Braided Vaso-Occlusive Member Weave for Flexibility and Column Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing braided embolic devices face challenges in achieving a balance between sufficient column strength for delivery through a delivery system and flexibility for deployment in a vascular site without damaging the vessel, often sacrificing flexibility or stiffness when attempting to reduce wire diameter or increase wire density.
Innovation Solution
The development of braided embolic devices with novel braid patterns, such as 'two-over, one-under', 'two-over, two-under', and 'three-over, one-under', which provide enhanced flexibility and softness by altering the weave patterns of the elongate members, allowing for optimal balance between longitudinal and radial stiffness during delivery and flexibility after deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wire diameter is reduced to increase flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but column strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the braid pattern parameters (weave structure, interlacing sequence) rather than wire diameter to achieve flexibility. The novel braid patterns allow the device to be flexible during delivery while maintaining column strength through the optimized weave configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite construction with multiple elongate members woven in specific patterns, combining different material properties to achieve both flexibility and strength. The braided structure itself acts as a composite system where the interlacing members provide both mechanical strength and flexibility.
2Strength
If wire density is increased to improve column strength, then column strength is improved, but flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the braid pattern parameters including the sequence and frequency of interlacing, the angle of crossing, and the density distribution of elongate members. These parameter changes allow achieving column strength through optimized weave configuration rather than simply increasing wire density, thereby maintaining flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If braid pattern is changed to improve flexibility, then flexibility is improved, but radial expansion force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully adjusts braid pattern parameters such as interlacing sequence, crossing angle, and mesh size to optimize the balance between flexibility and radial expansion force. The novel patterns are designed to provide sufficient radial force for vessel engagement while maintaining flexibility for navigation through delivery systems.
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.