Flow Directional Infusion Device for Aneurysm Treatment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating aneurysms, such as using microcatheters and embolic agents, often result in non-targeted delivery and complications due to turbulent blood flow and the need for permanent stent implants or prolonged occlusion of blood vessels, which can lead to hemorrhage or ischemic events.
Innovation Solution
A flow directional infusion device with a filter valve that dynamically adjusts to local blood flow conditions, allowing targeted delivery of embolic agents while maintaining blood flow and preventing retrograde flow of the agent, using a braided filament structure with electrostatically deposited polymeric filaments that rapidly transitions between open and closed configurations to ensure effective embolic agent delivery and prevent upstream flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a standard microcatheter is used to infuse embolic agents directly into the aneurysm, then the embolic agent can be delivered into the aneurysm, but non-targeted delivery occurs leading to complications
Solution Approach 1:
A flow directional valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the microcatheter and the aneurysm. This valve selectively allows embolic agents to be delivered into the aneurysm while preventing retrograde flow back into the vessel, thereby achieving targeted delivery and eliminating complications associated with non-targeted delivery
2Reliability
If a stent is placed in the blood vessel across the aneurysm to maintain blood flow during coil placement, then blood flow is maintained, but a permanent implant is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic flow directional valve that can open and close based on blood flow conditions. During the procedure, the valve opens to allow embolic agent delivery into the aneurysm, then closes to prevent retrograde flow. This dynamic mechanism eliminates the need for permanent stent implants while maintaining blood flow control throughout the treatment process
3Manufacturing precision
If a balloon is inflated to segregate the aneurysm from the blood vessel for liquid embolic agent injection, then targeted delivery is achieved, but blood flow is completely occluded leading to ischemic events
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directional valve serves as an intermediary that provides selective flow control. It allows embolic agents to be delivered into the aneurysm while maintaining patent blood flow through the vessel, thereby achieving targeted delivery without the complete occlusion and ischemic events caused by balloon inflation
4Manufacturing precision
If the filter valve dynamically transitions between open and closed configurations to control embolic agent flow, then targeted delivery is achieved, but the valve must respond rapidly to blood flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow directional valve is designed to be self-regulating, automatically opening and closing in response to blood flow conditions without external control. The valve structure inherently responds to pressure differentials and flow directions, enabling rapid transitions to maintain precise embolic agent delivery while adapting to dynamic blood flow patterns
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 device ensures precise delivery of embolic agents to aneurysms without obstructing blood flow, reducing the risk of complications like hemorrhage or ischemia, and allows for temporary treatment without the need for permanent implants, effectively reducing wall stress and the risk of aneurysm rupture.
Implementation Method 1
the filter valve dynamically moves within the vessel between an expanded valve-open configuration and a collapsed valve-closed configuration depending on the local blood flow conditions about the valve within the blood vessel
Implementation Method 2
a filter is provided to the braided first filaments. The filter is preferably formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments
Data Source
AI summary
A flow directional infusion device includes a filter valve located at the distal end of a catheter. The filter valve constrains delivery of an embolic agent through the catheter to the locus of the aneurysm. In order to provide such delivery, the valve includes a longitudinal opening, radial opening or is otherwise partially permeable in a direction of the aneurysm so that the embolic agent or a delivery element for such agent is limited toward the aneurysm. In addition, the filter valve permits and directs blood flow within the blood vessel about the aneurysm during the treatment without obstructing the vessel and without allowing retrograde flow of the embolic agent in the vessel upstream of the aneurysm.