Intravascular Flow Sensor for Aneurysm Coiling Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current endovascular aneurysm coiling procedures lack effective real-time monitoring to assess fluid flow into the aneurysm, leading to potential incomplete treatment and increased risks of complications such as thromboembolism and coil migration.
Innovation Solution
An intravascular device equipped with a flow-sensing element is used to measure fluid flow into the aneurysm, communicating with a computer to detect and display fluid flow measurements, allowing for real-time monitoring and adjustment of coil placement to ensure fluid flow is at or below an acceptable level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If endovascular coiling procedure is performed without real-time flow monitoring, then the procedure is simpler and faster, but the effectiveness of flow restriction cannot be assessed leading to potential incomplete treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is integrated within the catheter structure, with the sensor element positioned at the distal tip of the catheter shaft. This nested configuration allows the sensing function to be incorporated into the existing delivery system without requiring separate monitoring equipment, thereby reducing overall system complexity while enabling real-time flow assessment during coiling procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback on fluid flow into the aneurysm by processing signals from the flow sensor and displaying flow measurements to the operator. This feedback mechanism allows dynamic assessment of coiling effectiveness during the procedure, enabling the operator to adjust coil placement to achieve adequate flow restriction while maintaining procedural simplicity
2Reliability
If multiple coils are added to restrict fluid flow, then flow restriction effectiveness improves, but the risk of coil migration and thromboembolism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is positioned within the aneurysm before coil deployment begins, allowing baseline flow measurements to be obtained. This preliminary assessment enables the operator to plan coil placement strategy in advance, placing coils strategically to achieve flow restriction with minimal coil quantity, thereby reducing the risks associated with multiple coils while ensuring treatment effectiveness from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of coil placement based on real-time flow measurements during the procedure. The operator can place coils incrementally and immediately assess their impact on flow, allowing optimization of coil configuration to achieve adequate flow restriction with the minimum necessary coils, thereby reducing harmful effects while maintaining treatment reliability
3Productivity
If real-time flow monitoring is implemented, then procedure effectiveness can be assessed and secondary procedures reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a delivery device for coils and as a flow sensing device. The flow sensor integrated into the catheter tip allows the same device to perform both mechanical (coil delivery) and sensing (flow measurement) functions, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment and reducing overall system complexity while improving procedure efficiency through real-time feedback
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 enhances the effectiveness of the coiling procedure by providing real-time feedback, potentially reducing the need for secondary procedures and minimizing complications by ensuring adequate flow restriction within the aneurysm.
Implementation Method 1
the flow-sensing element positioned within the aneurysm and in communication with the computer, and to detect, at the computer... a flow measurement of fluid entering the aneurysm
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess effectiveness of an endovascular aneurysm coiling procedure. A system is provided that can include a flow-sensing intravascular device with a flexible elongate member which is sized and shaped for insertion into a vasculature, and a flow sensing element secured to a distal portion of the flexible elongate member. A computer can be in communication with the flow-sensing intravascular device. With a coil is positioned within an aneurysm, the computer can detect a flow measurement of fluid entering the aneurysm based on data obtained by the flow sensing element positioned within the aneurysm, and can determine that the fluid flow measurement is at or below an acceptable level. If flow is at an unacceptable level, additional coils can be added to further restrict flow. Also, a second source of fluid into the aneurysm can be indicated by the flow measurements.