Biodegradable Intravascular Filter with Segmented Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular filters either remain permanently in patients or require invasive procedures for removal, posing risks and inefficiencies in managing pulmonary embolism protection.
Innovation Solution
Design of an intravascular filter with a biodegradable main filter portion comprising at least two sections that degrade at different rates, allowing for controlled absorption and reduced risk of complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a permanent intravascular filter is used, then protection from pulmonary embolism is maintained indefinitely, but the patient requires invasive surgical procedures for removal and faces associated risks
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple sections with different biodegradation rates. The first section degrades faster than the second section, allowing the filter to maintain structural integrity and protective function over time while automatically reducing its presence in the body. This segmentation enables the filter to transition from a permanent device to a temporarily functional device that self-dissolves, eliminating the need for invasive removal procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter utilizes changes in material composition and degradation parameters over time. By incorporating sections with different biodegradation rates, the filter's physical and chemical properties change progressively, allowing it to provide sustained protection initially and then gradually dissolve. This parameter change approach transforms the filter from a static permanent structure to a dynamic system that evolves and self-removes from the body.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a biodegradable filter with single degradation rate is used, then the filter is absorbed by the body over time, but the degradation rate cannot be optimized for different functional requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The filter comprises multiple sections with different biodegradation rates, allowing different parts of the filter to degrade at different speeds. This enables optimization of the degradation profile to match specific clinical requirements, such as maintaining filter function during the critical period when embolic risk is highest while ensuring eventual absorption. The segmented approach provides versatility in controlling the temporal pattern of filter dissolution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the filter possess different local properties, specifically different biodegradation rates. The first section is designed to degrade faster than the second section, creating a gradient of degradation speeds across the filter structure. This local quality differentiation allows the filter to maintain structural integrity in critical areas while allowing non-critical areas to dissolve, providing adaptable degradation control tailored to functional requirements.
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 filter provides effective protection against pulmonary embolism for a predetermined period before being absorbed by the body, reducing the need for invasive removal procedures and minimizing risks associated with permanent filters.
Implementation Method 1
the main filter portion will be broken down over time and be absorbed by or passed out of the body
Data Source
AI summary
An intravascular filter (10) has a main filter portion (12) and an anchor portion (14). The main filter portion is made up of a number of struts (16), which form a first and a second biodegradable filter sections (26,28). The first and the second biodegradable filter sections biodegrade at different rates. The anchor portion secures the filter within a blood vessel and also has a collar (32). The first and the second biodegradable portions may have a different thickness and may be comprised of different materials. The collar may be formed from a resiliently deformable material.