Telescoping TIPS Sizing Catheter for Accurate Tract Measurement

Solution Overview

Problem

Current TIPS procedures face challenges in accurately measuring the tract length between the hepatic vein and portal vein due to the need for multiple device movements and exchanges, which can prolong the procedure and pose risks of tissue damage.

Innovation Solution

A telescoping assembly with integrated radiopaque marker bands and dual injection capabilities allows for simultaneous contrast fluid injection at multiple locations and precise measurement of the tract length without requiring device repositioning, using a single device configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple device movements and exchanges are performed to measure tract length, then measurement can be obtained, but procedural time increases and tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetract length measurementVSAvoidprocedural time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (contrast injection, measurement, and visualization) into a single integrated catheter system. The sizing catheter includes both contrast injection capability and radiopaque marker bands for measurement, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing procedural steps while maintaining accurate tract length measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sizing catheter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a contrast injection device and a measurement device. The radiopaque marker bands are integrated directly onto the catheter, allowing it to perform multiple tasks (injection, measurement, and visualization) that would otherwise require separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple device movements and exchanges are performed to measure tract length, then measurement can be obtained, but tissue damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetract length measurementVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (contrast injection, measurement, and visualization) into a single integrated catheter system. The sizing catheter includes both contrast injection capability and radiopaque marker bands for measurement, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing procedural steps while maintaining accurate tract length measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tract length measurement is performed during the initial tract creation phase before final stent deployment. The sizing catheter with integrated marker bands allows measurement to be completed as part of the tract establishment process, avoiding additional device exchanges that would increase tissue trauma.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If specialized sizing catheter with radiopaque marker bands is used, then tract length measurement is possible, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetract length measurementVSAvoidcatheter design

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions (contrast injection, measurement, and visualization) into a single integrated catheter system. The sizing catheter includes both contrast injection capability and radiopaque marker bands for measurement, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing procedural steps while maintaining accurate tract length measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This approach reduces procedural time and minimizes tissue damage by enabling efficient, accurate measurement of the tract length, facilitating safer and more streamlined TIPS procedures.

Implementation Method 1

visualizing a tract between a first blood vessel and a second blood vessel by injecting contrast fluid into at least one of the first blood vessel and the second blood vessel using an elongate device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectContrast fluid injection:

Implementation Method 2

a specialized sizing catheter with radiopaque marker bands is inserted across the tract and fluoroscopy is used to measure the tract length

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiopacity: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20260069228A1Systems and methods for measuring a tract length during an intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure

Publication Date: 2026.03.12 BAYLIS MEDICAL TECH INC

AI summary

A medical device assembly and method of using the assembly are disclosed for measuring a tract length during a transvascular procedure such as a Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) procedure, or a Direct Portosystemic Intrahepatic Shunt (DIPS) procedure. The present invention provides a telescoped assembly for injecting contrast at a first location and a second location, the first and second locations on opposing sides of the tract, while substantially maintaining the position of the assembly, and without removing one or more inner devices from the assembly, thereby reducing procedure time.