Embolic Protection Device With Aortic-Arch Apposition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing embolic protection devices suffer from inefficiencies such as iatrogenic damage to vessels, high profile in the aortic arch, and insufficient sealing, leading to embolic particles bypassing into the carotid arteries, and instability in high-pressure bloodstreams during endovascular procedures.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible, transluminally deliverable embolic protection device with a frame and blood-permeable unit, utilizing tethers and tissue apposition sustaining units for stable positioning in the aortic arch, preventing embolic particles from entering side vessels by enhancing sealing and avoiding 'sailing' in the bloodstream.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If embolic protection devices use bows or arms extending into side vessels for anchoring, then anchoring stability is improved, but risk of iatrogenic damage and embolic particle dislodgement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchoring stabilityVSAvoidiatrogenic damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the bows or arms that extend into side vessels from the device design. Instead of using protruding anchoring structures, the device achieves stability through a different mechanism that does not require invasive extensions into vulnerable vessel areas, thereby eliminating the source of iatrogenic damage while maintaining anchoring function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than extending structures outward into side vessels for anchoring, the patent inverts the approach by using an inward-folding structure that anchors through apposition to the aortic arch wall. The device folds inward against the wall to achieve stable positioning without protruding elements that could dislodge embolic particles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Stability of the object's composition

If embolic protection devices have high profile in aortic arch for stable positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but limitation of endovascular procedures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidprocedure compatibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic, flexible structure that can adapt its profile based on operational needs. The device features a flexible membrane and frame assembly that can be deployed to provide stable positioning when needed, while allowing compression to a low profile to accommodate endovascular procedure instruments passing through the aortic arch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates a nested structure where the blood permeable membrane and support frame can be collapsed into a compact form factor. This nesting capability allows the device to maintain stability during operation while being compressed to a small profile during delivery and when endovascular instruments need to pass through the aortic arch region.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of operation

If embolic protection devices use simple structure for ease of use, then ease of operation is improved, but sealing efficiency decreases allowing embolic particles to bypass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidsealing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes a flexible blood permeable membrane as the core sealing element. This thin film structure conforms to the irregular surface of the aortic arch wall, creating an effective seal that prevents embolic particle bypass. The membrane's flexibility allows it to adapt to vessel geometry while maintaining sealing integrity, achieving reliable protection without complex mechanical sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12402997B2Embolic protection device and method

Publication Date: 2025.09.02 EMBOLINE

AI summary

A collapsible, transluminally deliverable embolic protection device (200) for temporarily positioning in the aortic arch is disclosed. The device is connectable to a transluminal delivery unit (130) extending proximally from a connection point (131). The device has a frame with a periphery, and a blood permeable unit within said periphery for preventing embolic particles from passing therethrough into side vessels of said aortic arch to the brain of a patient. Further, the device has at least one tissue apposition sustaining unit, not being a delivery shaft of said device, for application of a force offset to said connection point at said device, such as at said periphery, towards an inner wall of said aortic arch when said device is positioned in said aortic arch, such that tissue apposition of said periphery to an inner wall of said aortic arch is supported by said force. In addition related methods are disclosed.