Coated Embolic Coil Deployment Through Microcatheters

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embolic coil delivery and deployment systems are not limited to the particular embodiments described. The present disclosure relates generally to devices and systems for coil embolization, and, more particularly, to use and methods of forming coated coils. Coils, such as embolic coils described herein may include material properties that may assist with rigidity, flexibility, thrombogenicity, anti-thrombogenicity, lubrication, friction, therapy, anchoring, or the like.

Innovation Solution

The embolic system includes a microcatheter with a sheath and a coil coated with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic polymer that fractures or plasticizes upon ejection from the catheter, allowing the coil to transition from a linear to a curvilinear shape for improved delivery and deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the coil is delivered through the microcatheter in a linear configuration, then the delivery is simplified, but the coil cannot achieve its curvilinear shape for proper deployment at the target site

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery simplicityVSAvoidcoil configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The coil is segmented into multiple sections along its length, with each section capable of independent bending. This segmentation allows the coil to maintain a linear configuration during delivery through the microcatheter while enabling curvilinear shaping at the target site for proper deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil transitions from a static linear configuration during delivery to a dynamic curvilinear configuration at the target site. This dynamic shape change is enabled by the coil's segmented structure that allows flexible reconfiguration once deployed from the constraining microcatheter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the coil is made flexible for easy deployment, then the coil can navigate vasculature easily, but the coil lacks rigidity for controlled delivery through the microcatheter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for navigationVSAvoidrigidity for controlled delivery
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different sections of the coil have different structural properties. The coil incorporates rigid segments for controlled delivery through the microcatheter and flexible segments for easy navigation and deployment at the target site, creating local quality variations along its length

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If the coil surface is smooth for easy delivery, then friction is reduced, but the coil lacks thrombogenic properties needed for effective embolization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery easeVSAvoidthrombogenicity for embolization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coil surface is pre-treated with a coating that provides smooth delivery characteristics. Upon deployment, this coating is designed to fracture or dissolve, revealing the underlying thrombogenic surface that promotes effective embolization, thus performing the thrombogenic action only when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Strength

If the coil is made robust for withstanding delivery forces, then the coil maintains structural integrity, but the coil cannot deform into curvilinear shape for deployment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidcurvilinear deformation capability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The coil is divided into multiple rigid segments connected by flexible joints. This segmentation allows the coil to maintain structural integrity and withstand delivery forces while enabling curvilinear deformation through the flexible joints once deployed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coil is constructed using composite materials that combine rigid components for structural integrity with flexible components for deformation capability. This composite structure allows the coil to withstand delivery forces while being able to deform into the required curvilinear shape for deployment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The coating enhances the pushability of the coil through the catheter while reducing friction and facilitating flexible deployment, addressing complications such as prolapse and buckling, and providing therapeutic properties like thrombosis acceleration.

Implementation Method 1

The coating may be configured to plasticize after being ejected from the distal end of the sheath into an aqueous environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydrophilic polymer absorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

the coating may be configured to substantially fracture as the coil transitions from being substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the microcatheter to substantially misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the microcatheter upon being ejected from the microcatheter or wherein the coating may be configured to plasticize after being ejected from the distal end of the sheath into an aqueous environment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase transition (plasticization): Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP4247274B1Devices and systems for a coated coil
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP4247274B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4247274B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4247274B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present disclosure relates generally to devices, systems, and methods for coil embolization, and, more particularly, to use and methods of forming coated coils. In an aspect, an embolic system may include a coil having a proximal end, a distal end, and a length therebetween slidingly disposed within a sheath. A coating may be disposed about the coil. A delivery filament may be configured to be slidingly disposed within the sheath proximal of the coil such that the coil can be ejected from the distal end of the sheath into the working lumen of a microcatheter. The coating may be configured to substantially fracture as the coil transitions from being substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the microcatheter to substantially misaligned with the longitudinal axis of the microcatheter upon being ejected from the microcatheter. The coating may be configured to plasticize after being ejected into an aqueous environment.