Intravascular Filter Valve Dynamics for Stroke Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices fail to prevent embolic material from blocking arteries supplying blood to the brain, as they either become clogged or do not address proximal embolic sources, posing a significant risk of stroke and irreversible brain damage.
Innovation Solution
An implantable intravascular filter with a valve system and pressure sensors that allows increased blood flow and alerts medical professionals to filter clogging, preventing emboli from reaching the brain by adjusting valve configurations based on pressure differentials and providing wireless communication for monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter is used to catch emboli, then stroke prevention is improved, but the filter becomes clogged and needs cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The filter incorporates a valve member that can dynamically change configuration between closed and open states based on pressure differential. When the filter becomes clogged and pressure differential increases, the valve opens to restore flow, preventing filter-induced stenosis while maintaining emboli capture capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve member responds to changes in pressure differential parameter across the filter. When pressure differential exceeds a threshold indicating clogging, the valve opens to change the flow characteristics, thereby restoring productivity without compromising the filter's stroke prevention function
2Reliability
If filtering devices are used to prevent emboli, then brain protection is improved, but the consequences of clogging may be fatal or cause irreversible brain damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is pre-configured to automatically open when pressure differential indicates clogging, providing a safety mechanism before filter-induced stenosis can cause harmful effects. This preemptive action prevents the harmful condition from developing
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure differential across the filter provides continuous feedback on filter status. When this feedback indicates clogging (excessive pressure differential), the valve responds by opening to restore flow, creating a self-regulating system that prevents harmful stenosis
3Ease of operation
If a valve is added to control blood flow through the filter, then blood flow management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to automatically respond to pressure differential changes without external control. The system self-regulates blood flow through the filter based on real-time pressure conditions, eliminating the need for external actuation or complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation is driven entirely by hydraulic principles, using the pressure differential across the filter itself to actuate the valve member. This passive hydraulic actuation avoids the need for mechanical actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms
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 ischemic events by maintaining blood flow and alerting medical professionals to potential blockages, reducing the risk of stroke and brain damage through continuous monitoring and adaptive valve operation.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor coupled to the filter and in communication with blood adjacent to the downstream side when the filter is implanted in a blood vessel
Implementation Method 2
the valve is arranged to move into the open configuration when the fluid pressure on the upstream side is at least 1300 or 7000 Pascals greater than the fluid pressure on the downstream side of the first filter element
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and devices with an implantable, intravascular filter for preventing emboli from traveling into brain and causing a stroke or transient ischemic attack are disclosed. In particular, an implantable, intravascular device having a filter element, a pressure sensor, and a valve is disclosed. The valve is biased into a closed configuration and changes into an open configuration upon a predetermined pressure drop across the filter. Systems comprising an external device at least one implantable device are also disclosed.