Electromagnetic Marker Prosthesis Deployment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current prosthesis deployment methods in the vascular system face challenges such as misalignment of preformed fenestrations with branch vessels due to anatomical differences, risk of entanglement of guidewires and catheters, and high radiation exposure from fluoroscopic imaging, which complicates the precise positioning and deployment of stent-grafts, especially in complex applications like aortic aneurysm treatment.

Innovation Solution

The use of leadless electromagnetic markers implanted at target sites within the vessel, which provide a virtual image or positional guide for deploying prostheses, allowing for real-time monitoring and alignment assistance using a magnetic field system, reducing the need for fluoroscopic contrast and minimizing radiation exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If fluoroscopic imaging is used to monitor prosthesis positioning, then real-time visualization is achieved, but radiation exposure to the patient increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthesis positioning accuracyVSAvoidradiation exposure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces fluoroscopic imaging (radiation-based mechanical system) with an electromagnetic tracking system that uses magnetic fields to detect the position of electromagnetic markers attached to the prosthesis. This substitution eliminates radiation exposure while maintaining real-time positioning monitoring capability through electromagnetic field interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces electromagnetic markers as intermediary elements that are attached to the prosthesis. These markers serve as mediators between the prosthesis and the electromagnetic tracking system, allowing indirect detection of prosthesis position without requiring direct fluoroscopic imaging of the prosthesis itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If preformed fenestrations are used in the prosthesis, then manufacturing is simplified, but alignment with branch vessels becomes inaccurate due to anatomical differences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprosthesis manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfenestration alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the prosthesis geometry dynamic and adaptable by allowing customization of fenestration positions based on individual patient anatomy. Instead of fixed preformed fenestrations, the prosthesis can be configured with variable fenestration locations to match the specific anatomical arrangement of branch vessels, thereby achieving both manufacturing feasibility and anatomical precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by customizing specific features (fenestration positions) of the prosthesis to match local anatomical variations. Rather than requiring complete customization of the entire prosthesis, only the fenestration locations are adapted to the patient's specific vascular anatomy, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If multiple guidewires are manipulated simultaneously during prosthesis deployment, then branch vessel access is achieved, but the risk of entanglement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebranch vessel access capabilityVSAvoidprocedure safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses electromagnetic markers as virtual copies or representations of the physical guidewires and prosthesis components. By tracking the positions of these electromagnetic markers, the operator can visualize and control multiple components simultaneously without physical entanglement, reducing procedural complexity and safety risks while maintaining the ability to access multiple branch vessels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This approach enhances the precision and safety of prosthesis deployment by providing a real-time virtual image of the vessel anatomy, improving alignment with branch vessels and reducing radiation exposure, thus facilitating more accurate and less invasive procedures.

Implementation Method 1

one or more leadless electromagnetic markers responsive to electromagnetic fields

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP1935373A3Prosthesis deployment apparatus comprising an electromagnetic marker

Publication Date: 2008.10.01 MEDTRONIC VASCULAR INC

AI summary

A marker implant apparatus (100) includes an electromagnetic marker (102) adapted for implantation in a human patient; and a fastener (104) secured to said electromagnetic marker and adapted to engage tissue, said fastener (104) having a helical configuration and a piercing end (104a) configured to pierce tissue. Furthermore, a bifurcated tubular prosthesis is provided which includes a bifurcated tubular member having a proximal end and first and second tubular leg portions that extend in a direction distal to said proximal end, each tubular leg portion having an open end; and an electromagnetic marker secured to one of the tubular leg portions in the vicinity of the open end of that portion.