Dual Lumen Catheter for Industrial and Environmental Applications

The inventive concept leverages the dual lumen catheter technology to enable novel applications in industrial and environmental monitoring, inspection, and maintenance.

The original patent addressed the limitations of peripheral lung tumor sampling and ultrasound visualization. However, the same technology can be applied to other industries and fields, such as industrial pipeline inspection, aquaculture, wind turbine maintenance, oil and gas pipeline leak detection, and aircraft wing inspection, where the ability to integrate multiple tools and sensors through a single catheter can provide significant advantages.

The dual lumen catheter is adapted to receive an ultrasound probe and a secondary tool or sensor, such as a cleaning tool, sampling device, robotic inspection tool, or sensing device. The catheter's design allows for real-time imaging and simultaneous tool operation, enabling efficient and effective inspection, monitoring, and maintenance in various industrial and environmental settings.

The new claims introduce novel applications and use cases for the dual lumen catheter technology, which were not originally considered. The inventive step lies in recognizing the potential of the technology to be adapted to different industries and fields, and designing the catheter to accommodate the specific requirements of each application.

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations in catheter material, size, and shape to accommodate different environments and tools. Additional sensors or tools could be integrated into the catheter to enhance its capabilities, such as temperature or pressure sensors, or manipulator arms for more complex tasks.

The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial pipeline inspection, aquaculture, wind energy, oil and gas, and aerospace. The ability to integrate multiple tools and sensors through a single catheter can provide cost savings, increased efficiency, and improved safety, making it an attractive solution for companies operating in these sectors.