Splittable Catheter for Endoscopic Balloon Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscopic systems face challenges in accurately positioning and protecting inflatable balloons during procedures, as they can get caught in the v-shaped groove of the elevator, leading to inaccuracies in dilating strictures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscopic apparatus with a catheter that has splittable portions to define separate sections, allowing the balloon to be protected and maintained in position, preventing it from moving longitudinally relative to the elevator, ensuring accurate deployment of the expandable balloon for stricture dilation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an inflatable balloon is used in endoscopic procedures, then stricture dilation can be performed, but the balloon may get caught in the v-shaped groove of the elevator, leading to positioning inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple sections with splittable portions that can separate from each other. This segmentation allows the balloon to be protected within the catheter structure while preventing it from getting caught in the elevator groove, as the splittable portions can separate to guide the balloon safely past the groove area.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter acts as an intermediary protective structure between the balloon and the elevator groove. The catheter with its splittable portions serves as a mediator that guides the balloon through the potentially harmful area without direct contact between the balloon and the groove, preventing entrapment while maintaining positioning accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the balloon is delivered through the endoscope, then the procedure can be performed, but accurate positioning of the balloon at the stricture is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented into multiple sections with splittable portions that can separate from each other. This segmentation allows for controlled movement and positioning of the balloon relative to the endoscope and elevator, enabling precise placement at the stricture site while maintaining ease of operation through the modular structure.
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 apparatus effectively secures the balloon in place, preventing it from getting caught and ensuring accurate dilation of strictures by maintaining the balloon's position, thus enhancing the precision and safety of endoscopic procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an expandable balloon disposable through the endoscope for dilitating a stricture in the body duct
Implementation Method 2
At least the proximal portion comprises splittable portions formed therealong to define first and second sections separable from each other
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An apparatus (110) cooperable with a grasping slot of an elevator for an endoscope is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an expandable balloon (112) disposable through the endoscope for dilitating a stricture in the body duct. The apparatus further comprises a catheter (120) disposable about the expandable balloon and through the endoscope. The catheter comprises proximal and distal portions along a longitudinal axis thereof. At least the proximal portion comprises a splittable portion formed therealong to define first and second sections separable from each other for securing the catheter while protecting and maintaining the expandable balloon at the stricture.