Detachable Implant Sensor for Marker-Free Detachment Zone Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current implant delivery systems for vascular procedures rely on radiopaque markers for positioning, which are costly, complicate procedures, and can be obstructed by coiled implants, making it difficult to accurately determine the detachment zone within the body.
Innovation Solution
A system using a tether coupled to the implant and a heat-generating apparatus within a delivery catheter, where the tether stores potential energy to facilitate quick and reliable detachment, and sensors like temperature, pressure, or ultrasound detect the detachment zone without radiopaque markers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radiopaque markers are used to monitor implant position, then detachment zone can be identified, but procedure cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes radiopaque markers from the system and replaces them with a sensor-based detection method. The sensor detects environmental changes (temperature, pressure, acoustic signals) to identify the detachment zone, eliminating the need for radiopaque materials and x-ray imaging equipment, thus reducing procedural complexity and cost while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the optical/radiological detection system (radiopaque markers visible under x-ray) with a sensor-based detection system that measures physical environmental parameters. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive imaging equipment and reduces procedural complexity while maintaining the ability to accurately identify the detachment zone.
2Measurement precision
If radiopaque markers are used to monitor implant position, then detachment zone can be identified, but procedure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes radiopaque markers and x-ray imaging requirements from the procedure, replacing them with a sensor-based detection system. This extraction eliminates expensive imaging equipment and radiopaque materials, significantly reducing procedure cost while maintaining the ability to accurately identify the detachment zone through environmental sensor measurements.
3Loss of information
If radiopaque markers are used on coiled implant, then position can be monitored, but view of markers becomes blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the visual/radiological marker system with a sensor-based detection system that measures environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, acoustic signals). This substitution eliminates the problem of marker visibility being blocked by the coiled implant structure, as the sensor detects physical environmental changes rather than relying on visual line-of-sight to radiopaque markers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces environmental parameters (temperature, pressure, acoustic signals) as intermediaries between the implant and the detection system. Instead of directly observing radiopaque markers on the coiled implant, the sensor detects these environmental intermediaries that change as the implant approaches the detachment zone, providing reliable detection without being blocked by the implant's coiled structure.
4Reliability
If heater is used to detach implant, then detachment can be achieved, but tether material must withstand heat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selects tether materials with specific thermal properties that allow them to withstand the heating process. The tether material parameters (thermal resistance, melting point, degradation temperature) are carefully chosen to ensure the tether remains intact during heater activation and only detaches when the heater reaches temperatures sufficient to break the tether's chemical or physical bonds, ensuring reliable detachment while maintaining tether strength during delivery.
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
This system enables efficient, reliable, and marker-free detection of the detachment zone, reducing procedural complexity and costs while ensuring precise implant placement and quick detachment times.
Implementation Method 1
a heat-generating apparatus within a delivery catheter
Implementation Method 2
sensors like temperature, pressure, or ultrasound detect the detachment zone
Implementation Method 3
sensors like temperature, pressure, or ultrasound detect the detachment zone
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for quickly detaching an implant and for locating the detachment zone of a detachable implant. A sensor determines a sudden change in the local environment as the sensor passes from within a microcatheter to being exposed to the vasculature. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, pressure sensor or the like. If the detachable implant assembly uses a heater coil to detach the implant, the heater coil may be used as a sensor. Additionally, the implant itself may be used as a sensor if a change in electrical resistance is detectable as the implant exits the microcatheter and changes shape.