Embolic Protection Device with Nested Conical Filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic protection devices are inadequate for providing comprehensive protection against cerebral and systemic embolism during cardiac surgery and interventional procedures, as they often interfere with transluminal aortic access and lack the ability to be implanted or retrieved minimally invasively, and previous solutions do not effectively address chronic embolic sources.
Innovation Solution
An embolic protection device with a cylindrical and conical filter mesh structure, deployable in the aorta, that captures emboli using a self-expanding framework and minimally invasive deployment and retrieval methods, allowing for acute or chronic protection without interfering with future procedures, and featuring antithrombogenic coatings and inflatable support frameworks for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an embolic protection device is deployed in the aorta to protect aortic arch vessels, then embolic protection is improved, but transluminal aortic access for future procedures is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional segments: a filter assembly for embolic protection and a catheter assembly for maintaining transluminal access. The filter assembly can be deployed while the catheter assembly remains in place, allowing both functions to coexist without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly is nested within the catheter assembly, allowing the filter to be deployed inside the catheter structure. This nesting enables the filter to provide embolic protection while the outer catheter structure maintains the lumen for future interventional procedures.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If an embolic protection device is implanted for chronic protection, then long-term embolic protection is improved, but device retrieval becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamic features including a self-expanding framework that can transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded protective state, and retrieval mechanisms that allow the device to be collapsed and withdrawn through the catheter assembly after chronic protection is no longer needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly serves as an intermediary structure that facilitates both deployment and retrieval of the filter assembly. The catheter provides a protected pathway through which the filter can be introduced and subsequently withdrawn, simplifying the retrieval process even after chronic implantation.
3Reliability
If a filter mesh structure is used to capture emboli, then embolic protection is improved, but thrombus formation on the filter may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The filter mesh structure incorporates antithrombogenic coatings that change the surface properties of the filter, making it resistant to thrombus formation. This parameter change in surface chemistry or physics prevents clot adhesion while maintaining the filter's ability to capture emboli.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter assembly uses composite materials combining the filter mesh structure with antithrombogenic coatings or thrombus-resistant materials. This composite construction provides both the mechanical filtration function and the biological resistance to thrombus formation.
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 device effectively prevents emboli from reaching vital organs, allowing for safe procedures while maintaining transluminal access and enabling easy retrieval, thus reducing the risk of cerebral and systemic embolism and improving patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
An embolic protection device with a cylindrical and conical filter mesh structure, deployable in the aorta, that captures emboli
Implementation Method 2
deployable in the aorta, that captures emboli using a self-expanding framework
Implementation Method 3
featuring antithrombogenic coatings and inflatable support frameworks for enhanced functionality
Implementation Method 4
featuring antithrombogenic coatings and inflatable support frameworks for enhanced functionality
Data Source
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AI summary
An embolic protection device for use in a patient's blood vessel, such as the aorta, has an approximately cylindrical outer structure made of a filter mesh material and an approximately conical inner structure also made of a filter mesh material. On the downstream end of the embolic protection device, the wider end of the conical inner structure is joined to the cylindrical outer structure. The upstream end of the embolic protection device is open for blood to flow between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure. The space between the conical inner structure and the cylindrical outer structure defines a collection chamber for captured emboli. The narrow upstream end of the conical inner structure has a catheter port with a resilient seal that is sized for passage of a catheter shaft. The filter mesh material may be self- supporting or it may be supported on a resilient- framework or an inflatable framework.