainly to the proximal cerebral vasculature.
Innovation Solution
A balloon assist device comprising an inner body with a split cylinder and an inflatable sheath, where the inner body can snap over a catheter and be slid along using an inflation tube or pusher, allowing for a more compact and flexible occlusion system that can access distal vasculature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an integral balloon design is used in guide catheters, then occlusion function is achieved, but device profile becomes large and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates the balloon occlusion function from the guide catheter body by using a removable balloon assist device that can be attached to and removed from the catheter. This segmentation allows the catheter to maintain its small profile and flexibility while the balloon provides occlusion when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon assist device transitions from a deflated state (small profile) to an inflated state (large occlusion volume) dynamically. This allows the device to navigate through vasculature in a compact form and then expand to provide the necessary occlusion function at the target site.
2Quantity of substance
If a large lumen balloon guide catheter is used, then clot capture capability is maximized, but device profile increases to 8F
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon assist device nests within or attaches to the guide catheter system, allowing the large-volume balloon to be delivered through a smaller catheter profile. The balloon can be collapsed during delivery and then expanded at the target site to provide adequate clot capture capacity.
3Reliability
If dual layer construction is used to inflate the distal balloon, then balloon function is achieved, but overall flexibility of the system is decreased
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon assist device is designed as a separate, removable component that can be attached to the catheter only when needed. This segmentation allows the catheter to maintain its flexibility during navigation while the balloon provides inflation function at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is constructed using flexible materials that can be collapsed into a thin profile for delivery and then inflated at the target site. This allows the balloon to provide its function without permanently increasing the system's stiffness or profile during navigation.
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
Enables easier tracking and deployment of the balloon assist device in the vasculature, allowing for occlusion of blood vessels at treatment sites beyond the proximal cerebral region, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of vascular surgery procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The inner body may be formed of a resilient material configured to snap over the exterior of the catheter by expanding a slit in the inner body, passing the catheter through the slit, and allowing the slit to contract around the catheter
Implementation Method 2
The balloon assist device may include an inflation tube in sealed communication with the inflatable sheath. The inflation tube may also be used to slide the balloon assist device along the catheter
Data Source
AI summary
A method is disclosed, including joining a balloon to a resilient inner body of a balloon assist device, the balloon comprising an axial length shorter than an axial length of the inner body; expanding a slit in the resilient inner body of the balloon assist device; inserting a catheter through the slit; and releasing the slit to contract the balloon assist device around the catheter.