Heat-Set Braid Funnel for Off-Angle IVC Filter Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temporary IVC filters are difficult to retrieve due to tilting or off-kilter placement, exacerbated by blood flow and clots, making capture with a snare loop challenging.

Innovation Solution

A funnel-trap structure with a flexible, selectively directable braid made of superelastic Nitinol or similar materials, which can be heat-set to guide and securely capture the filter, even if off-angle, using a steerable catheter system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a hook-like feature is used for filter retrieval, then the filter can be captured with a snare loop, but the retrieval becomes difficult when the filter is tilted or off-kilter due to blood flow and clots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter retrieval easeVSAvoidcapture reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible braid structure that can conform to and guide the filter hook into proper orientation. The braid's flexibility allows it to adapt to tilted or off-kilter filter positions, enabling reliable capture regardless of filter orientation within the IVC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a funnel-trap structure as an intermediary component between the snare loop and the filter hook. This funnel-trap acts as a mediator that guides and directs the hook into the capture zone, making the retrieval process more reliable even when the filter is not perfectly positioned.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the filter is placed in the IVC, then it can filter blood clots, but the filter becomes difficult to retrieve due to disorientation from blood flow and clots

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefilter function reliabilityVSAvoidretrieval difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a steerable catheter system that allows the operator to pre-position and orient the filter correctly during implantation. This preliminary action of proper positioning makes subsequent retrieval easier by preventing disorientation from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a dynamic, steerable catheter system that can adapt to different filter orientations. The ability to dynamically adjust the catheter's angle and position allows for reliable retrieval even if the filter becomes disoriented during its functional period in the IVC.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easy and reliable retrieval of IVC filters by providing atraumatic guidance and secure capture, reducing the complexity of the retrieval process.

Implementation Method 1

A funnel-trap structure with a flexible, selectively directable braid made of superelastic Nitinol or similar materials, which can be heat-set to guide and securely capture the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperelasticity: Pseudoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

which can be heat-set to guide and securely capture the filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat setting: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP3666227B1Inferior vena cava filter and retrieval systems

Publication Date: 2026.03.18 AVANTEC VASCULAR CORP

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AI summary

Funnel-trap type devices made of shape-set (e.g., heatset) braid for delivery and/or retrieval of Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filters or other medical devices are described. Delivery and/or retrieval devices, kits in which they are included, methods of use and methods of manufacture are all contemplated herein.