Braid Ball Embolic Device Tether Ribbon and Sacrificial Hypotube
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current braid-based embolization devices for treating brain aneurysms face challenges in distal marker alignment, radiopacity, and proximal end finishing, which affect deployment and delivery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a tether ribbon with spring action and radiopaque materials, and using a sacrificial hypotube length approach for proximal end finishing, along with additional braid layers to enhance density and reduce porosity, while maintaining a minimal profile for catheter compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a suture is employed for the tether, then it can tie around the interior of the distal fold with minimal interference, but it may not provide sufficient radiopacity or spring action for marker positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The tether material is changed from suture to wire ribbon, altering its physical parameters to include radiopacity and spring action properties while maintaining the ability to tie around the distal fold
Solution Approach 2:
The wire ribbon tether combines multiple properties: radiopacity from metallic composition, spring action from elastic deformation capability, and tying functionality from flexible structure, creating a composite functional material
2Reliability
If a wire ribbon is used for the tether, then radiopacity and spring action are improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wire ribbon tether performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides radiopacity for imaging, spring action for marker positioning, and tying capability for securing the marker, eliminating the need for separate components
3Reliability
If additional braid layers are added to enhance density, then thrombus formation is improved, but the device's crossing profile increases
Solution Approach 1:
Additional braid layers are applied selectively in specific regions of the implant to enhance density where thrombus formation is most needed, rather than uniformly increasing density throughout the entire device structure
4Volume of moving object
If the hypotube is used as a sacrificial length for proximal end finishing, then the hub diameter is reduced, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The hypotube is pre-positioned within the braid structure before final assembly, serving as a temporary sacrificial component that defines the proximal end geometry and is removed after serving its purpose, simplifying the overall manufacturing sequence
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
Improves marker alignment, radiopacity, and deployment efficiency, reduces the implant's hub diameter, and enhances thrombus formation without increasing the device's crossing profile, facilitating effective occlusion of blood flow.
Implementation Method 1
spring action in the ribbon tether (whether comprising two filaments or trimmed to one after crimping, gluing, welding or otherwise affixing at least one marker) can help position the marker against/across the top of the implant when deployed
Data Source
AI summary
Embolic implants and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The implants may be used for occluding blood flow at endovascular sites. One use is in intracranial aneurysm emolization/occlusion and another in parent vessel occlusion (PVO) or sacrifice. Various features provide for improved use (e.g., regarding delivery, recapture, visualization and/or occlusion) and manufacturability.