Deflecting Vascular Occlusion Device with Embolization Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vascular occlusion devices, such as embolization coils, require a significant period for tissue growth to fully occlude a body cavity, leaving patients at risk during this time, and external blood pressure monitoring is often necessary to determine occlusion status.
Innovation Solution
A vascular occlusion device with a deflecting mechanism, including a plurality of struts and a tubular portion, that provides a visual or tactile indication of embolization by deflecting when embolization material flows in a reverse direction, allowing for determination of occlusion without external pressure monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If embolization coils are used to occlude a body cavity, then the occlusion is permanent and promotes tissue growth, but it takes a significant period of time for sufficient tissue to grow to fully occlude the body cavity, leaving the patient at risk
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple functions into a segmented structure: an expandable balloon for immediate occlusion, an embolization coil for permanent occlusion, and a deflectable portion for visual feedback. This segmentation allows the immediate and permanent occlusion functions to work together while providing monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable portion of the delivery catheter provides visual feedback by changing its deflection state when embolization material begins to flow in the reverse direction. This feedback mechanism allows real-time monitoring of occlusion progress without requiring external blood pressure monitoring equipment.
2Measurement precision
If external blood pressure monitoring is used to determine occlusion status, then the condition of embolization can be monitored, but it requires additional external equipment and increases procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery catheter performs its own monitoring function through the deflectable portion that automatically changes deflection state in response to embolization material flow. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external blood pressure monitoring equipment while providing reliable occlusion status detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflectable portion provides visual indication of occlusion status through changes in its deflection state, which can be observed during the procedure. This visual feedback mechanism replaces complex external monitoring equipment with a simple, observable physical change.
3Speed
If an inflatable balloon is used to quickly occlude a blood vessel, then occlusion speed is improved, but additional equipment for inflation and monitoring is required
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the balloon occlusion function with the embolization coil and delivery system into a single integrated device. The balloon, coil, and deflectable portion all work together within one delivery catheter, eliminating the need for separate inflation and monitoring equipment while maintaining quick occlusion capability.
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 quick and reliable occlusion of body cavities with visual or tactile feedback, reducing the risk of injury during the occlusion process and eliminating the need for external blood pressure monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The tubular portion is configured to be deflected by the embolization material when the embolization material starts to flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A vascular occlusion device for occluding a body cavity includes an elongate member for injecting embolization material into the body cavity and a deflecting device. The deflecting device is disposed around a distal end of the elongate member and is expandable to contact an interior wall of the body cavity in the expanded state. The deflecting device is configured to be deflected by the embolization material to change a shape of the deflecting device in the expanded state. The deflecting device provides a visual and tactile indication of completion of embolization based on the shape of the deflecting device in the expanded state.