Toroidal Balloon Rotation for Atraumatic Tissue Removal
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical balloons are static and lack the ability to move or apply pressure along their external or internal surfaces, limiting their utility and safety during procedures, particularly in applications requiring rotation or atraumatic removal.
Innovation Solution
A toroidal balloon design that can rotate and invert its internal and external surfaces to apply pressure, allowing for low-friction placement and removal without sliding against biological tissues, and can be coated with biologically active substances for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing spherical or sausage-shaped balloons are used for dilation and securing devices, then they can create space and apply pressure, but they are static and cannot move or rotate, limiting their application and utility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static balloon design into a dynamic toroidal balloon that can rotate and move along the inner channel. The toroidal shape with its central opening allows the balloon to be rolled into place and rotated 360 degrees, enabling it to change position and orientation dynamically rather than remaining fixed in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement as a new dimension of operation. Instead of only linear insertion and withdrawal, the balloon can now rotate around its central axis, providing an additional degree of freedom that enhances its ability to reach different positions and apply pressure from multiple angles.
2Ease of operation
If existing balloons are deflated during insertion and withdrawal, then they can be inserted through narrow pathways, but they cannot apply pressure or maintain position during the procedure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inflates the balloon after it has been rolled into the desired position within the body cavity, rather than inflating it before insertion. This preliminary positioning followed by inflation allows the balloon to be inserted in a compact, low-profile state and then expanded to apply pressure once in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The toroidal balloon's structure with its central opening separates the inflation chamber from the rotation mechanism. The inner channel allows the inflation catheter to pass through independently, enabling the balloon to be inflated while maintaining the ability to rotate around the central opening.
3Reliability
If toroidal balloons are used to dilate or form seals, then they have improved function with inner and outer surfaces, but they are static and not moveable to different locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reliable toroidal shape with dynamic rotational capability. The balloon maintains its stable toroidal structure for dependable sealing and pressure application while incorporating the ability to rotate 360 degrees around its central axis, allowing it to be repositioned and adapted to different locations and orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional device that can both seal/pressurize (traditional balloon function) and rotate/reposition (new mobility function). The toroidal balloon serves multiple purposes: forming seals, applying pressure, and changing position, making it a universal tool for various medical procedures.
4Ease of operation
If balloons are removed by sliding against tissue walls, then they can be extracted from the body, but they cause tissue trauma and friction during removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the removal mechanism: instead of sliding the balloon off the tissue, the balloon rotates in place and is withdrawn through its own central opening. The tissue remains stationary while the balloon rotates around it and is pulled back through the center, eliminating the sliding friction that causes trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The central opening acts as an intermediary pathway for removal. Rather than the balloon wall直接接触 and sliding against the tissue during removal, the balloon is withdrawn through the central opening, using this intermediate space to avoid direct contact and friction with the tissue walls during extraction.
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 toroidal balloon design enhances safety and utility by minimizing tissue trauma during insertion and removal, enabling effective pressure application and substance delivery while maintaining low friction and controlled pressure, improving outcomes in procedures such as nasal splinting, tamponade, and urethral catheterization.
Implementation Method 1
The external balloon surface of the toroidal balloon is contacting the tissue in a nasal cavity... to apply a pressure across its external surface
Implementation Method 2
The toroidal balloon design enhances safety and utility by minimizing tissue trauma during insertion and removal, enabling effective pressure application and substance delivery while maintaining low friction
Data Source
AI summary
A balloon is fashioned in the shape of a modified toroid that changes position by rotation. As a result, the toroidal balloon is an improvement over existing balloons for dilation and applying pressure since it can apply the pressure to both the external surface and the surface lining the balloon's internal channel and change position while applying that pressure. In addition, the toroidal balloon can apply a biologically active substance or medical device to a biological wall then leave that substance or device in place with the rotational extraction of the balloon. Other balloons for dilation or application of a substance or device need to be deflated to change their position.