Expandable Vessel Occlusion Device with Retention Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating varicose veins, such as vein stripping, endovenous laser treatment, radiofrequency occlusion, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, come with risks like anesthesia complications, skin burns, and increased chances of blood clots, inflammation, and scarring, which are not adequately addressed for effective and safe occlusion.
Innovation Solution
A blood vessel occlusion device comprising expandable elements, such as legs or spiral wires made of shape memory alloys, that can be deployed to grasp and occlude blood vessels, with retention elements to maintain the occlusion and minimize complications, and methods for inserting and stabilizing these devices within blood vessels to ensure effective occlusion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vein stripping is performed to remove varicose veins, then the vein is completely removed, but the patient faces risks of anesthesia complications, tissue bruising, scarring, and potential nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vein stripping system with a thermal occlusion system. Instead of physically removing the vein through mechanical stripping, the invention uses controlled thermal energy to occlude and close the vein, eliminating the need for general anesthesia and reducing mechanical trauma to surrounding tissues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catheter-based delivery system as an intermediary to administer the occlusion agent directly to the target vein. This allows for precise, localized treatment without the need for extensive surgical exposure and anesthesia, reducing harmful effects to surrounding healthy tissue.
2Ease of operation
If endovenous laser treatment is used to remove veins, then the procedure can be performed in-office under local anesthesia, but there is increased risk of blood clots, inflammation, skin burns, and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the occlusion method from high-intensity laser thermal energy to a controlled chemical or thermal occlusion agent delivered via catheter. This allows for more gradual and controlled vein closure, reducing the risk of sudden thermal damage, skin burns, and inflammation while maintaining in-office procedure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a staged occlusion process where the occlusion agent is delivered and allowed to work progressively over time, rather than immediate intense energy delivery. This periodic action reduces the risk of blood clots and inflammation by allowing controlled, gradual vein closure.
3Reliability
If radiofrequency occlusion is applied to heat and collapse veins, then the vein is occluded through thermal energy, but skin burns may occur and compression bandages and stockings are required for extended healing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a catheter-based delivery system as an intermediary to administer the occlusion agent directly within the vein lumen. This allows for precise control of the occlusion process from the inside, reducing the risk of external skin burns while achieving effective vein closure without requiring extended compression therapy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the external radiofrequency thermal heating system with an internal occlusion agent delivery system. This eliminates the need for external heat application that can cause skin burns and reduces the requirement for extended compression bandaging and stocking therapy.
4Ease of operation
If ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy is performed to treat varicose veins, then the procedure can be done in-office, but side effects include skin ulceration, deep vein thrombosis, allergic reactions, and nerve injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a catheter-based delivery system as an intermediary to administer the occlusion agent directly to the target vein under imaging guidance. This precise delivery method reduces the risk of misinjection into arteries or surrounding tissues, thereby minimizing side effects such as skin ulceration, deep vein thrombosis, and allergic reactions while maintaining in-office procedure capability.
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 provides a safer and more effective means of occluding blood vessels by reducing the risk of complications associated with existing treatments, allowing for precise control and minimization of tissue damage, thereby improving patient outcomes and recovery.
Implementation Method 1
expandable elements, such as legs or spiral wires made of shape memory alloys, that can be deployed to grasp and occlude blood vessels
Data Source
AI summary
A blood vessel occlusion device comprising a plurality of legs having a deployed state wherein each of the plurality of legs is angled outwardly toward a vessel wall and a delivery state wherein the plurality of legs are sized and shaped for pushing into a target blood vessel and substantially in parallel to a common longitudinal axis. Each leg has an anchoring tooth at a distal end thereof and a gripping point formed therealong. Each leg switches from deployed state to delivery state by a retention element and maintained in delivery state when said retention element is supported by the gripping point.