Aneurysm Occluder with Expandable Absorber for Sac Filling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aneurysm occluders face challenges such as incomplete treatment, risk of recurrence, and blood leakage due to inadequate sealing and clotting, with existing solutions like liquid embolic agents and endovascular coiling being inefficient or having limitations in filling the aneurysm sac effectively.
Innovation Solution
An aneurysm occluder comprising a deformable housing with an expandable absorber made of absorbent material, such as polyvinyl alcohol or gelatin sponge, that promotes blood clotting, along with a pressure sensor and drug delivery capabilities, to create a barrier for blood flow and enhance thrombosis within the aneurysm sac.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid embolic agent is injected into the endoleak sac, then thrombosis is induced, but the biocompatible polymer dissolves over time and is absorbed into the bloodstream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the embolic material from a dissolvable liquid polymer to an absorbent solid material (such as gelatin sponge or cellulose-based materials) that maintains structural integrity while promoting thrombosis. This material absorbs blood and expands within the aneurysm sac, providing durable occlusion without dissolving into the bloodstream.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite structures combining absorbent materials with thrombogenic properties. The absorbent material serves dual functions: providing structural support to maintain occlusion and actively promoting blood clotting through blood absorption and expansion, creating a stable long-term seal.
2Reliability
If endovascular coiling is performed, then thrombosis is induced in the aneurysm, but the aneurysm is often incompletely treated and carries a risk of recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent material provides dynamic adaptation to the aneurysm sac geometry. Unlike rigid coils that must be precisely positioned, the absorbent material can be compressed through the catheter for delivery and then expands dynamically within the sac to conform to its irregular shape, ensuring complete filling regardless of the sac's specific geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent material has porous structure that allows it to absorb blood and expand while maintaining interconnection with the surrounding tissue. This porous structure enables the material to adapt to the aneurysm cavity shape and provides surface area for thrombosis induction throughout the entire sac volume.
3Reliability
If coils are packed into the aneurysm sac, then blood circulation is restricted, but the coils are smaller in size to the aneurysm sac and may not fill the aneurysm sac completely
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbent material undergoes a dynamic volume change during deployment. It is delivered in a compressed state through the catheter and then expands in situ within the aneurysm sac, automatically adapting its volume to fill the entire cavity. This eliminates the need to pre-calculate or pre-position material to match the sac volume.
4Reliability
If a deformable housing with expandable absorber is used, then the aneurysm sac is effectively filled and thrombosis is induced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into functional components: a deformable housing for delivery and positioning, and an expandable absorber material for occlusion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the housing provides structural support and delivery capability while the absorber provides the therapeutic function, simplifying the overall design compared to integrated complex structures.
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 occluder effectively fills the aneurysm sac, reduces blood flow, and induces thrombosis by expanding to augment clotting, providing a durable and efficient solution to prevent rupture, with the ability to release medications for further aneurysm management.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber or material that causes blood clotting made of an absorbent material in and/or attached to the housing
Implementation Method 2
material that causes blood clotting made of an absorbent material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This invention relates to an aneurysm occluder, and more particularly but not exclusively, to an endovascular aneurysm occluder that can be inserted into an aneurysm cavity by using endovascular surgical procedures. The aneurysm occluder has a deformable housing (2) and an absorber (8) or material that causes blood clotting made of an absorbent material in an / or attached to the housing.