Multi-Lumen IVC Filter Retrieval Device with Sidewall Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for removing IVC filters from the inferior vena cava are hindered by the difficulty in vertically aligning and snaring the filters due to body movement and blood flow, and the filters' hooks often embed into the vein wall, making complete removal challenging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen retrieval device with a snare and a removal assist device featuring a cutting head and pull wire, which can be deployed through the sidewall to dislodge and cut embedded filter parts, allowing for more effective retrieval of IVC filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snare is used to remove IVC filters, then the filter can be retrieved, but the difficulty of vertically aligning and snaring the filter increases due to body movement and blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying a balloon at the distal end of the retrieval device to stabilize and fix the IVC filter in position before attempting to snare it. This preliminary stabilization eliminates the movement and alignment difficulties that would otherwise prevent successful snaring, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
2Reliability
If hooks are used to anchor IVC filters to the vein wall, then the filter remains securely in place, but the filters become difficult to retrieve due to embedding into the vein wall
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying a cutting device through the sidewall of the retrieval device to cut or detach the embedded hooks from the vein wall before attempting retrieval. This preliminary cutting action removes the anchoring mechanism that causes difficulty in retrieval, allowing the filter to be easily removed while maintaining secure anchoring during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a cutting device as a mediator between the retrieval device and the embedded filter hooks. This intermediary cutting device can be deployed through the sidewall to sever the hooks from the vein wall, facilitating retrieval without directly manipulating the embedded filter structure itself.
3Device complexity
If a single-lumen retrieval device is used, then the device structure is simple, but additional functions such as imaging and diagnostic capabilities cannot be integrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the retrieval device into multiple lumens, where each lumen can contain different devices or functions (e.g., snare, balloon, cutting device, imaging devices). This segmentation allows various functions to be integrated simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies universality by creating a multi-lumen retrieval device that can accommodate multiple functions including retrieval, imaging, diagnostic, and cutting capabilities within a single integrated device. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices for each function, achieving versatility while maintaining structural coherence.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for retrieving items endovascularly includes a sheath having a first lumen containing a snare that can be deployed out a distal end of the sheath and retracted back into the sheath for pulling an IVC filter into the sheath. The sheath has a second lumen that opens through a sidewall of the sheath proximal of the distal end. The second lumen contains a removal assist device that can be deployed through the sidewall and used to dislodge and/or cut an item to be retrieved from a vein wall. The removal assist device includes a catheter, a cutting head, and a pull wire. The pull wire has a proximal portion protruding from a proximal end of the catheter and a distal end connected to the cutting head. The pull wire is movable within the catheter to selectively extend and retract the cutting head from the distal end of the catheter.