Flexible Embolic Device Delivery System with Electrolytic Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current embolic devices for aneurysm treatment have a stiff pusher wire that can make it difficult to position and release the embolic device smoothly, as it lacks sufficient flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A flexible embolic device system is developed, featuring a core wire with a non-conductive coating and a flexible member with a helical coil segment and a straight segment, allowing for electrolytic detachment, which provides increased flexibility and ease of positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a stiff pusher wire is used to ensure controllability during threading, then the wire can be controllably threaded through the catheter and beyond, but the distal end of the device lacks flexibility making it difficult to position and release smoothly
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery device is divided into distinct segments: a stiff pusher wire for threading and a flexible distal end for positioning. The flexible member includes a helical coil segment that provides flexibility while maintaining structural integrity. This segmentation allows each part to have optimized properties for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery device combines different material properties in a single structure. The pusher wire is made of stiff material for threading capability, while the distal end incorporates flexible materials including helical coil segments and flexible members. This composite approach enables both stiffness where needed and flexibility where needed.
2Productivity
If electrolytic detachment is used to release the embolic device, then detachment can be accomplished with speed and precision without complex remote manipulation, but the difference in electrode potential between the pusher wire and embolic device must be carefully controlled
Solution Approach 1:
An electrolyte solution is introduced as an intermediary medium between the pusher wire and embolic device. This electrolyte enables controlled electrolytic detachment by facilitating the electrochemical reaction at the interface, allowing precise and rapid release without complex remote manipulation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode potential difference between the pusher wire and embolic device is carefully controlled and optimized. By adjusting this electrical parameter, the detachment process achieves both speed and precision. The electrolyte solution also plays a role in modulating the electrochemical reaction parameters.
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 flexible design enhances the feel and precision of embolic device placement and release, potentially reducing the risk of rupture and blood loss during aneurysm treatment.
Implementation Method 1
electrolytically (disintegration of junction between metals having different standard electrode potentials)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an embolic assembly delivery apparatus having superior flexibility characteristics at its distal end, that is, at the point of attachment of the embolic assembly to the delivery apparatus. It also provides a method of using the apparatus to deliver an embolic assembly to a target site in a patient's body.