Bio-resorbable Retainer for Embolus Filter Radial Force Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood clot filters continue to apply lateral force against the vessel walls after anchoring, leading to potential damage due to the persistent pressure from anchor members against the endothelium and vessel walls.
Innovation Solution
The use of bio-resorbable retainers and structures that change the configuration of locator and anchor members after implantation, reducing the radial pressure applied to the vessel walls by transitioning from a first configuration that centers and anchors the filter to a second configuration with reduced force, allowing the endothelium to grow and maintain the filter without long-term vessel damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchor members continuously apply lateral force against vessel walls after anchoring, then the filter remains securely anchored in place, but the vessel wall suffers potential damage from persistent pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor members transition from a first configuration with high radial force to a second configuration with reduced radial force after the filter is centered and anchored. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the filter to maintain secure anchoring while reducing continuous pressure on the vessel wall, thereby preventing vessel damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchor members change their physical state or configuration parameters over time. Initially, they are in a first configuration that provides strong anchoring force, then they transition to a second configuration that maintains anchoring while reducing the radial force parameter to safe levels that prevent vessel wall damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If locator members apply pressure against vessel walls to center the filter, then the filter is properly positioned along the centerline, but continuous pressure may cause vessel damage
Solution Approach 1:
The locator members dynamically adjust their configuration from an initial state that applies centering pressure to a final state that maintains positioning with minimal pressure. This dynamic behavior ensures accurate filter placement while eliminating continuous damaging pressure on the vessel wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The locator members apply centering pressure as a preliminary action to position the filter correctly along the vessel centerline. Once positioning is achieved, the members transition to a reduced-force configuration, having completed their preliminary centering function without causing long-term vessel damage.
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
This solution effectively reduces the risk of vessel damage by minimizing the long-term radial force applied to the blood vessel walls, ensuring the filter remains securely anchored while protecting the vessel from injury.
Implementation Method 1
A bio-resorbable retainer retains locator members in a first configuration after installation in a blood vessel until the retainer is resorbed. After the retainer is resorbed, the locator members change shape to a second configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A removable blood clot filter includes a number of locator members and anchor members, and a bio-resorbable structure that causes locator members and/or anchor members to deploy to an initial configuration which changes when the bio-resorbable structure is resorbed. The bio-resorbable structure causes the filter locator members and/or anchor members to press against the vessel wall sufficient to locate and anchor the filter upo delivery. After the bio-resorbable structure is resorbed, the locator members and/or anchor members change shape to apply less pressure against the vessel wall. The bio-resorbable structure may be activated by exposure to radiation so that actuation of the locator members and/or anchor members can be enabled or initiated by a clinician.