Composite Detachment Mechanism for Implantable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current detachment mechanisms for implantable devices in treating aneurysms are limited in their ability to accurately and efficiently release devices within the vasculature, as they often require complex energy applications or materials that may not consistently ensure precise deployment and detachment.
Innovation Solution
A thermally activated composite detachment mechanism comprising a meltable polymer and a conductive material, where the conductive material applies thermal energy to melt the polymer, allowing the implantable device to be released from the delivery mechanism, utilizing low-melt polymers like polyethylene and conductive materials such as nickel or gold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrolytic means are used to detach the vasoocclusive member from the pusher, then detachment can be achieved, but the system complexity increases due to requiring electrical energy application and electrolytic materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrolytic detachment systems with a simple thermal-melting mechanism. The sacrificial connection member is made of a low-melting-point material that can be detached by applying heat through a laser fiber, eliminating the need for electrolytic chemicals and complex electrical detachment systems while maintaining reliable detachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameter of the connection member by using a material with a specifically low melting point. This allows the connection to be maintained at body temperature but easily broken by applying controlled heat, providing a simple and reliable detachment mechanism without complex systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If sacrificial connection members made from polyvinylacetate or similar materials are used, then the connection can be severed by heating, but the manufacturing precision required to ensure consistent melting and detachment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a low-melting-point material for the sacrificial connection member that melts at a controlled temperature achievable by laser heating. This parameter selection ensures consistent melting and detachment while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the material properties are chosen to match the capabilities of the laser heating system.
3Measurement precision
If complex energy applications are used to ensure precise deployment, then detachment accuracy improves, but the risk of complications and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex energy application systems with simple laser heating. The laser fiber can be precisely positioned and controlled to melt the sacrificial connection member at the exact moment of deployment, ensuring accurate placement while minimizing complications through the simplicity and controllability of the thermal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The sacrificial connection member acts as an intermediary that absorbs the laser energy and converts it to localized heat, which then melts the connection in a controlled manner. This intermediary mechanism ensures precise detachment at the desired location and time while protecting surrounding tissues from direct exposure to high-energy laser radiation.
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
Enables precise and efficient release of implantable devices into the vasculature by melting the polymer upon thermal activation, facilitating accurate placement and occlusion of aneurysms, particularly in difficult-to-access areas like cerebral aneurysms, with improved flexibility and reduced risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive material applies thermal energy to melt the polymer
Implementation Method 2
melting the polymer upon thermal activation
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for implanting an implantable device in a body, comprising: an implantable device; a composite detachment mechanism comprising a polymer substrate having a conductive material-coated region coated with conductive material; one or more electrodes contacting the conductive material-coated region such that passing a current through the conductive material results in heating to temperatures above a melting point of the polymer, thereby releasing the implantable device; and an energy source operatively connected to the electrodes.