Hubless Dome Vascular Filter Retrieval via Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vascular filters are difficult to remove due to endotheliosis and tilting, leading to permanent implantation and reduced effectiveness in preventing emboli, as they become adherent to the vessel wall and lack easy retrieval mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A vascular filter system with a lattice-like structure and expandable members that can be easily inserted and removed, featuring a hubless design with echogenic beads for improved visibility and minimal contact with the vessel wall to prevent endothelial growth, allowing for easy retrieval without penetrating specific openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional filters are deployed in the vasculature, then filtration effectiveness is improved, but removal difficulty increases due to endotheliosis and fibrous reaction
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be independently manipulated. Each segment includes struts that can be selectively engaged by retrieval devices, allowing progressive collapse and removal of the filter without requiring engagement of the entire structure at once.
Solution Approach 2:
A retrieval device acts as an intermediary between the operator and the filter. This device includes features such as hooks, grasping elements, or expandable structures that can engage with specific portions of the filter (such as proximal struts or a retrieval loop) to facilitate controlled removal without direct manipulation of the filter itself.
2Ease of operation
If filters are provided with central hooks for gripping during removal, then removal capability is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of retrieval increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complex central hub and hook mechanism is extracted and replaced with simpler retrieval features integrated into the filter struts themselves. Retrieval can be achieved by engaging individual struts or a simple retrieval loop, eliminating the need for complex central gripping mechanisms while maintaining removal capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing a central hook that protrudes outward for gripping, the design inverts the approach by incorporating retrieval features that can be engaged from within the filter structure or by collapsing the filter inward toward its longitudinal axis, reversing the traditional outward-hook paradigm.
3Ease of operation
If filters become off-centered or tilted during insertion, then insertion ease is improved, but endothelial growth and permanent implantation risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed with dynamic self-correcting properties during insertion. The expandable structure and flexible struts allow the filter to automatically orient itself perpendicular to the vessel wall upon deployment, correcting any tilt or off-center positioning that occurs during insertion without requiring manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter incorporates materials with specific mechanical properties that enable self-alignment and stabilization. The combination of flexible and rigid components allows the filter to conform during insertion then lock into proper orientation, preventing endothelial growth along extended contact surfaces.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If filters remain implanted permanently, then removal trauma is eliminated, but filtration effectiveness decreases over time due to endothelialization
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is designed to serve itself during removal through self-collapse mechanisms. When engaged by a retrieval device, the filter automatically collapses onto itself and retracts along its delivery catheter without requiring external manipulation or cutting, enabling complete removal while minimizing vascular trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed as a temporary implant that can be completely removed (discarded) after serving its protective function. The retrieval system enables recovery of the filter along with any trapped embolic material, allowing the patient to be freed from the implant while maintaining the benefits of temporary protection.
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed embodiments of a vascular filter having, among other things, a plurality of discrete segments, each having two or more loops and an extension. The loops of each segment can be connected to form a dome or conical shaped end with an unblocked central opening. Prongs and beads may be provided to enhance visualization and anchoring in a vessel. Methods for inserting and moving or removing the filter from the vessel are also disclosed.