Expandable Filling Structures for Aneurysm Scaffold Anchoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current endoluminal graft systems for treating aortic aneurysms face issues such as leakage, graft migration, and difficulty in treating complex aneurysmal geometries, particularly short-neck and no-neck aneurysms, due to unsuitable deployment and configuration limitations.

Innovation Solution

The use of expandable structures, such as inflatable balloons or bladders, deployed within the aneurysmal space to seal and anchor the scaffold, preventing leakage and migration, while allowing for controlled pressurization to avoid rupture, and compatibility with various scaffold types including stents and grafts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If endoluminal graft systems are used to treat aortic aneurysms, then the recovery period is shorter compared to open surgical procedures, but leakage and graft migration occur significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery periodVSAvoidleakage and graft migration

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filling structure is divided into multiple segments or zones that can be independently deployed and adjusted. This segmentation allows for precise positioning and better adaptation to the aneurysm geometry, improving sealing effectiveness and reducing migration while maintaining the minimally invasive approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The filling structure is deployed nested within or alongside the endoluminal graft system. The filling structure can be inserted through the graft delivery system and expanded within the aneurysm sac, creating a nested configuration that enhances anchoring and prevents migration while maintaining the benefits of endoluminal access

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If present endoluminal graft systems are used, then minimally invasive treatment is achieved, but they are unsuitable for treating complex aneurysmal geometries including short-neck and no-neck aneurysms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimally invasive treatmentVSAvoidsuitability for complex aneurysmal geometries

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filling structure employs dynamic, adjustable components that can be modified after deployment. The structure can be expanded, compressed, or repositioned to adapt to various aneurysm geometries including short-neck and no-neck configurations, while maintaining the minimally invasive deployment approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filling structure allows for parameter changes such as variable expansion ratios, adjustable stiffness, and modifiable geometry to match complex aneurysmal shapes. These parameter adjustments enable the system to treat diverse aneurysm types including short-neck and no-neck aneurysms while maintaining endoluminal access benefits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If follow-up endoluminal procedures are performed to fix leaks, then leakage can be addressed, but cost significantly increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveleakage preventionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The filling structure is designed to provide preliminary sealing and anchoring during the initial deployment, preventing leakage before it occurs. The structure includes pre-configured sealing elements and anchoring mechanisms that address potential leakage issues at the time of primary implantation, eliminating the need for costly follow-up procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The filling structure incorporates self-adjusting and self-sealing mechanisms that automatically address leakage issues without requiring additional procedures. The structure can self-adapt to tissue changes and self-seal minor defects, providing long-term leakage prevention and reducing overall treatment cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution effectively reduces the risk of leakage and migration, facilitates easier deployment, and treats a wide range of aneurysmal configurations, including complex geometries, with minimal follow-up treatments required.

Implementation Method 1

at least one expandable structure is expanded with an expansion medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS11596413B2Methods and systems for aneurysm treatment using filling structures

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 ENDOLOGIX LLC

AI summary

Aneurysms are treated by placing a scaffold across an aneurysmal sac to provide a blood flow lumen therethrough. An aneurysmal space surrounding the scaffold is filled with one or more expandable structures which are simultaneously or sequentially expanded to fill the aneurysmal space and reduce the risk of endoluminal leaks and scaffold migration. The expandable structures are typically inflatable and delivered by delivery catheter, optionally with an inflation tube or structure attached to the expandable structure.