Inverting Occlusion Device for Venous Valve Insufficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating venous valve insufficiency, such as varicose veins, are invasive, uncomfortable, and carry risks like scarring and long recovery times, and there is a need for improved techniques to occlude vascular vessels effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the deployment of an expandable occlusion device from an inverted position within a cannulated delivery device to occlude venous vessels, using remodelable materials like extracellular matrix for enhanced occlusion and tissue remodeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If surgical methods (vein stripping, ligation, constricting frames, sutures) are used to treat venous valve insufficiency, then the valve function can be restored or improved, but the procedure requires incisions, causes scarring, and has long recovery times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surgical methods (incisions, sutures, constricting frames) with a minimally invasive endovascular device that delivers occlusion material through a catheter. The device uses a balloon-mounted delivery system that can be advanced through the vein without external incisions, eliminating the need for surgical cuts and reducing recovery time while maintaining effective valve treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary delivery system consisting of a catheter and balloon assembly that facilitates the insertion and deployment of occlusion material. This intermediary mechanism allows the occlusion substance to be delivered precisely to the target vein segment without requiring direct surgical access, thereby reducing trauma and accelerating recovery
2Reliability
If elastic stockings are used to apply external pressure on the vein, then the leaflets can be forced into apposition, but the stocking is uncomfortable, especially in warm weather, and affects the patient's physical appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the source of discomfort (external elastic stocking) and replaces it with an internal endovascular device. By moving the compression mechanism from external to internal, the treatment eliminates the need for continuous stocking wear, thereby improving patient comfort and appearance while maintaining the pressure necessary for leaflet apposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the external mechanical compression system (elastic stocking) with an internal device system. The endovascular device delivers occlusion material directly into the vein lumen, replacing the need for external pressure application and eliminating the discomfort associated with continuous stocking wear
3Reliability
If traditional surgical methods are used to constrict or replace the vein, then the incompetent valves can be treated, but the procedures have numerous risks including anesthesia complications and potential for scarring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the surgical mechanical system (incisions, sutures, constricting frames) with an endovascular system that uses a catheter-based delivery mechanism. This substitution eliminates the need for general anesthesia and external incisions, thereby reducing surgical risks while maintaining effective treatment of incompetent valves
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary catheter and balloon delivery system to introduce occlusion material into the vein. This intermediary approach avoids direct surgical intervention and anesthesia requirements, reducing the harmful factors associated with traditional surgical methods while still achieving effective valve treatment
4Reliability
If vein stripping and ligation are performed, then the greater saphenous vein can be removed, but the procedure requires disconnection from major venous tributaries and has significant recovery requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex surgical procedure of vein stripping and ligation with a minimally invasive endovascular delivery system. The catheter-based approach allows occlusion material to be delivered through the vein wall without requiring disconnection from major tributaries or complex surgical maneuvers, thereby reducing procedure complexity while achieving effective vein occlusion
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 minimally invasive, effective occlusion of venous vessels, reducing discomfort and recovery time while promoting tissue remodeling to maintain occlusion, thus addressing the limitations of existing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
using remodelable materials like extracellular matrix for enhanced occlusion and tissue remodeling
Data Source
AI summary
Described are devices, methods and systems useful for achieving occlusion of vascular vessels. Percutaneous procedures can be used to occlude and obliterate the greater saphenous vein, for example in the treatment of varicose vein condition caused by venous reflux. Certain embodiments encompass the percutaneous delivery of an occlusion device inverted within a cannula, its deployment and filling, so as to occlude or obliterate a portion of a vascular vessel.