Helical Vascular Plug for Tortuous Vessel Occlusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current vascular plugs face challenges such as difficulty navigating tortuous vasculature, requirement of multiple devices for longer segments, unsuitability for acute angles, risk of inadvertent vessel closure, inability to be redeployed after release, and limitations in deployment over a wire.

Innovation Solution

A vascular occlusion device with a helical lattice that can convert between compressed and uncompressed states, featuring a self-expanding design with connectors for repositioning and a delivery system including a catheter, pusher, and guidewire for precise placement and repositioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If vascular plugs have a bulkier structure to ensure occlusion, then occlusion effectiveness is improved, but navigation through tortuous vasculature becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion effectivenessVSAvoidnavigation through vasculature

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vascular plug is divided into multiple segments or sections that can flex relative to each other, allowing the device to navigate tortuous vasculature while maintaining occlusion effectiveness when deployed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The plug structure incorporates dynamic elements such as shape memory materials or flexible components that allow the device to change its configuration during navigation and deployment, transitioning from a compact navigable form to an expanded occlusive form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If multiple vascular plugs are used for longer vascular segments, then occlusion coverage is improved, but procedure time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion coverageVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple occlusion functions are merged into a single vascular plug device, allowing one device to occlude longer vascular segments that previously required multiple separate plugs, thereby reducing procedure time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If vascular plugs are oversized by 20-30% to ensure apposition to vessel wall, then occlusion stability is improved, but risk of inadvertent closure of other vessels increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveocclusion stabilityVSAvoidinadvertent vessel closure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The plug structure incorporates varying local properties, with different sections having different sizes, shapes, or compliance characteristics that allow selective apposition to the target vessel while minimizing contact with and closure of adjacent vessels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If vascular plugs have a fixed structure for simple deployment, then ease of deployment is improved, but ability to navigate tortuous vasculature and acute angles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidnavigation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The plug transitions from a flexible, adaptable configuration during navigation to a fixed, stable configuration during deployment, allowing it to navigate tortuous vasculature and then provide reliable occlusion

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

Enhances navigation through complex vasculature, allows single-device occlusion of longer segments, reduces procedure time and cost, and enables precise, repositionable deployment without risking unintended vessel closure.

Implementation Method 1

The helical lattice is configured to convert between a compressed state (e.g., a deformed shape) and an uncompressed state (e.g., a non-deformed shape)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12514589B2Device for vascular occlusion and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 TRANSLATIONAL & FUNDAMENTAL TECHNOLOGIES INSTITUTE LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure features devices, systems, and kits for vascular occlusion and methods of use thereof.