Flattened Tip Filter Wire for Embolic Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
During angioplasty and atherectomy procedures, embolic debris can enter the circulatory system and cause blockages in other vascular regions, necessitating the development of embolic protection devices to filter out this debris effectively.
Innovation Solution
An embolic protection filtering device featuring a filter loop with a coil and a flattened region, coupled to a shaft or filter cartridge, which can expand and collapse to collect debris, and includes a radiopaque material for improved visibility during medical procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional circular filter wire loop is used, then the filter structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the filter loop may not adequately conform to the vascular anatomy and may allow debris to pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The filter wire loop incorporates a flattened region with different geometric properties compared to the circular sections. This local variation in shape allows the filter to better conform to vascular anatomy at specific locations while maintaining structural simplicity elsewhere, thereby improving debris capture effectiveness without significantly increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The filter loop is divided into distinct segments: circular sections that provide structural strength and a flattened region that enhances conformability to vessel walls. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function optimally, improving overall filtration reliability while keeping the design manageable
2Measurement precision
If the filter loop is made fully radiopaque for visibility, then detection precision is improved, but the amount of radiopaque material increases which may affect device flexibility and increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
Radiopaque material is applied selectively to specific portions of the filter loop rather than the entire structure. This localized application maintains sufficient visibility for medical imaging while reducing the total amount of radiopaque material needed, thereby preserving device flexibility and reducing cost without significantly compromising detection precision
Data Source
AI summary
An embolic protection filtering device having an improved filter loop and methods of making and using the same. The filter loop may include a coil or coil region and a flattened region. Additionally, the filter loop may include a loop tip.