Expansile Polymer Vaso-occlusive Device for Aneurysm Occlusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vaso-occlusive devices for embolization of vascular aneurysms and other body cavities face challenges in achieving optimal occlusion and stability, particularly in terms of thrombogenicity and biocompatibility, as well as in providing controlled expansion and repositioning capabilities within the body.
Innovation Solution
The development of novel vaso-occlusive devices comprising a carrier member and environmentally sensitive polymeric hydrogels, such as those made from sodium acrylate and poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives, which exhibit controlled expansion and enhanced radiopacity, allowing for improved filling of lesions and potential for cellular growth and therapeutic agent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional metal alloy microcoils are used for embolization, then radiopacity and structural strength are improved, but biocompatibility and thrombogenicity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses composite materials by combining polymer base material with radiopaque particles (such as barium sulfate, tungsten, or platinum particles) to create a microcoil that possesses both the biocompatibility of polymer and the radiopacity of metal particles. This composite structure allows the device to maintain structural integrity while being biocompatible and visible under imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the material parameters by using polymer materials with specific physical and chemical properties, including controlled porosity, elasticity, and degradation rates. The polymer matrix can be engineered to have optimal mechanical properties while maintaining biocompatibility, differing from traditional metal alloys in fundamental material composition.
2Reliability
If microcoils are packed densely to fill aneurysm completely, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but device displacement and fragmentation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a detachable connection mechanism between the microcoil and delivery wire, allowing the microcoil to be released after successful deployment. The microcoil can transition from a constrained delivery state to a free-expanded state within the aneurysm, optimizing both delivery safety and final occlusion effectiveness without requiring excessive packing density.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the embolization function into multiple components: the microcoil for occlusion, the delivery wire for navigation, and the detachable connection for controlled release. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the microcoil designed for optimal occlusion performance rather than requiring dense packing for stability.
3Ease of operation
If electrical current is applied to detach GDC coil from delivery wire, then delivery control is improved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the detachment function from the electrical domain to the mechanical domain by using a simple friction-fit or tapered connection between the microcoil and delivery wire. The microcoil can be detached by gentle pulling or rotation forces, eliminating the need for electrical current application and associated complexity while maintaining precise delivery control.
4Reliability
If expansile elements are used to enhance occlusion, then occlusive capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention achieves expansile functionality by changing the physical state of the polymer material from a compressed delivery configuration to an expanded functional configuration. The polymer's inherent elasticity and memory properties enable automatic expansion upon deployment without requiring separate expansile elements, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining enhanced occlusive 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
These devices provide enhanced occlusive capabilities, improved biocompatibility, and extended repositioning time, minimizing the risk of device displacement and facilitating precise placement and expansion within the body cavity.
Implementation Method 1
environmentally-sensitive polymers that expand in response to a change in an environmental parameter (e.g., temperature or pH) when exposed to a physiological environment
Implementation Method 2
expansile polymeric hydrogels... which exhibit controlled expansion
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices for the occlusion of body cavities, such as the embolization of vascular aneurysms and the like, and methods for making and using such devices. The devices may be comprised of novel expansile materials, novel infrastructure design, or both. The devices provided are very flexible and enable deployment with reduced or no damage to bodily tissues, conduits, cavities, etceteras.