Intracranial Stent with Pressure Sensor for Venous Sinus Stenosis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) often require multiple interventions due to venous sinus stenosis, which can lead to technical failures and the need for shunt revisions, and there is a lack of systems specifically designed for the intracranial venous context to verify, treat, and confirm venous sinus stenosis effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system involving a catheter with a radially compressed stent and pressure sensors to deploy the stent at the treatment site, allowing for pre- and post-treatment blood pressure measurements to confirm the efficacy of the intervention, enabling real-time assessment and potential repositioning or replacement of the stent for improved blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional shunt procedures are used to treat intracranial hypertension, then intracranial pressure is reduced, but technical failures occur frequently requiring revision in ≥30% of patients per year
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and treats the underlying cause (venous sinus stenosis) rather than managing the symptom (intracranial pressure) through complex shunt systems. By removing the stenotic obstruction via angioplasty and stenting, the treatment addresses the root problem directly, eliminating the need for complex shunt mechanisms and reducing revision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary diagnostic and treatment system comprising pressure sensors, flow sensors, and imaging guidance that mediates between the stenosis and treatment outcome. This intermediary system enables precise delivery of treatment to the stenotic site and real-time verification of treatment efficacy, improving reliability without requiring complex shunt mechanisms.
2Reliability
If multiple interventions are performed to treat venous sinus stenosis, then treatment coverage is improved, but the risk of technical failure and need for revision increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by deploying pressure sensors and flow sensors before the angioplasty and stenting procedure to establish baseline measurements. This preliminary diagnostic phase allows for precise treatment planning and enables immediate post-treatment comparison, ensuring treatment success in a single intervention rather than requiring multiple procedures over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms during the intervention by continuously monitoring pressure and flow parameters. This feedback allows the operator to adjust the treatment in real-time, confirming stenosis resolution during the single procedure and eliminating the need for multiple interventions to achieve reliable treatment outcomes.
3Measurement precision
If stents are deployed without real-time verification, then the procedure is simpler, but treatment efficacy cannot be confirmed and repositioning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional verification system that combines pressure sensing, flow sensing, and imaging capabilities within a single integrated platform. This universal system performs multiple functions (diagnosis, treatment guidance, efficacy verification) without proportionally increasing complexity, as all sensors and imaging modalities work together as a coordinated system rather than separate additions.
Solution Approach 2:
The verification system is self-service in that it automatically provides real-time feedback on treatment efficacy through pressure and flow measurements without requiring separate diagnostic procedures. The system self-verify the treatment outcome by comparing pre- and post-treatment parameters, enabling immediate confirmation of success and eliminating the need for additional complex verification steps.
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 approach allows for immediate confirmation of treatment efficacy and improved patency of venous sinuses, reducing the need for repeated interventions and enhancing the accuracy of stent placement in treating venous sinus stenosis.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the stent to self-expand into apposition with the blood vessel at the treatment site
Implementation Method 2
obtaining a post-treatment distal blood pressure parameter via a pressure sensor at the distal measurement site; and obtaining a post-treatment proximal blood pressure parameter via a pressure sensor at the proximal measurement site
Data Source
AI summary
A system for treatment of intracranial stenosis can include a catheter having a lumen, and an elongate member extending through the lumen. A distal pressure sensor is coupled to a distal end portion of the elongate member and is configured to obtain blood pressure parameters to characterize blood flow at a treatment site before and after treatment. A stent is disposed within the catheter lumen in a radially constrained configuration. The stent surrounds the elongate member such that the distal end portion of the elongate member is disposed distal to a distal end of the stent. The stent is configured to radially expand into apposition with the blood vessel to increase blood flow at the treatment site when released from the catheter.