Flexible Guide Wire Extension for Shape Memory Polymer Occlusion Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shape memory polymer medical devices face challenges in maneuverability through tortuous paths when attempting to remove occlusions such as blood clots, particularly in vascular environments like the neurovasculature.

Innovation Solution

A flexible guide wire extension is integrated with a shape memory polymer actuator, enhancing maneuverability by attaching to the distal end of a transport vehicle for use with a catheter, allowing the device to navigate complex paths and activate the shape memory material with heat to remove occlusions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a shape memory polymer actuator is used for occlusion removal, then the device can effectively remove occlusions through heat activation, but the device lacks maneuverability through tortuous paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion removal effectivenessVSAvoidmaneuverability through tortuous paths

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible guide wire portion for navigation through tortuous paths, a connector portion, and a shape memory polymer actuator portion for occlusion removal. This segmentation allows each segment to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible guide wire acts as an intermediary between the operator and the shape memory polymer actuator, enabling navigation through complex vascular paths while transmitting forces and maintaining positional control of the actuator during delivery and deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the device is made more flexible to navigate tortuous paths, then maneuverability improves, but control precision during occlusion removal may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaneuverability through tortuous pathsVSAvoidcontrol precision during occlusion removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the flexibility function (guide wire) from the control function (actuator), allowing the guide wire to provide maneuverability while the rigid actuator portion maintains control precision during occlusion removal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the device have different mechanical properties: the guide wire portion is highly flexible for navigation, while the actuator portion is more rigid for precise control and force application during occlusion removal, with each portion optimized for its specific local function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 guide wire extension significantly improves the ability to remove non-vascular or vascular occlusions by enabling effective navigation through tortuous paths, facilitating the removal of clots and other materials with enhanced precision and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The shape memory material will change shape when heated above a transition temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory polymer: Shape Memory Polymer

Implementation Method 2

Heat is utilized to activate the shape memory material and expand the shape memory material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

Heat is utilized to activate the shape memory material and expand the shape memory material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20090275885A1Guide wire extension for shape memory polymer occlusion removal devices

Publication Date: 2009.11.05 LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NAT SECURITY LLC

AI summary

A flexible extension for a shape memory polymer occlusion removal device. A shape memory polymer instrument is transported through a vessel via a catheter. A flexible elongated unit is operatively connected to the distal end of the shape memory polymer instrument to enhance maneuverability through tortuous paths en route to the occlusion.