Aneurysm Neck Occlusion Element for Faster Endovascular Closure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing treatments for aneurysms, such as open surgery and endovascular procedures, are invasive, time-consuming, and can lead to complications like brain swelling, thrombosis, and stroke, while endovascular devices require additional medications and may fail to completely occlude the aneurysm, necessitating further interventions.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with an occlusion element that expands to cover the neck of the aneurysm, using biocompatible materials and anchoring members to secure the occlusion element within the aneurysm, minimizing disruption to surrounding tissues and promoting endothelialization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coils are used to fill the aneurysm volume, then the aneurysm is occluded, but the procedure becomes time-consuming and may cause brain swelling
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of occluding the aneurysm neck rather than filling the entire volume with coils. The device uses a balloon to temporarily hold the neck closed during deployment, then relies on the self-expanding nature of the occlusion element to maintain closure without requiring extensive coil placement time.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is used as a preliminary tool to establish the occlusion geometry and secure the neck closure before the permanent occlusion element is fully deployed. This preliminary action with the balloon allows the occlusion element to be positioned and secured more efficiently without requiring time-consuming coil packing.
2Reliability
If a tight weave stent device is used, then blood flow is effectively diverted, but access to the aneurysm volume is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static tight-weave stent to a dynamic system where the occlusion element can expand and contract. The balloon mechanism allows the occlusion element to be compressed for delivery, then expanded to create the necessary blood flow diversion, providing both effective occlusion and maintainable access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the occlusion function from the access function. The occlusion element provides the necessary blood flow diversion when deployed, while the balloon mechanism and wire system maintain access to the aneurysm volume for potential interventions, eliminating the need for a permanently tight-weave structure.
3Reliability
If open surgery is performed to close the aneurysm neck, then the aneurysm is treated, but trauma to adjacent tissue occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical open surgery approach with an endovascular system. Instead of making an open incision and using surgical clamps or ligatures to close the aneurysm neck, the device uses a catheter-based balloon and occlusion element to achieve the same closure function through minimally invasive means, eliminating tissue trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon acts as an intermediary tool that enables the occlusion element to be deployed and secured without direct surgical intervention. The balloon temporarily occupies the aneurysm space and provides the mechanical force needed to secure the occlusion element, mediating between the delivery system and the aneurysm structure while avoiding tissue trauma.
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 effectively reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture by blocking blood flow, minimizes procedural time, and reduces the need for additional interventions by providing a stable, low-profile occlusion that adapts to the aneurysm's shape, promoting healing.
Implementation Method 1
The coils are intended to fill the volume of the aneurysm to decrease the flow of blood into the aneurysm, inducing stagnation of flow and stimulate clotting within the aneurysm
Implementation Method 2
inducing stagnation of flow and stimulate clotting within the aneurysm
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for treating an aneurysm in a blood vessel includes a wire to be advanced within a tube and an occlusion element disposed on the wire. The occlusion element includes a cover and an inner anchoring member. The occlusion element is configured to fit within the tube and slide out of an opening at distal end of the tube in response to movement of the wire. The cover is configured to expand to an expanded configuration when advanced into the aneurysm, wherein the cover comprises a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a neck portion of the aneurysm and is configured such that a first portion of the cover contacts an interior surface of the aneurysm and a second portion covers the neck portion of the aneurysm. The inner anchoring member extends from the cover portion and is configured to contact the interior surface of the aneurysm.