Embolic Delivery Interface for Large-Profile Vascular Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embolization devices face challenges in delivering relatively large dimensioned embolization devices through vasculature due to discrepancies in cross-sectional dimensions between the delivery device and the embolization device, affecting the smoothness and efficiency of force transmission and manipulation.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising an elongated body and an interface member that provides a mating connection between the delivery device and the embolization device, allowing for a transition in cross-sectional dimensions, enabling efficient force transmission and enhanced manipulability of the embolization device during deployment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the embolization device has a larger maximum cross-sectional dimension than the delivery device, then the embolization device can effectively treat larger vascular sites, but the force transmission from the delivery device to the embolization device becomes less efficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaximum cross-sectional dimension of embolization deviceVSAvoidforce transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An interface member is introduced as an intermediary component between the delivery device and the embolization device. This interface member includes a proximal portion that interfaces with the delivery device and a distal portion that interfaces with the embolization device, allowing for smooth transition and efficient force transmission despite the size difference between the delivery device and the embolization device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional segments: the delivery device, the interface member, and the embolization device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system efficiency. The interface member acts as a transition segment that bridges the dimensional gap between the smaller delivery device and the larger embolization device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the embolization device is delivered through a narrow delivery catheter, then the device can access difficult-to-reach vascular sites, but the device becomes difficult to manipulate and position accurately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to vascular sitesVSAvoidmanipulability and positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface member is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to adapt during delivery. The interface member can flex and deform to accommodate the narrow delivery catheter while maintaining its structural integrity. This dynamic behavior enables the system to access difficult-to-reach vascular sites while still allowing for accurate manipulation and positioning of the embolization device at the target site

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a flat surface engagement is used between the delivery device and embolization device, then the structure is simple, but the pushability and control of the embolization device is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface structure complexityVSAvoidpushability and control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The interface member incorporates curved and spherical surface features that provide enhanced mechanical interlocking and friction between the delivery device and the embolization device. The curved surfaces allow for smoother force transmission and better control during pushing and manipulation operations, while the spherical features provide stable engagement points that enhance pushability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP4003190B1Embolic device delivery system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP4003190B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4003190B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4003190B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A distal portion (16) of an elongated body (12) is configured to mate with a distal portion (20) of an interface member (18) mechanically connected to an embolization device (22). The embolization device (22) is additionally attached to the elongated body (12). The elongated body distal portion (16) and the interface member proximal portion (19) may collectively define a protrusion and a recess configured to receive the protrusion to provide the mating. The elongated body (12), interface member (18), and embolization device (22) may be configured for delivery to a vasculature target site, and manipulation of the deployed embolization device (22) may be facilitated by the mating between the elongated body (12) and the interface member (18).