Heating Fuse Detachment System for Embolic Coils

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional detachment systems for vasculature occlusive devices, such as embolic coils, face challenges with reliability, speed, convenience, and the length/stiffness of the distal section, particularly in cranial aneurysm treatments where access is restricted and sensitive tissues are involved.

Innovation Solution

A heating detachment system utilizing a heating fuse element with a predetermined resistivity, connected to an electrically conductive corewire and insulated wires, which melts and severs when a current exceeds a threshold, allowing for a simpler, more reliable, and quicker detachment with reduced length and optimized flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrolytic detachment is used to release the coil from the delivery system, then detachment can be achieved, but the process requires a certain amount of time which delays the procedure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetachment reliabilityVSAvoiddetachment time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical/electrolytic detachment mechanism with a mechanical cutting mechanism. A cutting element is advanced through the coil to mechanically sever it from the delivery system, eliminating the time-consuming electrolytic process while maintaining reliable detachment. The cutting element is driven by a drive mechanism that advances it through the coil material to achieve clean separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the distal section of the delivery system is made longer to facilitate delivery, then delivery capability is improved, but the stiffness and flexibility are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery capabilityVSAvoidflexibility and stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The delivery system is divided into multiple sections with different mechanical properties. The distal section contains a series of articulated segments that can flex relative to each other, allowing the overall system to be long enough for delivery while maintaining flexibility. Each segment is connected by joints that enable bending and adaptation to vessel geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different sections of the delivery system have different stiffness characteristics. The proximal section is stiffer to provide pushability and control, while the distal section is more flexible to navigate tortuous vasculature. This gradient in mechanical properties allows the system to optimize both delivery capability and flexibility without compromise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If multiple coils are packed sequentially in the aneurysm, then embolism formation is improved, but the risk of coil entanglement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveembolism formationVSAvoidcoil entanglement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Each coil is fully deployed and detached from the delivery system before the next coil is introduced. The cutting element severs the coil from the pusher wire in advance, allowing the coil to assume its final configuration and expand fully within the aneurysm. This preliminary detachment prevents entanglement with subsequent coils by ensuring each coil is independently positioned and secured before the next one is delivered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system provides a faster, more reliable, and convenient detachment mechanism with reduced length and improved flexibility, minimizing the risk of coil entanglement and ensuring precise placement of embolic coils within the aneurysm.

Implementation Method 1

a heating fuse element having a predetermined resistivity... made of a material that melts when a current is applied that exceeds a predetermined maximum current threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

made of a material that melts when a current is applied that exceeds a predetermined maximum current threshold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMelting: Melting

Data Source

PatentEP2997911B1A vasculature occlusion device detachment system with tapered corewire and heater activated detachment

Publication Date: 2020.07.29 DEPUY SYNTHES PROD INC

Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B

AI summary

A vasculature occlusion device detachment system including a heating fuse element made of a material that melts when a current is applied that exceeds a predetermined maximum current threshold. An electrically conductive corewire connected proximate its distal end directly to the heating fuse element at a first electrical connection joint, while a separate insulated electrically conductive wire is electrically connected directly to the heating fuse element at a second electrical connection joint. An inner insulation sleeve placed over a distal section of the corewire covers the first electrical connection joint and is disposed between the insulated electrically conductive wire and the electrically conductive corewire. An outer insulation sleeve is disposed over a distal section of an assembly including the insulated electrically conductive wire, the inner insulation sleeve and the electrically conductive corewire. The outer insulation sleeve covers the second electrical connection joint.