Expandable Aneurysm Implant with Flow Disruption and Sac Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for treating aneurysms, such as platinum coils and flow diverters, have high recanalization rates, require prolonged procedures, and are not suitable for aneurysms at bifurcations, leading to complications like stenosis and the need for lifelong blood thinners.
Innovation Solution
An expandable medical device with an electropositive woven or braided implant that promotes endothelialization by recruiting endothelial cells, reducing recanalization and allowing for even pressure distribution, and can be positioned over the aneurysm neck to disrupt blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If platinum coils are delivered to the aneurysm sac, then the aneurysm can be packed to induce thrombotic effect, but the recanalization rate is about 30% and procedure time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the aneurysm treatment into two functional segments: a flow disruptor portion positioned at the aneurysm neck to redirect blood flow, and a filler portion packed into the aneurysm sac to induce thrombosis. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of flow diversion and occlusion, reducing recanalization while maintaining procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The filler portion is nested within the flow disruptor portion during delivery. The expandable implant is delivered in a compressed state through a catheter, then expanded in situ to achieve full functionality. This nesting approach simplifies delivery and reduces procedure time while maintaining both flow disruption and occlusion capabilities
2Reliability
If both coil and stent are used for treatment, then the neck of the aneurysm can be treated, but the procedure complexity increases and patient requires lifelong blood thinners
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the functions of flow diversion (previously requiring a stent) and aneurysm occlusion (previously requiring coils) into a single integrated implant. The flow disruptor portion provides neck coverage while the filler portion provides sac occlusion, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable implant serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a flow disruptor to redirect blood away from the aneurysm neck, provides structural support to seal the neck, and contains filler material to induce thrombosis within the sac. This multi-functionality replaces what previously required multiple separate devices
3Reliability
If flow diverter is positioned over the aneurysm neck, then blood flow can be diverted from the aneurysm, but stenosis occurs and recanalization rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies different functional qualities to different portions: the flow disruptor portion at the neck provides smooth flow redirection to prevent stenosis, while the filler portion in the sac provides rough thrombogenic surface to promote occlusion. This local differentiation of surface properties and flow characteristics prevents stenosis while maintaining effective diversion
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 reduces hemorrhagic events by promoting endothelialization, preventing recanalization, and allowing for even blood flow distribution, thereby reducing the need for lifelong blood thinners and minimizing procedural complications.
Implementation Method 1
An expandable medical device with an electropositive woven or braided implant that promotes endothelialization by recruiting endothelial cells
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.