Intrasaccular Aneurysm Occlusion Device with String-of-Pearls Embolics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aneurysm occlusion devices face challenges in ensuring complete blockage of blood flow into irregularly shaped aneurysms, as they often fail to conform to the sac contours and may protrude into the parent vessel, leading to continued aneurysm growth or rupture.

Innovation Solution

An intrasaccular aneurysm occlusion device featuring a self-expanding net or mesh with a resilient proximal portion that covers the aneurysm neck and a flexible distal portion that conforms to the aneurysm dome, combined with a 'string of pearls' embolic members interconnected by longitudinal strands, which fill the sac and prevent embolic members from escaping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a conventional occlusion device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it fails to conform to irregular aneurysm sac contours and may protrude into the parent vessel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to aneurysm sac contoursVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The occlusion device is divided into multiple segments including a proximal portion, a midportion, and a distal portion, each with different structural characteristics. The proximal portion has a first configuration while the distal portion has a second configuration, allowing each segment to adapt to different regions of the aneurysm sac and achieve better contour conformability without requiring a completely complex monolithic structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates expandable elements that can transition from a compressed delivery state to an expanded deployed state. The mesh structure can dynamically adjust its configuration to conform to the irregular contours of the aneurysm sac, and the embolic members can be progressively deployed to fill the sac and push the device into optimal positioning

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If the device is made more flexible to conform to sac contours, then the conformability improves, but the device may lack sufficient support to prevent protrusion into the parent vessel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconformability to aneurysm sac contoursVSAvoidsupport strength to prevent protrusion

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Different portions of the device have different structural properties tailored to their specific functions. The proximal portion has a configuration optimized for preventing protrusion into the parent vessel, while the distal portion has a configuration optimized for conforming to the aneurysm sac contours. The mesh structure provides localized flexibility where needed while maintaining overall structural support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The device combines a mesh structure with embolic members to create a composite system. The mesh provides a flexible framework that can conform to the sac contours, while the embolic members provide additional structural support and filling to prevent device protrusion. This composite approach allows both conformability and strength to be achieved simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Reliability

If embolic members are used to fill the aneurysm sac, then blood flow blockage improves, but embolic members may escape through the net or mesh

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveblood flow blockage effectivenessVSAvoidembolic member escape

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The embolic members are contained within the mesh structure, creating a nested configuration where the mesh acts as a containment framework. This nested structure prevents embolic members from escaping while allowing them to be progressively deployed into the aneurysm sac to achieve effective blood flow blockage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The mesh structure parameters such as mesh size, opening dimensions, and structural density are optimized to match the size and characteristics of the embolic members. This parameter matching ensures that embolic members are retained within the mesh while still allowing the device to effectively fill and occlude the aneurysm sac

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Effectively reduces or completely blocks blood flow into the aneurysm sac, securing the device to the sac walls and preventing protrusion into the parent vessel, thereby reducing the risk of aneurysm growth or rupture.

Implementation Method 1

a self-expanding net or mesh with a resilient proximal portion (which is deployed close to the aneurysm neck)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic memory: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The 'string of pearls' embolic members are interconnected by one or more longitudinal strands

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical bonding: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS11471163B2Intrasaccular aneurysm occlusion device with net or mesh expanded by string-of-pearls embolies

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 ANEUCLOSE LLC

AI summary

This invention is an intrasaccular aneurysm occlusion device comprising: a net or mesh with a self-expanding resilient proximal portion (which is deployed close to the aneurysm neck) and an expandable flexible distal portion (which is deployed close to the aneurysm dome); and a “string of pearls” of embolic members which are inserted into the net or mesh.