Dual Filter Embolic Protection System for Vessel Arch Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolic protection devices struggle to effectively capture particulate debris in vascular procedures without occluding blood flow, especially in vessels that diverge into multiple branches, such as the aorta, which can lead to adverse events like infarcts and strokes.
Innovation Solution
The development of embolic protection systems comprising at least two filter bodies mechanically connected to an elongated member, with a flexible section between them to conform to vessel arches, allowing blood flow while capturing debris, and a stiff proximal section for easy deployment and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single filter device is used to capture debris, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot effectively protect multiple diverging vessels simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The filter system is divided into multiple filter bodies (first filter body and second filter body) that can be deployed in different vessels. Each filter body independently captures debris in its respective vessel, allowing simultaneous protection of multiple diverging vessels while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The filter system is designed to perform multiple functions: the first filter body protects one vessel while the second filter body protects another vessel. Both filters are connected to the same elongated member, allowing a single device to provide embolic protection across multiple vascular branches
2Ease of operation
If the elongated member is made stiff for easy deployment, then deployment control is improved, but it cannot conform to vessel arches
Solution Approach 1:
The elongated member features varying flexibility along its length, with different sections having different mechanical properties. This allows the proximal section to be stiffer for easy deployment and control, while distal sections are more flexible to conform to vessel arches and complex vascular anatomies
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member transitions from a static, uniform structure to a dynamic, multi-section structure with varying flexibility. This allows the device to adapt its shape according to the vascular anatomy while maintaining deployability through controlled flexibility gradients
3Adaptability or versatility
If filter bodies are deployed in multiple vessels, then debris capture coverage is improved, but retrieval becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filter bodies are merged into a single integrated system by connecting them to a common elongated member. This allows filters in different vessels to be deployed and retrieved as a unified system, simplifying the retrieval process compared to managing separate filters independently
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D
AI summary
In some examples, an embolic protection system includes an elongated member, a first filter body mechanically connected to the elongated member and defining a first filter mouth and a first filter end, the first filter mouth being one of proximal or distal to the first filter end, and a second filter body mechanically connected to the elongated member and distal to the first filter body, the second filter body defining a second filter mouth and a second filter end, the second filter mouth being the one of proximal or distal to the second filter end. In some instances, at least a section of the elongated member between the first and second filter bodies may be flexible, and may be configured to conform to a shape of an arch between two vessels of a patient.