Asymmetrical Vena Cava Filter Catheter for Pulmonary Embolism Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vena cava filters for preventing pulmonary embolism either require long-term anticoagulation, which poses risks, or are not suitable for certain conditions like pregnancy or upper extremity DVT, and there is a need for a device that can be safely placed and retrieved without the complications of permanent filters.

Innovation Solution

A rapid exchange vena cava filter catheter with an asymmetrical filter design, featuring larger interstitial openings proximally to capture embolic material and smaller openings distally, integrated with a central access catheter for administration and thrombus capture, along with a guide wire port and contrast port for visualization and fluid management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a permanent IVC filter is placed to prevent pulmonary embolism, then protection against PE is improved, but the risk of long-term complications and recurrent DVT increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against pulmonary embolismVSAvoidlong-term complications and recurrent DVT

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system transitions from a static permanent filter to a dynamic temporary filter that can be retrieved after serving its protective function, eliminating long-term complications while maintaining PE protection during the critical period

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filter is designed to be temporarily implanted and then retrieved after preventing pulmonary embolism, discarding the harmful permanent presence while recovering the protective function when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If anticoagulant therapy is used to treat venous thromboembolism, then effectiveness in preventing PE is improved (94% effective), but risks and contraindications arise in certain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness in preventing PEVSAvoidrisks and contraindications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The IVC filter serves as a mechanical intermediary device that provides PE protection without requiring pharmacological anticoagulation, bypassing the need for drug therapy in patients with contraindications

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The filter replaces pharmacological anticoagulation with a mechanical barrier system, substituting chemical therapy with a physical device that traps emboli mechanically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If standard symmetrical filter design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but capture efficiency of embolic material may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidembolic material capture efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter employs an asymmetrical design with differently sized interstices oriented to match the direction of blood flow and embolic material trajectory, improving capture efficiency while maintaining manufacturability through deliberate asymmetric geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Object-affected harmful factors

If a retrievable filter is used instead of permanent filter, then long-term complications are reduced, but the time limit for retrieval is constrained by endothelialization rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term complicationsVSAvoidretrieval time window

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The filter system provides dynamic control over the retrieval timeline, allowing clinicians to optimize the balance between preventing complications from prolonged presence and avoiding difficulties from endothelialization, with retrieval possible within a flexible time window

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10154893B2Rapid exchange vena cava filter catheter and method of use

Publication Date: 2018.12.18 BIO2MEDICAL

AI summary

A rapid exchange catheter having a vena cava filter and a method for percutaneous delivery of the rapid exchange vena cava filter for use in indicated medical situations in which prophylactic or therapeutic protection against pulmonary embolism are indicated.