IVC Filter Catheter with Integrated Imaging and Central Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vena cava filters do not combine the functions of central access catheters and removable vena cava filters, limiting their application in patients with contraindications to anticoagulation therapy and requiring separate devices for filter placement and central access.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen central access catheter integrated with a vena cava filter that allows for the administration of fluids, bioactive agents, and thrombus capture, featuring a filter geometry with larger interstitial openings proximally to allow embolic material entry and smaller openings distally for capture, along with an intravascular imaging system for visualization and thrombus lysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for central access and vena cava filtering, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall device complexity and number of procedures increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a central access catheter and a vena cava filter into a single integrated device. The filter is positioned at the distal end of the catheter, allowing both central venous access and embolic material capture functions to be performed by one device, thereby reducing procedural complexity while maintaining functional optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device serves multiple functions: it provides central venous access for fluid administration, enables thrombus capture through the filter, and allows for intravascular imaging. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices while maintaining the reliability of each individual function
2Measurement precision
If traditional filter placement is used without imaging integration, then the procedure is simpler, but procedural accuracy and thrombus detection capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an intravascular imaging system within the catheter structure to provide real-time visualization of the vena cava and captured thrombus. This imaging intermediary enhances procedural accuracy by allowing direct observation of filter placement and thrombus capture without requiring separate imaging procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is nested within the catheter structure, with the imaging modality positioned inside the catheter lumen. This nested configuration allows the imaging system to be integrated without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the device, balancing enhanced accuracy with manageable complexity
3Device complexity
If a single integrated device is used for both central access and filtering, then device complexity is reduced, but the structural design becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a catheter body for central access, a filter component at the distal end for thrombus capture, and an imaging system nested within the catheter. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured separately using established techniques and then assembled, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the integrated functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A combined multi-lumen central access catheter and an embolic filter, further comprising an imaging modality to facilitate intravascular imaging of the filter.