Embolic Filter Sheath With Expandable Ports for Aortic Valve Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic protection devices are cumbersome and limited in allowing simultaneous access to the aortic valve during procedures, as they often require multiple access points and restrict the size of catheters that can be used, posing risks of cerebral embolism during cardiac surgery and interventional cardiology.
Innovation Solution
An embolic protection device with an embolic filter and inner sheath that allows simultaneous access by at least two catheters through expandable ports, positioned over the aortic arch to capture emboli while enabling catheter access to the aortic valve, utilizing a porous mesh material with a radially collapsed and expanded configuration for deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single embolic filter is used, then embolic protection is provided, but only a single catheter can pass through the filter at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic filter is divided into multiple segments or struts that can be independently configured. These segmented structures create multiple passageways through the filter body, allowing simultaneous passage of multiple catheters while maintaining embolic protection functionality across all segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter transitions from a two-dimensional mesh structure to a three-dimensional framework with multiple struts and passageways. This dimensional expansion creates multiple catheter access routes simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the sheath dimensions are reduced for easier delivery, then delivery feasibility is improved, but the size of catheter which can be introduced is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The filter structure incorporates dynamic elements that can change configuration during delivery and deployment. The filter is delivered in a compressed state through the sheath, then expands to a larger deployed configuration that accommodates multiple catheters of various sizes, resolving the size constraint contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is nested within the delivery sheath in a compressed state, similar to a nested doll structure. Upon deployment, the filter expands outward from the sheath to its full functional size, allowing small delivery profile to transition to large operational profile for catheter accommodation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple access points are used for catheter-based interventional tools, then access to the heart is improved, but the patient's vasculature needs to be accessed at multiple points and through multiple paths
Solution Approach 1:
The embolic filter is designed as a universal platform with multiple standardized passageways that can accommodate various types of catheters and interventional tools. This multi-functional design allows different catheters to access the heart through a single unified filter structure, reducing the need for multiple separate access points and procedures.
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
This solution effectively prevents emboli release into cerebral vasculature during procedures, allowing for multiple catheter access and accommodating various catheter sizes, thereby improving procedural outcomes and reducing the risk of cerebral embolism.
Implementation Method 1
The filter comprises a porous mesh material defining a collection chamber for captured emboli
Implementation Method 2
The filter has a collapsed and a deployed configuration. The filter may be collapsed by an access sheath
Data Source
AI summary
The embolic protection device comprises an embolic filter attached to an inner sheath. The embolic filter includes at least a first catheter access port and a second catheter port. At least the first catheter port will typically be radially expandable to receive catheters of different diameters and will be located at an atypical end of an aero conical structure at a downstream end of the filter.