Split Balloon Catheter for Precise Fallopian Tube Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intrauterine insemination (IUI) faces challenges such as sperm loss to the cervix and vagina, and existing solutions are not fully effective in bypassing the hostile cervical environment and ensuring precise delivery of sperm to the fallopian tubes.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a split balloon design and microfluidic pumping device that directs sperm to the left or right fallopian tubes or simultaneously to both, preventing leakage and allowing for predetermined volume distribution, compatible with both IUI and slow release insemination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a balloon catheter is used for insemination, then sperm loss to the cervix and vagina is prevented, but the ability to direct sperm precisely to specific fallopian tubes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single balloon catheter is divided into two separate catheters, each with its own balloon and lumen. This segmentation allows independent control of sperm delivery to each fallopian tube while maintaining the balloon's sperm retention function, thus resolving the contradiction between preventing sperm loss and achieving precise directional delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic pumping device acts as an intermediary between the sperm reservoir and the fallopian tubes. It provides precise control over sperm flow distribution to each tube, enabling accurate directional delivery while the balloons continue to prevent sperm loss to the cervix and vagina.
2Device complexity
If a single channel catheter is used, then the device is simple, but the ability to deliver sperm to both fallopian tubes simultaneously in different volume relations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The single channel catheter is segmented into two separate channels, each capable of independent sperm delivery. This allows the system to deliver sperm to both fallopian tubes simultaneously with different volume relations while maintaining relatively simple individual channel structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-channel catheter design provides multi-functionality by enabling independent delivery to left and right fallopian tubes, simultaneous delivery to both tubes, or selective delivery to a single tube, thus achieving high adaptability while keeping each channel relatively simple.
3Productivity
If sperm is delivered quickly to bypass the cervix, then the procedure is efficient, but the time window for fertilization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic pumping device enables preliminary positioning of sperm near the fallopian tubes followed by controlled release. This allows efficient bypass of the cervix while providing a extended time window for sperm to interact with the egg, as the pump can maintain sperm in a ready-to-release state.
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic pump can deliver sperm in controlled periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. This periodic action maintains high efficiency by rapidly transporting sperm while also extending the fertilization window by controlling the release timing and rate, allowing sperm to be available for fertilization over an extended period.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly includes a catheter that has an insemination lumen for injecting sperm into a uterus. The insemination lumen includes two branches (sub-lumens), one directed toward a left ostium and the other directed to a right ostium of fallopian tubes.