Braided Vaso-Occlusive Member Pattern for Flexibility and Column Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braided embolic devices face challenges in achieving a balance between sufficient stiffness for delivery and flexibility for deployment, as reducing wire diameter or number compromises either column strength or flexibility, and standard braid patterns like 'one-over, one-under' sacrifice flexibility when expanded.
Innovation Solution
The use of alternative braid patterns such as 'two-over, one-under', 'two-over, two-under', 'three-over, one-under', and 'four-over, one-under' designs, where filaments of one set cross over and under multiple consecutive filaments of another set, providing enhanced flexibility and softness while maintaining column strength in the radially compressed configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wire diameter or number is reduced to increase flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but column strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the braid pattern parameters from standard 'one-over, one-under' to alternative patterns such as 'two-over, one-under' and 'three-over, one-under'. This parameter change in the braiding structure allows the device to achieve both flexibility and column strength without compromising wire diameter or number, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and structural strength.
2Device complexity
If standard braid pattern is used to maintain structural simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the braid pattern parameters while maintaining the overall braided structure. The alternative patterns ('two-over, one-under' and 'three-over, one-under') represent controlled parameter changes that enhance flexibility without significantly increasing device complexity, as they follow systematic braiding rules rather than introducing completely new structural concepts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If braid pattern is modified to enhance flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternative braid patterns are achieved by changing the crossing parameters in the braiding process (e.g., crossing two wires over one instead of one over one). These parameter changes can be implemented using standard braiding machinery with adjusted settings, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired flexibility enhancement.
Data Source
AI summary
A braided vaso-occlusive member formed out of first plurality of filaments interwoven with a second plurality of filaments, wherein filaments of the first plurality are helically wound in a first rotational direction along an elongate axis of the braided member, and filaments of the second plurality are wound in a second rotational direction opposite the first rotational direction, such that filaments of the first plurality cross over and/or under filaments of the second plurality at each of a plurality cross-over locations axially spaced along the elongate axis of the braided member, wherein at each cross-over location, the filaments of the first plurality cross over at least two consecutive filaments of the second plurality, then cross under only a single filament of the second plurality, and then cross over at least two additional consecutive filaments of the second plurality.