Barbed Fiber Embolization Coil Anchoring and Mesh Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing occlusion devices, such as embolization coils, often fail to effectively occlude blood vessels due to the presence of a lumen through which blood can still flow, and may migrate from the target site, reducing the efficacy of treatment for conditions like arteriovenous malformations and tumors.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a coil with elongate shape and barbed fibers that anchor to the blood vessel wall, forming a mesh to prevent blood flow and limit coil migration, using barbs to secure the fibers in place and prevent removal, enhancing occlusion efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coil is used to occlude a blood vessel, then the coil can be deployed to block the vessel, but a lumen remains through which blood can still flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies porous materials by incorporating fibers with spaces between them that allow tissue ingrowth. The fibers create a porous structure that initially permits blood flow but eventually fills with tissue to achieve complete occlusion. This resolves the contradiction by transforming the harmful lumen into a beneficial tissue-ingrowth pathway that ultimately seals the vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining coils with fibers to create a hybrid occlusion device. The coil provides structural support and initial blocking, while the fibers fill gaps and create additional occlusion surfaces. This composite structure eliminates the lumen problem by using complementary materials that together achieve complete vessel occlusion.
2Reliability
If a coil is deployed in a blood vessel, then it can occlude the vessel, but the coil may migrate from the target site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping fibers with barbs that are designed to engage with the vessel wall immediately upon deployment. The barbed fibers are pre-configured to anchor into the vessel wall, preventing coil migration before occlusion is complete. This preliminary anchoring action ensures positional stability throughout the occlusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses local quality by placing barbs at specific locations on the fibers that contact the vessel wall. The barbs are strategically positioned at the distal end of fibers to maximize anchoring effectiveness at the critical interface between the device and vessel wall, while leaving other portions of the fibers flexible for occlusion purposes.
3Reliability
If fibers are added to the coil to improve occlusion, then occlusion efficacy increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating fibers directly onto the coil structure through techniques like coating, weaving, or attaching. This combination creates a unified device where fibers and coils work together as a single occlusion system, improving efficacy without requiring separate implantation steps or complex assembly procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses universality by designing the fiber-coil composite to perform multiple functions simultaneously: the coil provides structural support and initial blocking, while the fibers provide additional occlusion surfaces and enable tissue ingrowth. This multi-functional design achieves superior occlusion without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for occluding a blood vessel includes an embolization coil having barbed fibers coupled thereto. The coil can be delivered in a straight configuration and then transition into a larger coiled structure. The barbed fibers can overlap within a lumen defined by the larger coiled structure and attached to each other to define a mesh. The barbs of the barbed fiber can limit the fibers from being pulled out of the coil, as well as provide anchoring of the coil to the blood vessel in which the coil is deployed. The barbed fibers can also be used to anchor two coils to each other.