Conical Embolic Filter with Elastomeric Scaffold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional embolic protection devices face limitations such as oversized profiles leading to embolization, incomplete filter apposition, inadequate pore size, and vessel wall trauma, which result in inefficacious embolic protection during vascular procedures.
Innovation Solution
A conical filter with perforations and an imperforated section, integrated with an elastomeric scaffold and guide, designed for deployment in blood vessels to capture and remove embolic debris while maintaining blood flow and structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional embolic protection devices use larger filter structures to capture embolic debris, then embolic protection capability is improved, but device profile becomes oversized leading to embolization risk
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is nested within the scaffold structure, with the scaffold providing a framework that supports the filter while maintaining a compact overall device profile. The struts of the scaffold form a cage-like structure that contains the filter, allowing the filter to be larger for better embolic capture while the entire assembly remains compact enough to avoid embolization risks
Solution Approach 2:
The device combines two functional components - a filter made of embolic-capturing material and a scaffold made of structurally supportive material with struts. This composite structure allows the filter to be optimized for embolic capture surface area while the scaffold provides structural integrity and maintains appropriate device sizing, resolving the contradiction between filter size and overall device profile
2Productivity
If conventional devices use larger pore sizes in filters, then blood flow is improved, but embolic protection efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold structure provides localized structural support at key positions (struts extending from proximal to distal regions) that reinforces the filter material. This localized reinforcement allows the filter to maintain smaller pore sizes for effective embolic capture while the scaffold ensures structural integrity, enabling both good embolic protection and adequate blood flow through the optimized pore configuration
3Strength
If conventional devices use rigid structures for structural integrity, then device strength is improved, but vessel wall trauma increases
Solution Approach 1:
The scaffold is constructed with struts that form a flexible yet structurally sound framework. This flexible structure can adapt to the vessel geometry and apply gentle radial force to maintain filter apposition without causing excessive vessel wall trauma, while still providing sufficient structural integrity to support the filter and resist collapse during deployment and retrieval
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 effectively captures embolic debris, reduces the risk of downstream occlusions, and improves patient outcomes by minimizing ischemic conditions and organ damage during vascular procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a conical filter including perforations for fluid flow therethrough
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric frame adapted to operate between expanded and collapsed profiles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are devices and methods for providing embolic protection in a patient's vascular system. In particular, the devices detailed herein are supported by a flexible scaffold that is coupled to a filter. When deployed into the peripheral or coronary vasculature of a patient, the embolic protection devices of the present disclosure collect and remove embolic debris as a prophylactic measure to lessen the risk of embolic associated complications.