Flow Sensing Element for Aneurysm Coiling Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endovascular aneurysm coiling procedures face challenges in effectively assessing and preventing fluid flow into aneurysms, leading to potential re-bleeding and the need for additional procedures, due to limitations in monitoring fluid flow during and after the coiling process.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a flow sensing element, such as an RF transducer, positioned within the aneurysm via a catheter, which monitors fluid flow and communicates with a computer to provide real-time feedback on fluid flow levels, allowing for accurate determination of procedure effectiveness and potential adjustments during and after the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coiling procedure is performed to prevent blood flow into the aneurysm, then the invasiveness and recovery time are reduced compared to surgical clipping, but the ability to monitor fluid flow effectiveness is insufficient leading to potential re-bleeding and need for additional procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a flow sensing element that continuously monitors fluid flow into the aneurysm and provides real-time feedback to the operator. This allows verification of coiling effectiveness during the procedure and detection of any residual flow that would indicate incomplete occlusion, thereby preventing re-bleeding without requiring additional invasive procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical monitoring methods with a flow sensing element that uses electromagnetic or other non-mechanical principles to detect fluid flow. This substitution enables precise measurement of flow dynamics without adding mechanical complexity or invasiveness to the already minimally invasive coiling procedure.
2Ease of operation
If coils are packed into the aneurysm to prevent blood flow, then the procedure can be performed with minimal invasiveness, but there is inadequate real-time verification of flow cessation leading to 10% of patients requiring second procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensing element provides real-time feedback on fluid flow status within the aneurysm during and after coil deployment. This immediate feedback allows the operator to verify complete flow cessation before concluding the procedure, ensuring reliability and eliminating the need for follow-up procedures to address residual flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by verifying flow cessation with the flow sensing element before removing the catheter and concluding the procedure. This preliminary verification ensures that the aneurysm is completely occluded before the patient leaves the procedure room, preventing the need for second procedures.
3Device complexity
If traditional coiling procedure is used without internal flow monitoring, then the device complexity is kept simple, but post-procedure monitoring capability is limited requiring additional follow-up procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensing element is integrated into the existing coiling catheter system, allowing the procedure device to serve dual purposes: delivering coils and monitoring flow. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices or follow-up procedures, as the same device used for treatment provides continuous flow information during and after the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by designing a catheter system that performs multiple functions: delivering coils to the aneurysm and simultaneously monitoring fluid flow with the integrated flow sensing element. This multi-functional device eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment and provides continuous information without increasing overall system complexity.
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
Enables real-time monitoring of fluid flow into the aneurysm, reducing the need for additional procedures by ensuring effective coiling and allowing continued monitoring post-procedure, thereby improving treatment success and patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a flow sensing element positioned within the aneurysm... the flow sensing element can monitor flow after the patient is done with the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess effectiveness of an endovascular aneurysm coiling procedure. A system is provided that can include a flow sensing element supported by a structure that can position and retain the sensing element within the aneurysm. A computer in communication with the sensing element can detect a measurement of fluid flow entering the aneurysm based on data obtained by the sensing element after positioning the structure and element within an aneurysm. A wire segment can pass through the elongate member and form a coil in the aneurysm as the wire segment is passed through the elongate member. The sensing element can provide fluid flow measurements from within the aneurysm after the elongate member is removed from the vasculature.