Self-Expanding Aneurysm Occluder for Immediate Neck Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for intracranial aneurysms, such as using platinum coils 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 device comprising a conduit with a distal portion and a lumen, a coupler, and a securing member, where the occlusive member self-expands within the aneurysm to form a stable seal at the neck, using an embolic element to deform the occlusive member and provide structural support, divert blood flow, and facilitate tissue remodeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platinum coils are used to treat intracranial aneurysms, then the aneurysm interior volume is filled and thrombus formation is induced, but long-term recanalization occurs especially in aneurysms with wide necks and large interior volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the aneurysm-filling function of coils with the neck-sealing function of flow diverters into a single integrated device. The expandable cage structure provides both internal volume occupation and neck region reinforcement, preventing recanalization by simultaneously addressing both anatomical challenges in one deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses composite construction with different materials optimized for specific functions: the cage structure provides mechanical support and neck sealing, while the internal embolic elements provide volume filling. This composite approach allows each component to be optimized for its specific role, improving overall durability and preventing recanalization.
2Reliability
If flow diverters are deployed to cause blood to preferentially flow along the main channel, then aneurysm thrombus formation is promoted, but it takes weeks or months for full effect and antiplatelet therapy is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary neck sealing and blood flow diversion immediately upon deployment, creating instant mechanical occlusion at the neck region. This preliminary action prevents blood from entering the aneurysm sac from the beginning, eliminating the weeks or months delay associated with waiting for thrombus formation to occur naturally as with flow diverters alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The device segments the occlusion function into two distinct components: the cage structure handles neck sealing and flow diversion immediately, while internal embolic elements handle volume filling. This segmentation allows the critical neck sealing function to be achieved immediately without waiting for thrombus formation, reducing the time to effective occlusion.
3Reliability
If flow diverters are used to divert blood flow, then thrombus formation in the aneurysm is promoted, but antiplatelet therapy is required which increases risk of re-rupture after initial rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the antiplatelet therapy requirement by using a mechanical occlusion approach rather than relying on pharmacological thrombus formation. The cage structure provides immediate physical sealing at the neck, eliminating the need for antiplatelet therapy that would be required with flow diverters, thereby removing the re-rupture risk associated with antiplatelet medication in ruptured aneurysms.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses temporary, absorbable embolic materials within the cage structure that serve their purpose of volume filling and then gradually degrade. This approach provides immediate mechanical occlusion without requiring long-term antiplatelet therapy, as the occlusion is achieved through the permanent cage structure rather than pharmacologically-induced thrombus.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of aneurysm rupture and re-rupture by forming a complete seal at the neck, promoting thrombus formation and endothelial growth, potentially lowering recanalization rates and providing faster occlusion compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the occlusive member self-expands within the aneurysm to form a stable seal at the neck
Implementation Method 2
using an embolic element to deform the occlusive member and provide structural support
Data Source
AI summary
Treatment of aneurysms can be improved by use of a treatment system including a conduit have a distal portion, a coupler slidably coupled to the distal portion, an occlusive member coupled to the coupler, and a securing member coupled to the conduit proximal to the coupler. The securing member can include a distal end portion that is removably coupled to the coupler. In some embodiments, the securing member can have a shape and/or be treated such that the securing member self-expands to decouple itself from the coupler during deployment of the occlusive member. In some embodiments, movement of the conduit relative to the coupler causes the securing member to decouple from the coupler.