Biodegradable Vascular Filter with Segmented Degradation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vascular filters require a separate medical procedure for removal, posing risks, and biodegradable technologies have not been effectively extended to vascular filters due to challenges in controlling degradation profiles.

Innovation Solution

A method of manufacturing a vascular filter with a tubular member having distinct biodegradable portions, where the filtration portion degrades faster than the support portion, allowing for a reliable biodegradation without the need for joining processes or additives, using co-extruded polymers with different mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a vascular filter is made biodegradable to avoid removal surgery, then the need for surgical removal is eliminated, but the control over degradation timing and structural integrity is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelimination of removal surgeryVSAvoidcontrol over degradation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter is divided into multiple segments with different biodegradation rates. The first portion (filtering elements) degrades faster than the second portion (support structure), allowing the filtering function to be temporary while the support structure maintains structural integrity for a longer period. This segmentation enables controlled degradation profiles for different functional requirements within the same device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the filter are made from materials with different biodegradation rates. The first portion uses material with a faster degradation rate suitable for temporary filtering, while the second portion uses material with a slower degradation rate to provide sustained structural support. This local differentiation of material properties allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If a vascular filter uses uniform biodegradable material throughout, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to provide different degradation profiles for filtering and support portions is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddifferent degradation profiles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter structure is segmented into at least two distinct portions: a first portion containing filtering elements and a second portion providing structural support. Each portion is made from material with a different biodegradation rate, enabling the device to provide both temporary filtering and sustained support functions within a single manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filter employs composite construction using at least two different biodegradable materials with different degradation rates. The first portion is made from material degrading at a first rate, while the second portion is made from material degrading at a second rate. This composite approach allows the device to achieve multiple functional requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Strength

If a vascular filter requires joining processes or additives to assemble portions, then structural integrity can be maintained, but the complexity of manufacturing and potential for failure points increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter portions are integrated into a single cohesive structure where the first portion (filtering elements) and second portion (support structure) are formed as one continuous component. This merging eliminates the need for separate joining processes, connectors, or adhesives, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and eliminating potential failure points at junctions while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables a biodegradable vascular filter that can be implanted temporarily, reducing the risk of pulmonary embolism and eliminating the need for surgical removal, with controlled degradation ensuring the filter's structural integrity and safety.

Implementation Method 1

the material for the first portion has a faster biodegradability rate than the material for the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBiodegradation: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP3158973B1Method of manufacture of a biodegradable vascular filter

Publication Date: 2018.12.26 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

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AI summary

A vascular filter (20) includes filtration struts (26) formed between a hub (24) and a supporting stent structure including stent struts (22). The hub (24) and the filtration basket are formed from a material that is more biodegradable that the material from which the supporting stent structure is formed. The vascular filter (20) is laser cut from an intermediate tube (10).