Aneurysm Sac 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 aneurysm rupture, highlighting the need for a more effective and immediate solution.

Innovation Solution

A treatment system comprising an occlusive member with a hub and an elongate tubular member, which includes a conduit for delivering an embolic element, allows for the positioning of an expandable occlusive member within the aneurysm and the introduction of an embolic element to deform the occlusive member, forming a stable seal at the aneurysm neck, reducing the risk of rupture and promoting endothelial growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If platinum coil is disposed within the aneurysm to induce thrombus formation, then the aneurysm should be occluded, but long-term recanalization occurs especially in aneurysms with wide necks and large interior volumes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion stabilityVSAvoidlong-term recanalization risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The device combines an expandable occlusive member (mesh or braid structure) with an embolic element (liquid embolic or gel-forming substance) to create a composite occlusion system. The occlusive member provides structural support and neck coverage, while the embolic element fills the aneurysm sac and promotes thrombosis, creating a more reliable and permanent occlusion compared to coils alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The occlusive member transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state within the aneurysm. This dynamic expansion allows the device to adapt to the aneurysm geometry, provide immediate occlusion, and maintain stable positioning at the neck, preventing recanalization that occurs with static coil structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If flow diverter is deployed to cause blood stagnation and thrombus formation, then the aneurysm should be occluded, but it takes weeks or months to form thrombus and cover the neck with endothelial cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaneurysm occlusion effectivenessVSAvoidtime to thrombus formation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary occlusion action by immediately blocking blood flow into the aneurysm sac through the expanded occlusive member at the neck. This immediate flow cessation triggers rapid thrombus formation within the aneurysm, eliminating the weeks-to-months delay associated with flow diverters that rely on gradual blood stagnation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the gradual hemodynamic mechanism of flow diverters with a direct mechanical occlusion system. The expandable occlusive member physically blocks the neck opening, providing immediate mechanical closure rather than relying on slow blood flow alteration and subsequent thrombus development.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If flow diverter is used to treat aneurysm, then antiplatelet therapy is required to prevent thrombus in the main channel, but antiplatelet therapy is contraindicated after initial aneurysm rupture due to high re-rupture risk

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethrombus prevention in main channelVSAvoidre-rupture risk after antiplatelet therapy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts the need for antiplatelet therapy by providing a mechanical occlusion solution that does not rely on altering blood coagulation properties. The expandable occlusive member and embolic element create physical blockage of the aneurysm, eliminating dependence on pharmacological thrombosis prevention that would be dangerous after rupture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-contained occlusion functionality through the expandable occlusive member and embolic element combination, which creates thrombus within the aneurysm through mechanical means rather than requiring external antiplatelet medication. The device structure itself enables the therapeutic effect without additional pharmacological intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11498165B2Systems and methods for treating aneurysms

Publication Date: 2022.11.15 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 delivery system for such treatment can include an occlusive member configured to be positioned within an aneurysm sac and having a proximal hub. An elongate tubular member has an engagement member removably coupled to the proximal hub, for example via threaded engagement or an interference fit via one or more engagement members. A conduit extending within or adjacent to the elongated member is configured to receive an embolic element therethrough for delivery to the aneurysm sac.