An embolic protection device
By designing a hollowed-out tubular stent and a multi-layered interception mesh embolization protection device, the problems of flexibility and operability of existing devices in intracranial blood vessels were solved, achieving stable support and embolism interception in intracranial blood vessels, thus improving the safety and success rate of the operation.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- KAIFENG CENT HOSPITAL
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-28
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing embolization protection devices have poor flexibility in intracranial blood vessels, are difficult to contract and operate, and cannot be applied to intracranial blood vessels, thus limiting the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.
A hollowed-out tubular stent was designed with radially contracted ends and multiple layers of interception mesh arranged inside. The large mesh at the proximal end facilitates blood flow, while the small mesh at the distal end intercepts emboli. An anticoagulant coating and a distal imaging component are provided on the outer side of the stent to ensure the stability and operability of the device in intracranial blood vessels.
This technology enables smooth operation within intracranial blood vessels, improving surgical safety and success rates, ensuring unobstructed blood flow, reducing thrombus formation, providing precise location guidance, and enhancing surgical reliability and patient treatment outcomes.
Smart Images
Figure CN224523184U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of medical equipment technology, and specifically relates to an embolism protection device. Background Technology
[0002] Chronic total occlusion (CTO) is a serious condition of the internal carotid artery (ICA), characterized by complete blockage of the arterial lumen for more than three months. This condition significantly increases the risk of stroke. Drug treatment for CTO is often ineffective, and interventional surgery is usually necessary. Common thrombectomy procedures utilize specialized thrombectomy devices, such as stent thrombectomy devices. During the procedure, the stent thrombectomy device is delivered to the thrombus site via catheter, the stent is opened to allow it to fully integrate with the thrombus, and then the stent and thrombus are removed together.
[0003] During thrombectomy, to prevent small emboli from escaping, an embolic protection device is typically placed distal to the thrombectomy site beforehand. This device intercepts any emboli fragments cut by the stent. After the procedure, the device removes the intercepted emboli from the body, ensuring surgical safety.
[0004] Figure 1 This image illustrates a portion of the internal carotid artery, which extends intracranially, with its distal portion comprising the ophthalmic segment (C6) and the communicating segment (C7). Existing embolization protection devices are mostly umbrella-shaped structures that open after placement, with the opening facing the embolization site. After embolectomy, the device must be retracted for removal. However, this umbrella-shaped structure is inherently complex, and the limited intravascular operating space sometimes results in the opening failing to close. Furthermore, existing embolization protection devices are structurally complex, lack flexibility during delivery, and are relatively large, making them primarily suitable only for extracranial use and unsuitable for intracranial applications in the ophthalmic segment (C6) and communicating segment (C7).
[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved technical solution that addresses the shortcomings of the existing technology. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an embolization protection device to solve the technical problems of poor flexibility, inconvenient contraction operation, and unsuitability for intracranial vascular operations in existing embolization protection device technologies.
[0007] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0008] An embolism protection device includes a delivery guidewire, the distal end of which is provided with a stent that expands into a tubular shape to radially support a blood vessel. The two ends of the stent gradually contract radially away from the center and are fixed to the delivery guidewire. The stent has a hollow structure, with the mesh size at the proximal end of the stent being larger than that at the distal end. A collection component for intercepting emboli is arranged inside the stent, and the collection component is arranged along the cross-sectional direction of the stent and is circumferentially fixedly connected to the inner sidewall of the stent.
[0009] As a further optimized technical solution, the length of the bracket is 1cm-2cm.
[0010] As a further optimized technical solution, the collecting component is an interception net.
[0011] As a further optimized technical solution, the interception net, after being unfolded, is in the shape of a net bag with the opening facing the near end.
[0012] As a further optimized technical solution, the interception net includes a first interception net and a second interception net arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the support, with the first interception net arranged on the side near the proximal end of the support.
[0013] As a further optimized technical solution, the mesh size of the first intercepting net is larger than that of the second intercepting net.
[0014] As a further optimized technical solution, the mesh size of the interception net is 70μm-130μm.
[0015] As a further optimized technical solution, the mesh size of the first interception net is 100μm-130μm, and the mesh size of the second interception net is 70μm-99μm.
[0016] As a further optimized technical solution, the outer side of the support is provided with an anti-condensation coating.
[0017] As a further optimized technical solution, a developing component is provided at the distal end of the support.
[0018] Beneficial effects:
[0019] First, in this invention, the hollow, tubular stent has better flexibility than the traditional umbrella-shaped structure. After contraction, it is easier for the device to adapt to the curvature of blood vessels during delivery and smoothly reach the ocular segment (C6) and communicating segment (C7) in the intracranial cavity, solving the problem that existing devices cannot be used in intracranial blood vessels. In addition, the radially contracting structure of the proximal end of the stent does not require additional retraction operations compared to the open umbrella-shaped structure. During the stent withdrawal stage, the gradually radially contracting proximal end has a good guiding effect, so that the stent can be directly pulled into the delivery sheath. Therefore, it is easier to retrieve than the existing umbrella-shaped structure.
[0020] Secondly, the large mesh design at the proximal end facilitates normal blood flow within the blood vessel and allows emboli to enter smoothly from the proximal end. The small mesh design at the distal end helps to work with the collection component to prevent emboli from moving to the distal end of the blood vessel. In addition, the collection component is arranged along the cross-sectional direction of the stent and is circumferentially fixed to the inner wall of the stent. During the stent's contraction and delivery process, the collection component contracts radially in a small section along the stent's axial direction, which has little impact on the overall axial flexibility of the stent.
[0021] Furthermore, the anticoagulant coating on the outside of the stent ensures the stability and safety of the stent within the blood vessel, reducing thrombus formation. Meanwhile, the imaging component at the distal end of the stent provides doctors with clear positional indications during the procedure, facilitating precise placement and operation of the device, improving the success rate of the surgery, and providing patients with more reliable treatment protection. Attached Figure Description
[0022] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The illustrative embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are used to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. Wherein:
[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of part of the internal carotid artery;
[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of one embodiment of the present utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the working state of one embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] In the diagram: 1. Guide wire; 2. Stent; 3. Blood vessel; 4. Collection component; 401. First interception net; 402. Second interception net; 5. Imaging component; 6. Embolism. Detailed Implementation
[0027] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art are within the protection scope of this utility model.
[0028] In the description of this utility model, the terms "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," and "bottom," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and do not require that this utility model be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model. The terms "connected" and "linked" used in this utility model should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection or a detachable connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through intermediate components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the term "proximal end" uniformly refers to the end closer to the operator, while "distal end" refers to the end farther from the operator.
[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described herein can be combined with each other.
[0030] The shapes and sizes of the components in the attached drawings do not reflect the actual proportions of the product; they are only intended to illustrate the content of this utility model.
[0031] This invention provides an embolism protection device designed to improve the safety and effectiveness of intracranial thrombectomy. The device uses a guidewire 1 as a carrier, with its distal end connected to a tubular stent 2 that is radially contracted and fixed at both ends. The stent 2 has a perforated structure, with larger mesh openings at the proximal end than at the distal end, ensuring smooth blood flow while preventing emboli 6 from escaping. Inside the stent 2, a collection component 4 consisting of multiple layers of intercepting meshes is vertically arranged, including axially spaced first and second intercepting meshes 401 and 402, which precisely grade and intercept emboli of different sizes based on mesh size differences. An anticoagulant coating on the outer side of the stent 2 reduces the risk of thrombus formation, and a contrast-enhancing component at the distal end assists in precise surgical operation. During implementation, through meticulous assembly and with the aid of a specific surgical procedure, this device can efficiently intercept emboli 6 generated during thrombectomy, providing comprehensive safety assurance for intracranial thrombectomy, significantly improving surgical outcomes, and reducing patient risk.
[0032] Example 1
[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the embolism protection device includes a delivery guide wire 1, a support 2, and a collection component 4.
[0034] The delivery guidewire 1 serves as the delivery component of the entire device, used to precisely deliver the stent 2 to the intracranial lesion site.
[0035] The stent 2 is positioned at the distal end of the delivery guidewire 1. The stent 2 utilizes a laser-cut, hollowed-out structure made of nickel-titanium alloy. Nickel-titanium alloy, with its excellent biocompatibility, minimizes the rejection response of the human immune system to the device, ensuring patient safety. The stent 2 possesses memory properties and superelasticity, allowing it to be radially compressed into a very small size when not delivered, facilitating passage through narrow blood vessels 3. Upon reaching the predetermined position, it quickly returns to its pre-set expanded shape, tightly conforming to the inner wall of the blood vessel 3, providing stable support and preventing displacement. In this embodiment, the expanded stent 2 is tubular, adapting to the internal shape of the blood vessel, thus facilitating radial support within the blood vessel 3. Furthermore, the hollowed-out structure of the stent 2 is simple and flexible, making it easy to push into intracranial blood vessels. Regarding size selection, the length of stent 2 is 1cm-2cm (e.g., depending on the model, it can be 1.1cm, 1.2cm, 1.3cm, 1.4cm, 1.5cm, 1.6cm, 1.7cm, 1.8cm, 1.9cm, 2.0cm, or any range between its two endpoints). This relatively small length is crucial for deployment in the intracranial internal carotid artery (especially the ophthalmic and communicating segments) to minimize damage to the vessel wall and potential blood flow interference to key branches such as the ophthalmic artery. The ophthalmic segment (C6) extends from the distal end of the dural ring to the origin of the posterior communicating artery, while the communicating segment (C7) is the terminal segment. The device needs to be short enough to be installed within these segments without extending into the origin of the major cerebral arteries (ACA, MCA).
[0036] Both ends of the stent 2 gradually contract radially away from the center and are fixed to the delivery guidewire 1. The radially contracting structure of the proximal end of the stent 2, compared with the open umbrella structure, does not require additional retraction. During the stent 2 withdrawal phase, the gradually contracting proximal end has a good guiding effect, so that the stent 2 can be directly pulled into the delivery sheath. Therefore, it is easier to retrieve than the existing umbrella structure. The larger radial portion of the contracted distal end facilitates unobstructed blood flow, while the smaller radial portion helps to intercept emboli.
[0037] To facilitate the collection of emboli 6, the mesh size at the proximal end of the stent 2 is larger than that at the distal end. The larger mesh size at the proximal end facilitates the entry of emboli into the stent 2, while the smaller mesh size at the distal end ensures normal blood flow.
[0038] To facilitate the interception of the embolus 6, a collecting component 4 for intercepting the embolus 6 is arranged inside the support 2. The collecting component 4 is arranged along the cross-sectional direction of the support 2 and is circumferentially fixedly connected to the inner sidewall of the support 2. In this embodiment, the collecting component 4 consists of two spaced-apart intercepting nets arranged along the cross-section of the support 2. The purpose of this design is that after the support 2 contracts, the intercepting nets radially contract within a small section of the support 2's axial direction, which has a minimal impact on the overall axial flexibility of the support 2. In particular, although the rigidity of the two intercepting nets will increase at the contraction position after contraction, the axially spaced arrangement has little impact on the overall axial flexibility of the support 2.
[0039] In this embodiment, the two interception nets are a first interception net 401 and a second interception net 402. The arrangement of the double-layer interception nets can further improve the interception performance of emboli. The first interception net 401 is located near the proximal end of the stent 2. The mesh size of the first interception net 401 is larger than that of the second interception net 402. Due to its unique position near the proximal end of the stent 2, the first interception net 401 is the first to contact the blood and the larger emboli carried within it, using its larger mesh size to intercept these slightly larger emboli 6 first. The second interception net 402, with its smaller mesh size, is specifically responsible for capturing those relatively smaller emboli that successfully escaped the first interception net, achieving precise graded interception of emboli 6 of different sizes, significantly improving interception efficiency. Furthermore, graded interception of emboli 6 can prevent all intercepted emboli 6 from concentrating in one location, which would make it difficult for the stent 2 to retract and withdraw later.
[0040] Furthermore, the mesh size of the first intercepting net 401 is 100μm-130μm (e.g., 100μm, 110μm, 120μm, 130μm and any range between two endpoints), and the mesh size of the second intercepting net 402 is 70μm-99μm (e.g., 70μm, 80μm, 90μm, 99μm and any range between two endpoints).
[0041] Furthermore, in order to improve the ability to store the tether 6, the intercepting net is shaped like a net bag with the opening facing the near end after it is unfolded.
[0042] Furthermore, the endpoints of stent 2 are located on the axis of stent 2, which improves the stability of stent 2 within blood vessel 3. When stent 2 expands to support blood vessel 3, the endpoints being on the axis allows stent 2 to be evenly stressed in all directions, preventing tilting or displacement due to uneven stress, thus laying a solid foundation for subsequent thrombectomy and embolization protection procedures.
[0043] Furthermore, the outer side of the stent 2 is provided with an anticoagulant coating, which can effectively inhibit the aggregation and coagulation of components such as platelets in the blood on the stent surface, greatly reducing the risk of thrombosis and ensuring the smooth progress of the operation.
[0044] Furthermore, a imaging component 5 is provided at the distal end of the stent 2. In this embodiment, the imaging component 5 is an imaging ring arranged at the distal end of the stent 2. The imaging ring can be clearly visualized under medical imaging equipment. With the help of this visual "marker", doctors can observe the position of the device in the blood vessel in real time and accurately. Whether it is positioning during delivery or confirmation of position after expansion, it can ensure that every step of the operation is accurate.
[0045] Specifically during surgical procedures, such as Figure 3 As shown, the compressed stent 2 is first delivered to the set position through the delivery sheath, and then the delivery sheath is withdrawn. The stent 2 expands and supports the blood vessel 3 to achieve stable support for the blood vessel 3. Then, the thrombectomy operation is performed. During the operation, the small emboli 6 that escape from the thrombectomy position are intercepted and collected by the stent 2. After the operation is completed, the stent 2 is withdrawn from the blood vessel 3.
[0046] In summary, the embolism protection device provided by this invention is designed for delivery via a standard neurovascular delivery sheath and for self-expansion deployment within the ophthalmic and communicating segments of the internal carotid artery distal to chronic total occlusion. Once deployed, the device functions as a temporary local embolic filter. Blood continues to flow through the device, and during the intervention to recanalize the chronically occluded vessel, the interceptor can capture any particulate embolic fragments that may be released during this process, such as fragments of atherosclerotic plaques, thrombus particles, calcified deposits, etc. The relatively closed distal end acts as a barrier to prevent the collection component 4 from dislodging and to prevent emboli 6 or large numbers of microemboli 6 from entering the more distal intracranial circulation. After the vascular recanalization procedure at the CTO site is completed, the brain protection device is retrieved using standard retrieval techniques, and any captured embolic material is trapped within the device and removed from the patient's vascular system.
[0047] Example 2
[0048] The support 2 and the guide wire 1 in this embodiment are basically the same as those in embodiment 1 in terms of structure and material, but there is a difference in the number and arrangement of the intercepting nets. In this embodiment, there is one intercepting net with a mesh size of 70μm-130μm (e.g., 70μm, 80μm, 90μm, 100μm, 110μm, 120μm, 130μm and any range between two endpoints).
[0049] It is understood that the above description is merely exemplary and the embodiments of this application do not limit the scope of the application.
[0050] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be within the scope of protection of the pending claims of the present utility model.
Claims
1. An embolism protection device, characterized in that, The device includes a delivery guidewire (1), the distal end of which is provided with a stent (2) that expands into a tubular shape to radially support the blood vessel (3). The two ends of the stent (2) gradually contract radially away from the center and are fixed to the delivery guidewire (1). The stent (2) has a hollow structure, with the mesh size at the proximal end of the stent (2) being larger than that at the distal end. Inside the stent (2) is a collection component (4) for intercepting emboli (6). The collection component (4) is arranged along the cross-sectional direction of the stent (2) and is circumferentially fixedly connected to the inner wall of the stent (2).
2. The embolism protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the bracket (2) is 1cm-2cm.
3. The embolism protection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collecting component (4) is an interception net.
4. The embolism protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When unfolded, the interception net is shaped like a net bag with the opening facing the near end.
5. The embolism protection device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The interception net includes a first interception net (401) and a second interception net (402) arranged at intervals along the axial direction of the support (2), with the first interception net (401) arranged on the side near the proximal end of the support (2).
6. The embolism protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mesh size of the first interceptor (401) is larger than that of the second interceptor (402).
7. The embolism protection device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mesh size of the interception net is 70μm-130μm.
8. The embolism protection device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The mesh size of the first intercepting net (401) is 100μm-130μm, and the mesh size of the second intercepting net (402) is 70μm-99μm.
9. The embolism protection device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The support (2) is provided with an anti-condensation coating on its outer side.
10. The embolism protection device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The distal end of the support (2) is provided with a developing component (5).