Aneurysm Neck Occlusion Using Expandable Braid and Embolic Fill

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for intracranial aneurysms, such as platinum coil placement and flow diverters, face challenges with long-term recanalization and the need for antiplatelet therapy, which can be risky, especially after an initial rupture, highlighting the need for a more effective and immediate solution to prevent aneurysm rupture and re-rupture.

Innovation Solution

A treatment system comprising an electrolytically corrodible conduit with a detachment zone and an occlusive member that self-expands within the aneurysm, allowing for the delivery of an embolic element to deform the occlusive member and create a stable seal at the aneurysm neck, reducing the risk of rupture and re-rupture.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If platinum coil is disposed within the aneurysm to induce thrombus formation, then the aneurysm risk is reduced, but long-term recanalization occurs especially for wide-necked and large-volume aneurysms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion stabilityVSAvoidlong-term recanalization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines a flow diverter stent with an occlusive member and embolic element to create a composite treatment system. The flow diverter provides structural support and flow redirection, while the occlusive member and embolic element work together to achieve complete aneurysm occlusion, addressing the limitations of platinum coils alone in wide-necked aneurysms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The treatment system is divided into distinct functional components: the flow diverter stent for vascular support and flow redirection, the occlusive member for sealing the aneurysm neck, and the embolic element for filling the aneurysm sac. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, preventing recanalization that occurs with single-component approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If flow diverter is deployed to cause blood stagnation and thrombus formation, then aneurysm closure is achieved, but it takes weeks or months for full effect and requires antiplatelet therapy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm closure effectivenessVSAvoidtime to form thrombus and cover neck

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The occlusive member is pre-positioned at the aneurysm neck before embolic element delivery, creating an immediate barrier that redirects flow and initiates occlusion. This preliminary action eliminates the weeks-to-months delay associated with flow diverters alone, as the occlusive member provides immediate neck coverage while the embolic element rapidly fills the aneurysm sac

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device merges the flow diversion function with immediate occlusion capability by combining the flow diverter stent with the occlusive member and embolic element. This integration allows the system to achieve both flow redirection and immediate thrombus formation, eliminating the need for prolonged antiplatelet therapy required by flow diverters used alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If flow diverter is used to treat aneurysm, then aneurysm closure is achieved, but antiplatelet therapy is required which increases risk of re-rupture after initial rupture

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm closureVSAvoidrisk of re-rupture with antiplatelet therapy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system extracts the requirement for antiplatelet therapy by incorporating an occlusive member that provides immediate mechanical occlusion of the aneurysm neck. This eliminates the dependency on pharmacological antiplatelet agents, allowing safe treatment of ruptured aneurysms where antiplatelet therapy would be contraindicated due to re-rupture risk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides a rapid and effective means to prevent aneurysm rupture by creating a stable seal at the neck, potentially reducing recanalization rates and eliminating the need for antiplatelet therapy, thereby improving patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolytically corrodible conduit having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a detachment zone between the proximal portion and the distal portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrolytic corrosion: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS12251110B2Systems and methods for treating aneurysms

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 COVIDIEN LP

AI summary

Treatment of aneurysms can be improved by delivering an occlusive member (e.g., an expandable braid) to an aneurysm sac in conjunction with an embolic element (e.g., coils, embolic material). A treatment system for such treatment can include an electrolytically corrodible conduit having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a detachment zone between the proximal portion and the distal portion. An occlusive member having a proximal hub is coupled to the conduit distal portion. The conduit has a lumen configured to pass an embolic element therethrough.