Inflatable Occlusion Device for Venous Reflux

Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for venous valve insufficiency, such as varicose veins, are either uncomfortable, invasive, or carry significant risks, and there is a need for improved techniques to effectively occlude vascular vessels to prevent reflux and treat venous reflux conditions.

Innovation Solution

A method and device involving an inflatable occlusion balloon made of remodelable materials, such as extracellular matrix, which is delivered percutaneously and inflated within the vascular vessel to occlude the vessel, using fill materials like collagenous foams to prevent reflux and facilitate tissue ingrowth for stable occlusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic stockings are used to apply external pressure to force valve leaflets into apposition, then venous reflux is prevented, but patient comfort deteriorates and psychological appearance is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of venous refluxVSAvoidpatient comfort and appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the occlusion function from external stockings and relocates it to an internal device implanted within the vein. The intravascular occlusion device is delivered via catheter and positioned inside the vein to prevent reflux, eliminating the need for external compression stockings that cause discomfort and appearance issues while maintaining reliable reflux prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intravascular occlusion device as an intermediary element between the vein wall and the blood flow. This device acts as a mediator that prevents retrograde flow by occluding the vein lumen, thereby eliminating the need for external stockings and their associated comfort and appearance problems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If surgical methods such as vein stripping and ligation are used to treat venous valve insufficiency, then reflux is prevented, but patient recovery time increases and surgical risks are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of venous refluxVSAvoidpatient recovery time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical surgical system (incisions, vein stripping, ligation) with a minimally invasive delivery system. The occlusion device is delivered through a catheter inserted percutaneously, avoiding large incisions and extensive surgical manipulation, thereby preventing reflux while significantly reducing recovery time and surgical risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The occlusion device utilizes a flexible balloon that can be inflated within the vein to occlude the lumen. This flexible structure allows for minimally invasive delivery via catheter while effectively preventing reflux, avoiding the need for traditional surgical vein stripping and ligation procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If surgical methods such as vein stripping and ligation are used to treat venous valve insufficiency, then reflux is prevented, but risk of complications increases due to anesthesia and incisions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of venous refluxVSAvoidsurgical risks and complications

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical surgical system (incisions, vein stripping, ligation) with a minimally invasive delivery system. The occlusion device is delivered through a catheter inserted percutaneously, avoiding large incisions and extensive surgical manipulation, thereby preventing reflux while significantly reducing recovery time and surgical risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the occlusion function from external stockings and relocates it to an internal device implanted within the vein. The intravascular occlusion device is delivered via catheter and positioned inside the vein to prevent reflux, eliminating the need for external compression stockings that cause discomfort and appearance issues while maintaining reliable reflux prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution effectively prevents venous reflux, reduces discomfort, minimizes invasive procedures, and promotes tissue remodeling to ensure long-term occlusion of the vascular vessel, addressing the limitations of existing treatments.

Implementation Method 1

facilitate tissue ingrowth for stable occlusion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTissue ingrowth:

Implementation Method 2

inflating the occlusion device so as to occlude the vascular vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInflation:

Data Source

PatentUS7744621B2Inflatable occlusion devices, methods, and systems

Publication Date: 2010.06.29 COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the deployment and filling of an inflatable occlusion device via a percutaneous procedure, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.