Expandable Aneurysm Occlusion Member for Stable Neck Sealing
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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 in cases with wide necks or large volumes, necessitating a more effective and immediate solution.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an expandable occlusive member positioned within the aneurysm, where an embolic element is introduced to deform the occlusive member from a first expanded state to a second, reducing the internal volume and forming a stable seal at the aneurysm neck, providing structural support and diverting blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platinum coil is disposed within the aneurysm to induce thrombus formation, then the aneurysm is treated, but long-term recanalization occurs especially for wide-necked or large-volume aneurysms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying an expandable occlusive member (stent or scaffold) within the aneurysm before thrombus formation occurs. This pre-deployed structure provides immediate mechanical occlusion and structural support to the aneurysm wall, preventing recanalization while thrombus forms. The occlusive member is positioned in advance to create a framework that guides and accelerates the thrombosis process, ensuring stable occlusion from the outset rather than relying solely on slow natural thrombus formation.
2Reliability
If flow diverter is deployed to cause blood stagnation and thrombus formation, then the aneurysm is treated, but it takes weeks or months for full effect and requires antiplatelet therapy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by immediately occluding the aneurysm with an expandable occlusive member upon deployment, rather than relying on delayed thrombus formation as with flow diverters. The occlusive member provides instant mechanical barrier to blood flow into the aneurysm sac, achieving occlusion effect immediately upon expansion. This eliminates the weeks-to-months delay inherent in flow diverter therapy while avoiding the need for prolonged antiplatelet therapy, as the mechanical occlusion is achieved through the deployed scaffold rather than relying on thrombus formation alone.
3Ease of operation
If antiplatelet therapy is administered to prevent thrombus in the main channel, then flow diverter function is maintained, but risk of re-rupture increases especially after initial rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the dependency on antiplatelet therapy from the treatment protocol. Instead of using flow diverters that require antiplatelet medications to prevent thrombus formation in the parent vessel, the patent employs an expandable occlusive member that provides mechanical occlusion through its deployed structure. This extracts the harmful element (antiplatelet therapy requirement) from the treatment system, allowing effective aneurysm occlusion without exposing patients to the re-rupture risk associated with antiplatelet medications, particularly in the acute phase after aneurysm rupture.
4Area of stationary object
If occlusive member is expanded to enclose large interior volume, then aneurysm coverage is improved, but device complexity and delivery difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by designing the occlusive member in a compressed, nested configuration for delivery that expands to a larger coverage structure upon deployment. The occlusive member is delivered in a low-profile, compressed state within the catheter system, then expanded in situ within the aneurysm to achieve full aneurysm coverage. This nesting approach allows the device to traverse the vasculature in a compact form while providing extensive aneurysm coverage when expanded, effectively resolving the contradiction between delivery feasibility and coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by designing the occlusive member with transformable geometry that changes from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded treatment configuration. The device transitions dynamically between states: compressed for navigation through the vascular system, then expanded to provide full aneurysm coverage. This dynamic transformation allows the same structure to satisfy both the constraints of delivery (small profile) and the requirements of treatment (large coverage area), resolving the contradiction between device complexity and aneurysm coverage.
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
This approach reduces recanalization rates and facilitates faster aneurysm occlusion with a lower risk of rupture, while the embolic element's bioabsorption and diminishing radiopacity minimize long-term mass effects and imaging interference.
Implementation Method 1
releasing an occlusive member from the elongated shaft while the distal end of the elongated shaft is positioned within the aneurysm cavity such that the occlusive member self-expands to assume a first expanded state
Implementation Method 2
delivering an embolic element between the occlusive member and the aneurysm wall to transform the occlusive member into a second expanded state in which the occlusive member defines a second interior volume less than the first interior volume
Implementation Method 3
delivering an embolic element between the occlusive member and the aneurysm wall to transform the occlusive member into a second expanded state in which the occlusive member forms a second shape in the second expanded state that is different than the first shape in the first expanded state
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for treating an aneurysm in accordance with embodiments of the present technology include intravascularly delivering an occlusive member to an aneurysm cavity and deforming a shape of the occlusive member via introduction of an embolic element to a space between the occlusive member and an inner surface of the aneurysm wall.