Fibering Mandrel for Embolic Coil Fiber Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for manufacturing embolic coils face challenges in efficiently and consistently attaching thrombogenic fibers, which affects the delivery and effectiveness of the coils in occluding vascular structures.

Innovation Solution

A mandrel with opposing ends, a slot, and castellations is used to securely attach fibers between coil windings, featuring a retaining element for the distal end and an anchoring mechanism for the proximal end, allowing for precise placement and cutting of fibers to the desired length, facilitating the efficient assembly of embolic coils of varying lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual fiber attachment methods are used, then flexibility in fiber placement is maintained, but manufacturing speed and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing speedVSAvoidfiber placement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A mandrel is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate fiber attachment. The mandrel includes a slot for receiving the coil, castellations for guiding fiber placement, a retaining element for securing the distal end, and an anchoring mechanism for the proximal end. This intermediary tool enables both rapid manufacturing and precise fiber placement by providing structured guidance while maintaining operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fibers are attached to coils of varying lengths using fixed methods, then simple attachment process is maintained, but adaptability to different coil sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of varying coil lengthsVSAvoidmandrel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mandrel incorporates dynamic elements including a retainable anchoring mechanism and a slidably disposed cutting instrument that can be positioned at different locations along the mandrel. These dynamic features allow the same mandrel structure to adapt to coils of varying lengths while maintaining consistent fiber attachment procedures, balancing versatility with controlled complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3206594B1Fibering mandrel
Publication Date: 2020.11.25 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC
  • EP3206594B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3206594B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3A
  • EP3206594B1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3C

AI summary

A mandrel for inserting fibers into an embolic coil is provided. The mandrel generally includes a slot for an embolic coil, an anchoring mechanism, a retaining element, and multiple castellations into which fibers can be inserted.