Embolic Device Coupler With Shape-Memory Alloy Loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional embolic device deployment systems face difficulties in accurately placing and releasing embolic devices within arteries, particularly for brain aneurysms, due to cumbersome maneuvering and complex interlocking mechanisms, which can lead to errors and significant damage.
Innovation Solution
An embolic device delivery system featuring a maneuverable coupler with a shape-memory alloy loop portion and a retaining mechanism that allows for easy engagement and disengagement, utilizing a delivery catheter with upper and lower locking windows to facilitate precise placement and release of the embolic device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional embolic device deployment systems are used, then the devices can be deployed within arteries, but the maneuvering and placement become cumbersome and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is divided into separate functional components: a catheter for navigation, a coupler for engagement, and an embolic device for deployment. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, simplifying the overall operation while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The embolic device is extracted from the delivery system through a release mechanism that allows it to be deployed independently once positioned. This extraction simplifies the deployment process by separating the navigation function (catheter) from the deployment function (embolic device), making each easier to operate.
2Reliability
If conventional interlocking mechanisms are used, then the embolic device can be retained during delivery, but the engagement and disengagement become complex and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The coupler integrates multiple functions into a single component: it engages with the embolic device, maintains retention during delivery, and enables controlled release. This merging reduces the number of separate interlocking mechanisms needed, simplifying the system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary between the catheter and the embolic device, providing a simplified engagement interface. This mediator component reduces the complexity of direct interlocking between the catheter and embolic device while ensuring reliable retention and controlled release.
3Manufacturing precision
If accurate placement is required for brain aneurysms, then the deployment precision must be high, but the maneuvering difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter and coupler are designed with specific local properties (flexibility, rigidity, engagement features) that enable precise positioning at the target site while maintaining ease of maneuvering during navigation. The local quality of the engagement interface ensures accurate placement without increasing overall maneuvering difficulty.
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 system enables more accurate and reliable placement of embolic devices, reducing the risk of damage during procedures by simplifying the maneuverability and release mechanisms, thereby improving the safety and effectiveness of embolic device deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a maneuverable coupler with a shape-memory alloy loop portion
Data Source
AI summary
An embolic device and a corresponding embolic device delivery system and method. In one example, an embolic device delivery system comprises a delivery catheter, a coupler disposed inside the delivery catheter, and an embolic device that may be carried and placed by the coupler. The embolic device includes a primary winding that forms a hollow tube such that a coupler may be threaded therethrough. Further, the embolic device may include a slotted metal tube suited to be affixed to one end of the hollow tube formed by the primary winding. Additionally, the embolic device may include a retaining mechanism that includes one or more protrusions suited to engage with one or more slots of the slotted metal tube. In this manner, the retaining mechanism is affixed to the slotted metal tube and the hollow tube formed by the primary winding.