Embolization Device Segmentation for Anchoring and Vessel Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable embolization devices face challenges in effectively anchoring and quickly blocking vascular sites, especially in high-flow environments, due to the decoupling of anchoring and packing functions, which can lead to displacement and incomplete occlusion.
Innovation Solution
The embolization device features multiple sections with distinct deployed configurations, including a first section for anchoring and one or more second sections for packing, along with a third section for additional anchoring, utilizing three-dimensional non-helical structures to enhance stability and occlusion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-structure embolization device is used, then the device is simpler to manufacture and deploy, but the device cannot simultaneously provide effective anchoring and complete packing in high-flow vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The embolization device is divided into multiple distinct sections: a first section with a larger deployed structure configured to anchor the device in vasculature, and one or more second sections with smaller deployed structures configured to pack the scaffolding. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally - the first section provides reliable anchoring while the second sections provide complete packing, thereby resolving the contradiction between anchoring stability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If anchoring and packing functions are combined in one structure, then the device is simpler, but the device may be displaced or fail to achieve complete occlusion
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates anchoring and packing functions into distinct sections. The first section's larger structure is dedicated to anchoring, while the second sections' smaller structures are dedicated to packing. This functional segmentation ensures that anchoring and packing are both optimized without compromising each other, achieving complete occlusion while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the device have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The first section has a larger deployed structure suitable for anchoring in high-flow environments, while the second sections have smaller structures suitable for packing. This local differentiation of structure quality allows each part to perform its function effectively, resolving the contradiction between occlusion completeness and structural complexity.
3Reliability
If a larger deployed structure is used for anchoring, then anchoring stability improves, but the device volume increases and may not pack efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the anchoring and packing functions into separate sections with different volume characteristics. The first section has a larger deployed structure optimized for anchoring strength, while the second sections have smaller deployed structures optimized for compact packing. This segmentation allows the device to achieve both strong anchoring and efficient packing without requiring the entire device to have increased volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The second sections with smaller deployed structures are configured to fit within and pack the scaffolding defined by the first section's larger structure. This nesting arrangement allows the device to maintain a compact overall deployed volume while still providing both anchoring and packing functions, resolving the contradiction between anchoring strength and device volume.
4Productivity
If multiple sections with different functions are used, then anchoring and packing efficiency improve, but the device becomes more complex to deliver and deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple functional sections that are delivered together as a single integrated unit. The first section provides anchoring while the second sections provide packing, allowing both functions to be performed simultaneously during a single deployment action. This segmentation improves deployment productivity by eliminating the need for separate anchoring and packing steps, despite the increased number of sections.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, an embolization device includes multiple sections with three-dimensional non-helical structures when deployed at a vascular site. The multiple sections include a first section and one or more second sections that are smaller than the first section. The first section may have a deployed structure configured to anchor the device at a vascular site (e.g., a blood vessel) of a patient while each of the one or more second sections may be formed from loops that configured to pack and obstruct the vascular site. In some cases, the embolization device also includes a third section having a deployed configuration with multiple helical windings or loops is configured to anchor the embolization device at the vascular site.