Expandable Occlusive Plug Vascular Embolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolization procedures for blood vessel occlusion are time-consuming, costly, and prone to incomplete or non-target embolization due to the need for multiple coil placements or the use of expensive liquid embolics, which can migrate and require complex deployment strategies.
Innovation Solution
An expandable occlusive plug system with a flexible framework and polymer membrane that can change configuration from a compressed to an expanded state, allowing single-step delivery and deployment within a blood vessel, reducing the need for multiple coils and minimizing migration risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple embolic coils are used to pack and fill the length of the vessel, then the vessel occlusion is achieved, but the procedure becomes time- and material-intensive with increased costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple coil functions into a single deployable unit. The catheter system integrates a delivery mechanism that can deploy multiple coils sequentially or simultaneously through a single access point, eliminating the need for repeated catheter insertions and positioning maneuvers required by traditional multi-coil packing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple coils in advance within the delivery catheter system before vessel access. The coils are pre-positioned and ready for deployment, allowing rapid sequential release without requiring separate preparation steps for each coil during the procedure, thereby reducing procedural time.
2Device complexity
If liquid embolics are used to occlude blood vessels, then the occlusion can be achieved with a single material, but the materials are expensive and prone to migration and embolization of non-target areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the catheter system as an intermediary containment structure for the liquid embolic material. The catheter delivers the liquid embolic directly to the target vessel segment and provides physical constraints during deployment, preventing premature migration to non-target areas while maintaining the simplified single-material approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent controls the viscosity and flow characteristics of the liquid embolic material through parameter adjustments in the delivery system. By modifying delivery pressure, flow rate, and catheter geometry, the system maintains the liquid embolic's therapeutic effectiveness while preventing uncontrolled migration, thereby achieving both simplicity and specificity.
3Reliability
If coils are deployed on either side of a polymerized liquid embolic mass to prevent migration, then non-target embolization is reduced, but multiple steps and multiple catheters are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of proximal and distal containment coils into a single integrated delivery system. The catheter is designed to deploy multiple coils at different positions along the vessel in a single continuous procedure, eliminating the need for separate catheter insertions and reducing overall procedural complexity while maintaining embolization specificity.
4Reliability
If occlusive plugs are used instead of coils, then kickback is reduced, but the profile is larger and not well suited for narrow or tortuous vessels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic delivery system where the catheter and occlusive plug components can flex and adapt their configuration during navigation. The system transitions from a compact profile suitable for narrow tortuous vessels during delivery to an expanded stable configuration upon deployment, combining the navigability advantages of coils with the deployment stability of plugs.
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
Enables efficient, single-step occlusion of blood vessel lengths with reduced risk of incomplete or non-target embolization, lowering procedural costs and complexity while maintaining high specificity and stability within the vessel.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible framework at least partially covered by a membrane, which flexible framework can move between a first (compressed) configuration characterized by a first diameter and a second (expanded) configuration characterized by a relatively larger second diameter
Data Source
AI summary
Expandable occlusive plugs and methods of using them are disclosed. The devices generally include an expandable framework at least partially covered by a membrane. The occlusive plugs can be used for occlusion of body lumens and/or to limit migration of embolic agents to non-target sites.