Guidewire Heating Module for Small Vessel Occlusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for occluding or ablating hollow anatomical structures, such as blood vessels, are limited by the size of the lumen diameter and are unsuitable for small vessels like those in the brain and heart, and they often result in temporary or unstable occlusion due to movement of the occluding structures.

Innovation Solution

A guidewire device with a central core and expandable heating module at the tip, capable of thermal ablation, is inserted into hollow anatomical structures to induce occlusion by heating the tissue and surrounding walls, allowing for permanent closure and detachment mechanisms to ensure stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional therapeutic catheters slidably mounted over guidewires are used, then thermal ablation can be performed, but the minimum lumen diameter that can be treated is limited due to the combined diameter of guidewire and catheter

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveminimum lumen diameter treatableVSAvoidcombined diameter of guidewire and catheter

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the catheter from the traditional guidewire-catheter combination, using only a guidewire with integrated heating capability. This eliminates the need for a separate catheter, thereby reducing the overall device diameter and enabling treatment of smaller lumen structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element is merged directly into the guidewire structure, combining the functions of guidance and thermal ablation in a single component. This integration eliminates the need for separate catheter and guidewire, reducing device complexity and enabling access to smaller vessels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If sealing compounds or plugs are used to occlude hollow anatomical structures, then occlusion can be achieved, but the occluding structures may move over time causing resumption of blood flow or embolism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of occlusionVSAvoidposition stability of occluding structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical occlusion methods (plugs, stents, sealing compounds) with thermal ablation. By heating the vessel wall to coagulate tissue and induce permanent closure, the method eliminates the need for physical occluding structures that could migrate or dislodge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of tissue through thermal ablation. By heating the vessel wall beyond the coagulation temperature, the tissue undergoes phase change from viable to coagulated state, creating permanent occlusion without mechanical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

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 effectively occludes hollow structures of various sizes, including small vessels, providing a stable and permanent solution for blocking blood flow to tumors or other anatomical sites, enhancing treatment options for conditions like cancer and varicose veins.

Implementation Method 1

The effect of the heating on the treated tissue is two-fold. First, hollow structures will be sealed, and permanent occlusion of the structure achieved. Second, the surrounding tissue that is heated will be coagulated, causing cell death and shrinkage.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal ablation: Heating

Implementation Method 2

This heating may be applied by exposing the tissue in the tube or vessel to locally applied electro-magnetic or ultrasound energy. The electro-magnetic energy may be at radio-frequencies, or micro-wave radiation.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy conversion to thermal energy: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS8357153B2Apparatus for administering therapy at a remote location in the body

Publication Date: 2013.01.22 BOSTON SCI MEDICAL DEVICE LTD

AI summary

Devices suitable for insertion into a hollow anatomical structure within a patient for the purpose of ablating tissue within or surrounding the hollow structure so as to induce occlusion of the hollow structure are provided. The devices are in the form of guidewires with functional tips, that comprise at least one heating module, at their distal ends. The devices of the invention are suitable for occluding hollow anatomical structures selected from vasculature or from non-vascular ducts and tubes, via percutaneous, laparoscopic or endoscopic routes of access. Methods of using the devices in the treatment of patients are also described.