Variable-Opening Ureteral Catheters for Fluid Retention Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods fail to effectively address fluid retention and impaired renal function, particularly in conditions leading to venous congestion and prerenal acute kidney injury, by inadequately managing urine output from the kidneys.
Innovation Solution
A ureteral catheter with a drainage lumen and retention portion designed to maintain positioning in the ureter, kidney, and bladder, featuring varying opening areas and configurations to manage fluid flow, combined with a pump system for inducing negative pressure to enhance urine collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a traditional catheter with uniform openings is used, then the device structure is simple, but the fluid flow distribution is inadequate and urine collection efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple sections along its length, with each section containing a specific number and arrangement of openings. The proximal section has a first number of openings, while the distal section has a second number of openings, creating segmented fluid collection zones that optimize urine gathering from different anatomical positions
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the catheter are designed with different opening characteristics - the proximal section has openings configured for one flow pattern while the distal section has openings configured for another flow pattern. This local differentiation allows each section to optimize fluid collection from its specific anatomical location, improving overall urine collection efficiency
2Productivity
If the catheter is positioned to maximize drainage, then urine output increases, but maintaining stable positioning in the ureter is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates pre-formed features such as radiopaque markers positioned at specific locations and a balloon element that can be inflated at the distal end. These preliminary structures are designed to engage with anatomical landmarks or tissue before full deployment, establishing stable positioning that maintains optimal drainage configuration throughout use
3Productivity
If negative pressure is applied to increase urine flow, then renal perfusion improves, but risk of tissue damage or discomfort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic control of negative pressure application, allowing the pressure magnitude and duration to be adjusted based on patient response and clinical conditions. The balloon element can be selectively inflated to different pressures, and the negative pressure can be modulated to optimize urine flow while staying below tissue damage thresholds
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system incorporates mechanisms for monitoring patient response to negative pressure application, such as pressure sensors or flow rate monitoring. This feedback allows real-time adjustment of the negative pressure magnitude to maintain effective urine drainage while preventing excessive pressure that could cause tissue damage or patient discomfort
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 catheter system effectively increases urine output and reduces fluid retention, thereby improving renal function and addressing conditions like prerenal AKI and hypertension-related kidney issues.
Implementation Method 1
a pump system for inducing negative pressure to enhance urine collection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A ureteral catheter includes a drainage lumen having a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and/or bladder and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in the ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis. The distal portion includes a retention portion for maintaining positioning of the distal portion of the drainage lumen. The retention portion includes a plurality of sections, each section having one or more openings on a sidewall of the retention portion for permitting fluid flow into the drainage lumen. A total area of openings of a first section of the plurality of sections is less than a total area of openings of an adjacent second section of the plurality of sections. The second section is closer to a distal end of the drainage lumen than the first section.