Cone Expanding Collapsible Vascular Occluder
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular occluders face challenges in achieving reliable and instantaneous occlusion without leakage or migration, particularly in varying vessel diameters, and often require multiple deployments for effective occlusion.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible medical device comprising conical members with a tooth-shaped wide end and a tapering membrane made of flexible, non-degradable silicone, which can be compressed for deployment and self-supporting to fit various vessel diameters, along with optional frame elements for larger vessels, ensuring secure positioning and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a straight-edged occluder is used, then the device structure is simple, but it causes ruffling and loss of seal to the vessel wall
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder employs a curved, arc-shaped design instead of a straight edge. This curvature allows the occluder to conform to the cylindrical geometry of the vessel wall, preventing ruffling and maintaining continuous contact for reliable sealing while still providing instantaneous occlusion
2Reliability
If a rigid occluder structure is used, then the occlusion is instantaneous and reliable, but the device cannot adapt to varying vessel diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The occluder incorporates a flexible, dynamic structure that can deform and adapt to different vessel diameters. The curved, arc-shaped design with appropriate material properties allows the device to conform to the specific geometry of the target vessel while maintaining structural integrity for reliable occlusion
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes material parameter selection and geometric parameter optimization to achieve both adaptability and reliability. By controlling the curvature radius, thickness, and material elasticity, the occluder can adapt to varying vessel diameters while providing instantaneous and reliable occlusion
3Reliability
If multiple coils are implanted for embolization, then the occlusion reliability is high, but the procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the advantages of instant occlusion devices into a single integrated structure that provides reliable occlusion without requiring multiple separate coil implants. The curved occluder design achieves both instantaneous action and high reliability in one deployment
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 device provides reliable and instantaneous occlusion with minimal risk of leakage, flexibility to fit different vessel sizes, and the ability to be compressed for deployment in small vessels, enhancing the fit and stability within the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
the tapering nature of the membrane forming the conical membranes contributes to their flexibility, conformability with the vessel
Implementation Method 2
the pressure of blood acts to bias the conical element into an open position and to press it against the walls of the vessel
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular occluder includes first and second conical members disposed in opposing relation and which have tooth-shaped wide ends. The conical members are coupled to one another by a coupling element, which may be a cannula or rod. The conical members are formed of a membrane which has a thickness which increases towards the narrow ends and decreases towards the toothed elements. The toothed elements are preferably self-supporting within a vessel and avoid folds within the occluder membrane, which may otherwise result in leakage of blood around the device. The device may be provided with a supporting frame which may be at least partially embedded within the membrane. The membrane is preferably made of silicone.