Cobalt-Chrome Detachment Element for Endovascular Implant
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endovascular implant detachment methods from insertion aids are not efficient enough, resulting in prolonged detachment times that increase the risk of implant displacement and other undesirable events during the process.
Innovation Solution
A device using a cobalt-chrome alloy detachment element connected between the implant and insertion aid, which undergoes electrolytic corrosion when a voltage is applied, allowing for rapid separation, with cobalt-chrome alloys like Stellite® and Elgiloy® being used to achieve detachment times under 30 seconds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a detachment element made of stainless steel with pre-corrosion heat treatment is used, then the detachment process can be achieved, but the detachment time is prolonged (20-40 seconds)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the detachment element from stainless steel to cobalt-chrome alloy, which fundamentally alters the electrolytic corrosion characteristics. The cobalt-chrome alloy provides superior corrosion resistance during insertion but enables rapid controlled dissolution during detachment, reducing detachment time to under 30 seconds and minimizing implant displacement risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite material approach by selecting cobalt-chrome alloy that combines cobalt (providing corrosion resistance and biocompatibility) with chrome (providing wear resistance and controlled dissolution characteristics). This composite material structure enables the detachment element to withstand insertion forces while dissolving rapidly during the detachment phase.
2Strength
If the detachment element is made of highly wear resistant cobalt-chrome alloy like Stellite, then the implant can be securely retained, but it was surprising that such material could be dissolved so quickly electrolytically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a detachment element with specific compositional gradients or surface treatments that differentiate the bulk material properties from the surface properties. The interior maintains high wear resistance for secure implant retention, while the surface or specific phases are engineered to dissolve rapidly during electrolytic detachment, achieving both strength and quick detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by controlling the alloy composition parameters (cobalt 20-70%, chrome 10-40%, and additional elements like molybdenum, tungsten, nickel, manganese, or iron) to optimize the balance between wear resistance and electrolytic corrosion rate. This compositional parameter optimization enables the material to be both highly wear resistant during insertion and rapidly dissolvable during detachment.
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 use of cobalt-chrome alloys enables extremely short detachment times, improving the efficiency and safety of the implant placement process by ensuring quick and controlled separation of the implant from the insertion aid.
Implementation Method 1
a detachment element designed to be electrolytically corrodible so that after the implant has been inserted into the body and a voltage has been applied an at least partial dissolution of the detachment element takes place
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device having an endovascular implant (1) for the introduction into blood vessels or body cavities of the human or animal body and an insertion aid (2), wherein the implant (1) and the insertion aid (2) being connected to each other via a detachment element (3) designed to be electrolytically corrodible so that after the implant (1) has been inserted into the body and a voltage has been applied an at least partial dissolution of the detachment element (3) takes place causing the implant (1) to be separated from its the insertion aid (3), with the detachment element (3) being made of a cobalt-chrome alloy containing at least 20% w/w cobalt and 10 to 40% w/w chrome.