Bifurcated Flow Diverter Stent System for Aneurysm Treatment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in effectively treating wide-necked bifurcation brain aneurysms, particularly in delicate regions like the brain, as existing flow diversion techniques are limited to side wall aneurysms.

Innovation Solution

A flow-diverting system comprising two stents with sidewall openings, where the second stent's distal end passes through the first stent's sidewall opening, allowing for fluid flow and forming a 'Y' or 'T' shape, along with a method for deploying these stents at a blood vessel bifurcation using guide wires and protective sheaths, enabling effective diversion of blood flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional flow diversion techniques are used, then side wall aneurysms can be treated effectively, but wide-necked bifurcation brain aneurysms cannot be treated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability to different aneurysm typesVSAvoidtreatment effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow diverter is divided into two separate stents: a first stent for the main vessel and a second stent for the branch vessel. Each stent can be independently deployed and positioned, allowing the system to adapt to the complex geometry of bifurcation aneurysms while maintaining effective flow diversion in both vessel segments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second stent is positioned such that its proximal end is nested within the first stent, with the distal end extending through the first stent's sidewall opening. This nested configuration allows both stents to work together as an integrated system, providing coverage for the bifurcation region and the aneurysm neck simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Shape

If a single stent is used for flow diversion, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot conform to bifurcation vessel geometry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformity to vessel shapeVSAvoidnumber of stent components

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a single linear stent to a bifurcated configuration where the second stent extends in a different spatial direction from the first stent. This dimensional change allows the device to match the three-dimensional geometry of bifurcation vessels, with each stent conforming to its respective vessel segment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If stents with sidewall openings are used, then flow diversion is achieved, but the stents require precise positioning through complex delivery systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow diversion effectivenessVSAvoiddeployment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Both stents are pre-positioned within their respective delivery catheters with the sidewall openings aligned before entering the body. The delivery system is configured in advance to allow simultaneous or sequential deployment at the target bifurcation site, reducing the complexity of real-time positioning during the procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Delivery catheters serve as intermediary devices that facilitate the precise positioning and deployment of both stents. The catheters provide a controlled environment for stent release, allowing the operator to deploy the complex bifurcated structure through a simplified, catheter-based approach rather than direct manipulation

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 system provides a solution for treating wide-necked bifurcation brain aneurysms by effectively diverting blood flow, allowing for the treatment of previously challenging aneurysm types, particularly in the brain, by conforming to vessel shapes and using self-expanding materials for secure placement.

Implementation Method 1

One or both of the first stent and the second stent can be self-expanding stents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSelf-expanding: Elastic Recovery

Data Source

PatentUS11197770B2Bifurcated flow diverter systems

Publication Date: 2021.12.14 BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE

AI summary

One aspect of the invention provides a flow-diverting system including: a first stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a first sidewall opening; and a second stent having a proximal end, a distal end and a second sidewall opening. The first sidewall opening is of sufficient size for the distal end of the second stent to pass from inside the first stent through the first sidewall opening. The second sidewall opening is of sufficient size for fluid flow from inside the second stent through the second sidewall opening into the first stent.