Dual Balloon Catheter: A Novel Laparoscopic Common Bile Duct Exploration Device

Abstract

Introduction: Choledocholithiasis is a disease process that can be managed by laparoscopic common bile duct exploration at the time of cholecystectomy. However, it can be negatively perceived by surgeons as lengthening procedure time and adding technical complexity. Materials and Methods: We have created a dual balloon biliary intervention catheter designed to make common duct exploration efficient, simple, and safe. The device consists of two balloons, one compliant and one noncompliant, to perform initial cholangiography, dilate the sphincter, and occlude the proximal duct for distal power flushing of stones. The catheter design facilitates a stepwise, over the wire progression of interventions with a singular device. Results: The catheter has been successfully deployed in a porcine feasibility model and the dual balloon concepts reduced to practice using currently available devices. Conclusion: Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration is a safe and effective way to treat choledocolithiasis. The Dual Balloon Catheter is a novel device that allows for duct occlusion for cholangiogram and power flushing in conjunction with duct and sphincter dilation.

Keywords: balloon catheter; balloon sphincteroplasty; cholangiography; choledocholithiasis; choledochoscopy; laparoscopic common bile duct exploration.