Embolic Protection Filter with Closing Inlet for Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing embolic protection devices, such as umbrella-type filters, face issues with embolic material escape during collapse and instability due to inadvertent guidewire movement, which can lead to catastrophic consequences during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible filter element mounted on a filter carrier, with inlet openings that close before collapse to retain embolic material, and a tubular retrieval device that progressively collapses the filter element to prevent escape, allowing independent movement of the guidewire and ensuring secure embolic material capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the filter is collapsed to retrieve it through the catheter, then the filter can be removed from the vessel, but embolic material may escape from the filter with potentially catastrophic results
Solution Approach 1:
The distal end of the catheter is positioned to engage and close the filter inlet openings before the filter collapse process begins. This preliminary action ensures that the pathway for embolic material escape is blocked before the filter structure changes shape during retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The filter element is nested within the catheter structure during retrieval, with the catheter receiving and containing the collapsed filter. The catheter acts as a container that holds the filter and its captured embolic material throughout the retrieval process, preventing escape
2Ease of operation
If the filter membrane is collapsed against the guidewire, then the filter can be withdrawn through the catheter, but embolic material is squeezed outwardly and may escape
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is positioned to engage the filter inlet openings and apply a closing force that counteracts the outward squeezing force generated during filter collapse. This preliminary anti-action prevents the harmful effect of embolic material discharge before it can occur
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter structure serves as an intermediary between the collapsing filter and the external environment. It provides a controlled interface that manages the collapse process and contains any forces that might otherwise cause embolic material to escape outwardly
3Ease of operation
If the filter is fixed to the guidewire, then the filter can be positioned in the vessel, but inadvertent movement of the guidewire can dislodge the filter
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the filter and guidewire is segmented into distinct functional zones. The filter carrier provides a stable mounting platform for the filter element, while the interaction with the guidewire is designed to allow relative movement without dislodging the filter from its positioned location
Data Source
AI summary
An embolic protection device has a collapsible filter element (105) mounted on a carrier such as a guidewire (101). The filter element (105) collapses into the outer end of a catheter (118) for deployment and retrieval through a vascular system of a patient. The filter element (105) has a collapsible filter body with a proximal inlet end and a distal outlet end The proximal inlet end has inlet openings sized to allow blood and embolic material enter the filter body. The outlet end has outlet openings which allow through passage of blood but retain embolic material within the filter body. After use, the catheter (118) is movable along the guidewire (101) to engage the proximal end of the filter element and close the inlet openings before sliding over the fitter element from the proximal end to the distal end to progressively collapse the filter body on the guidewire (101) for retrieval. The filter element (105) may conveniently be mounted on a tubular sleeve (104) which is slidable and rotatable on the guidewire (101) between spaced-apart slops (106, 120) on the guidewire (101) which allows some manipulation of the guidewire independently of the filter when the fitter is in use.