Implantable Sensor Antenna for Aneurysm Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for monitoring aneurysms after treatment, such as coil embolization, are inadequate, leading to increased medical costs and complications like compactions at the aneurysm neck, due to the lack of reliable monitoring mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

An implantable sensor assembly with sensors and antennas is implanted in the vascular structure, capable of detecting physiological parameters and transmitting data to a receiver, both within and outside the body, to monitor the aneurysm's condition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coil embolization is performed to treat an aneurysm, then the risk of bleeding is reduced, but the ability to monitor the aneurysm progress is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverisk of bleedingVSAvoidmonitoring capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the treatment function (coil embolization) and monitoring function (sensor assembly) into a single integrated implantable device. The sensor assembly is positioned within the aneurysm along with the embolization coils, allowing simultaneous treatment and monitoring without requiring separate devices or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it monitors blood flow, detects clot formation, measures pressure, and transmits data wirelessly. This multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple separate monitoring systems and enables comprehensive post-treatment surveillance through a single implantable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple follow-up visits are scheduled to monitor aneurysm progress, then patient safety is improved, but medical costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepatient safetyVSAvoidmedical costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly provides continuous real-time feedback on aneurysm conditions, blood flow status, and clot formation. This ongoing monitoring eliminates the need for repeated manual assessments during follow-up visits, allowing clinicians to track patient progress remotely and intervene only when necessary, thereby reducing unnecessary medical expenditures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The implantable sensor enables continuous monitoring of aneurysm parameters between clinical visits, providing uninterrupted data on patient condition. This continuous surveillance replaces periodic discrete monitoring through follow-up visits, ensuring patient safety while eliminating the costs associated with frequent hospital appointments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If no monitoring mechanism is in place after aneurysm treatment, then device complexity is reduced, but harmful effects increase due to undetected compactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring mechanismVSAvoidcompactions at aneurysm neck

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly is implanted prophylactically at the time of aneurysm treatment to prevent undetected complications. By establishing monitoring capability upfront, the system can detect early signs of compactions or other adverse events before they become severe, allowing timely intervention to prevent harmful outcomes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly acts as an intermediary between the treated aneurysm and the external monitoring system. It detects local conditions such as blood flow changes and clot formation, then transmits this information wirelessly to external devices, enabling remote surveillance without requiring complex invasive monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 sensor assembly provides continuous monitoring of blood flow and clotting within the aneurysm, enabling timely interventions and reducing the risk of complications, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing medical costs.

Implementation Method 1

The antenna may continuously or intermittently transmit sensor data related to the one or more physiological parameters of the patient to a receiver

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250120654A1Implantable medical device with sensing and communication functionality

Publication Date: 2025.04.17 CANARY MEDICAL SWITZERLAND AG

AI summary

An implantable system for monitoring a vascular structure can include a sensor configured to be positioned within the vascular structure and further configured to detect a property of a flow of blood in the vascular structure, a communication circuitry configured to be positioned within the vascular structure, the communication circuitry connected to the sensor and configured to transmit data related to the property of the flow of blood detected by the electronic sensor, and an antenna configured to be positioned within the vascular structure, the antenna connected to the communication circuitry and further configured to facilitate transmission of the data related to the property of the flow of blood detected by the sensor.