Integrated Flow Diverter and Coil for Aneurysm Occlusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for treating aneurysms, such as balloon-type aneurysms, face challenges including high recanalization rates, prolonged procedure times, increased radiation exposure, and inability to effectively treat aneurysms at bifurcations, as well as complications like stenosis and the need for long-term blood thinner use.

Innovation Solution

An occlusive device comprising a marker band and a ribbon-like strand of porous mesh formed from braided wires, which is configured to expand and position over the aneurysm neck, promoting endothelialization and reducing blood flow into the aneurysm, while being deliverable through a catheter and deployable within the aneurysm sac.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If platinum coils are delivered to the aneurysm sac, then the aneurysm can be treated, but the recanalization rate is about 30% and procedure time is prolonged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaneurysm treatment effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flow diverter function and coil delivery function into a single integrated device. The flow diverter portion is positioned at the aneurysm neck to prevent blood flow into the aneurysm, while the coil portion is delivered into the aneurysm sac to promote thrombosis. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate delivery procedures, reducing procedure time while maintaining treatment effectiveness and lowering recanalization rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If stent and coil are used together, then aneurysm can be treated, but the procedure becomes more complex and requires longer procedure time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaneurysm treatment effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges the stent/flow diverter component and the coil component into a single integrated structure that is delivered as one unit. The flow diverter portion performs the stent function of preventing blood flow into the aneurysm, while the coil portion performs the embolization function. This integration simplifies the procedure by eliminating the need to separately deploy stents and coils, reducing procedural complexity while maintaining the therapeutic benefits of combined therapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If flow diverter is positioned over the aneurysm neck, then blood flow into aneurysm is prevented, but stenosis may occur and blood thinners are required indefinitely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood flow diversion effectivenessVSAvoidstenosis and bleeding risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device combines the flow diverter portion that prevents blood flow into the aneurysm with the coil portion that promotes thrombosis within the aneurysm sac. The coil structure provides a scaffold for thrombus formation and eventual organization, which can reduce the long-term need for anticoagulation therapy compared to flow diverters alone. This dual mechanism addresses the harmful effects by providing both flow diversion and thrombosis promotion in a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If multiple flow diverters are required per aneurysm, then blood flow diversion is ensured, but procedure complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood flow diversion effectivenessVSAvoidprocedure efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated device delivers both the flow diverter function and the coil embolization function in a single procedural step. The flow diverter portion is positioned at the aneurysm neck while the coil portion is simultaneously delivered into the aneurysm sac, eliminating the need to deploy multiple separate flow diverters or to perform sequential procedures. This significantly improves procedure efficiency while ensuring adequate blood flow diversion and aneurysm occlusion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3572011B1Devices for the treatment of vascular defects
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 COVIDIEN LP
  • EP3572011B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3572011B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3572011B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

Devices and methods for treating vascular defects, such as, for example, balloon-type aneurysms, are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes an insertion portion and an expandable implant. The expandable implant is configured to be deployed in an aneurysm and is coupled to the insertion portion. The expandable implant has a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion. The expandable implant is movable between a first configuration in which the first portion and the second portion are substantially linearly aligned and a second configuration in which the second portion at least partially overlaps the first portion.