Aortic Arch Filter Pouch for Emboli Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

During medical procedures like TAVR/TAVI, the introduction of catheters and devices can dislodge particles from vessel walls, leading to uncontrolled emboli that cause adverse effects such as stroke by blocking or occluding vessels, due to the inability to effectively filter and manage fluid flow in the aortic arch.

Innovation Solution

A catheter-based apparatus with a filter component featuring a frame and sheet-type filter material is deployed to conform to the aortic arch sidewall, coupled with a pouch-type filter to capture emboli, while also mitigating turbulence and eddy currents through the use of mesh and frame structures with struts and fins to ensure laminar flow and secure sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If catheters and devices are introduced into the aortic arch during TAVR/TAVI procedures, then access to heart valves is achieved, but particles are dislodged from vessel walls causing uncontrolled emboli that block vessels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to heart valvesVSAvoidemboli blocking vessels

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A filter device is introduced as an intermediary between the catheters/devices and the bloodstream. The filter captures dislodged particles and emboli, preventing them from traveling downstream and blocking vessels. The filter acts as a mediator that allows necessary catheter manipulation while intercepting harmful particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter transforms the harmful effect of particle dislodgement into a beneficial outcome by capturing these particles. Instead of allowing emboli to cause strokes or vessel blockages, the filter collects them for safe removal, converting a potentially harmful procedure into a safer one.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Adaptability or versatility

If native tissue is compressed into the aorta wall to make room for replacement devices, then valve replacement is enabled, but arterial plaque and thrombus are dislodged causing adverse effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve replacement capabilityVSAvoiddislodged plaque and thrombus

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter serves as an intermediary protective barrier during tissue compression and device implantation. As native tissue is compressed and replacement valves are positioned, the filter intercepts any plaque or thrombus that may be dislodged, preventing these harmful materials from entering the bloodstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter is deployed before the tissue compression and valve replacement procedure begins. This preliminary placement ensures that any particles dislodged during the subsequent manipulations are immediately captured, rather than allowing them to travel downstream after being released.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If additional catheters are passed through the aortic arch, then procedural flexibility is improved, but turbulence and eddy currents are created affecting flow control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedural flexibilityVSAvoidblood flow stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The filter structure acts as a flow-stabilizing intermediary in the aortic arch. Its presence and design mitigate turbulence and eddy currents generated by multiple catheters, providing a more stable flow environment while still allowing procedural flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 apparatus effectively filters emboli and maintains laminar flow, reducing the risk of emboli-related complications during procedures by capturing particles and stabilizing blood flow, allowing for safe passage of additional catheters and ensuring efficient blood flow during heart valve procedures.

Implementation Method 1

a pouch-type filter material is coupled to the frame and/or shaft... configured to extend into tubular structure for filtering material flowing within the tubular structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Implementation Method 2

A sheet-type filter material is coupled to the frame for expansion and coverage of one or more openings in a sidewall of a tubular structure... for filtering material flowing into or out of the one or more openings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMesh filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240358489A1Apparatuses and methods with filter pouch

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 TRANSVERSE MEDICAL INC

AI summary

As may be implemented in accordance with one or more embodiments characterized herein, aspects of the present disclosure are directed to an apparatus including first and second filters, a shaft and a frame coupled to the shaft and to the first filter. The frame and shaft operate to seal a perimeter of the first filter around an opening in a sidewall of a tubular structure, by pressing the frame against the perimeter and the sidewall. The second filter is also coupled to the frame and operates with the frame to extend into a cross section of the tubular structure away from the frame and the sidewall, with the frame sealing the first filter around the opening, and to filter particles from fluid flowing past the opening and along the length of the sidewall.