Variable Diameter Medical Balloon with Frangible Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical balloons require multiple sizes for different vessel diameters, increasing manufacturing complexity and clinician selection challenges, while fully compliant balloons are ineffective for providing significant treatment force.
Innovation Solution
A balloon with releasable connections that allow adjustment between different diameters through inflation pressure or manual intervention, enabling a single balloon to treat various vessel diameters effectively and reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple balloons of different diameters are manufactured to treat different vessel sizes, then the ability to treat various vessel diameters is improved, but manufacturing complexity and device variety increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon is divided into multiple sections with different diameters along its length. Each section can be selectively inflated to treat vessels of different sizes, eliminating the need for multiple separate balloons while maintaining the ability to address various vessel diameters within a single device
Solution Approach 2:
A single balloon design incorporates multiple functional sections that can treat different vessel sizes. The balloon serves multiple purposes by having expandable sections with varying diameters, allowing one device to replace what previously required multiple specialized balloons
2Adaptability or versatility
If fully compliant balloons are used to provide various diameters under different inflation pressures, then adaptability to different vessel sizes is improved, but the ability to provide significant treatment force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The balloon incorporates both compliant and non-compliant sections. The non-compliant sections maintain their shape and provide significant radial force for treatment, while compliant sections allow for size adaptation. This segmentation enables the balloon to provide both adaptability and adequate treatment force simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon uses composite construction with different material properties in different sections. Non-compliant sections use materials that resist expansion to maintain high radial force, while compliant sections use more flexible materials to adapt to vessel size, creating a composite structure that achieves both adaptability and force delivery
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 adjustable balloon simplifies the selection process and eliminates the need for multiple balloon sizes, providing effective treatment across a range of vessel diameters with significant force application.
Implementation Method 1
The releasable connection may comprise an adhesive, and thus may be considered a form of a frangible connection.
Implementation Method 2
Adding pressure to the balloon causes the balloon to inflate. In one variation of use, the balloon creates an outwardly directed force when inflated
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes a balloon comprising an inflatable body. A first releasable or frangible connection is provided to maintain the body at a first diameter up to a first inflation pressure, and to release, such as by disconnecting, and thus allow the body to assume a second diameter, such as at a second inflation pressure greater than the first inflation pressure or upon a manual release of the connection by a clinician. Multiple releasable or frangible connections may be provided, including between portions (folds) of the inflatable body of the balloon. This disclosure also pertains to a non-compliant or semi-compliant balloon having a first inflation diameter corresponding to a first range of inflation pressures and a second inflation diameter corresponding to a second inflation pressure greater than the first range of inflation pressures.